Page 29 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Ignore Damian. He’s into playing match maker. It seems to be his life’s mission to make everyone happy.”

Christian watched Star’s eyes soften as she spoke about her husband. He’d known from the moment he saw them together they were destined to be a couple. He remembered Lily talking about Damian years before, although he’d never officially met either of them before Lily’s death. The one time Star had seen him with Lily was not a time he wanted to recall.

Christian waved a hand as if brushing aside her concerns.

“Am I okay to collect Skylar tomorrow?” Christian asked.

Star smiled, “Of course, she’s looking forward to it. She loves spending time with you...” Star turned and looked at the growing queue of children behind her. “I’d better get back, otherwise there’s going to be a riot.”

Christian handed over some money and grabbed a selection bag of sweets. Star rolled her eyes and smiled.

“What? Isn’t that what dads are for?”

“Go,” Star laughed. “I’ll just make sure I send her to yours with a large supply of sweets and see how you like dealing with an eight-year-old on a sugar high.”

Christian grinned and went to find Skylar and Olivia. He handed over the bag to squeals of delight.

“Thank you, Daddy.”

“Thank you, Christian,” Olivia said, accepting the sweets and grinning at him.

“You’re both welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow, Skylar.”

He stooped down and gave Skylar a kiss on the head. As he headed out, he bumped into the other two, who were walking in.

“Is everything alright?” Damian asked, his face a mask of concern.

“It’s fine. It’s been a long week, and what with jet lag...”

Damian slapped him on the back.

“Have a good evening, and we’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you both.”

With that, Christian left. Star had told him to ignore Damian. She clearly didn’t want him taking her husband’s advice. Why would she? He’d been a shit to her sister. He was working hard to make it up to Skylar. But Star had spent her adult life giving up things to raise his daughter. Why should she not expect the same from him? Skylar had to be his priority now. No one could replace Lily. His life was fine as it was. Casual sex, with no strings, and a life where he got to see his daughter. Who needed added complications? There were more than enough demands on his time. He was married to his business. He didn’t have time for anything or anyone else.

∞∞∞

Christian let himself back into his penthouse, the large glass window framing The Thames and the city of London at night. It was a living, breathing picture and never failed to take his breath away.

He poured himself a large whiskey before opening the door and stepping out onto his wrap-around balcony. Leaning against the railing, he nursed his drink. This was a far cry from the greenery and humidity of Thailand, but it was beautiful in its own right.

His phone pinged.

UNKNOWN:Thank you for my beautiful flowers.

Christian’s heart rate picked up, and he felt himself smile. He’d not expected to hear from her, especially after a week. It wasn’t like they’d exchanged numbers. He tapped the number and saved it to his contacts before answering.

CHRISTIAN:You’re welcome. I’m glad they found you.

ISABELLA:They did and set a few tongues wagging. Mainly my partner.

Christian could just imagine Isabella’s eye-roll.

CHRISTIAN:Did you tell her all the sordid details?

There was a pause, and Christian wondered whether he’d overstepped. They’d had one night together, and two dinners... maybe he was being too forward. Isabella might not be comfortable in the cold light of day. She’d disappeared before he’d woken up.

---