Page 62 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“I don’t need to complicate things,” Isabella admitted.

“Oh,” May said, as if the penny had dropped. “You’ve fallen for him,” she added, telling more than asking.

“I don’t know...” Isabella stated honestly. “It’s like I want to throw myself into his arms and ask him to hold me until this all goes away. But May, that’s not fair to Christian. He didn’t ask for this when we got together. I was supposed to be some light relief. It was fun... That fun has become more complicated.”

Isabella sighed.

“Have you actually spoken to Christian about it? The last time I saw you, you weren’t a mind reader. Christian may be looking at this differently. You’ve drawn battle lines on the ground. Maybe you’ve put him on the wrong side,” May whispered.

“I don’t seem to know where is up and where is down anymore,” Isabella admitted.

“It may bea married with a kidthing,” May chuckled. “But I think you grow up quickly and look at things differently. Don’t write off anything between you and Christian. Don’t put words into his mouth or assume you know what’s best for him. Follow your heart.”

Isabella grunted, not sure she could do what May was suggesting. Instead, they said goodbye, and Isabella promised to call her in a few days.

∞∞∞

Christian was sitting on one of the large sofas, working on his laptop when she came down the stairs. He looked up and smiled, Isabella’s heart melting on the spot. His pupils dilated as he took in her skirt and top. Lucy had excelled herself.

“How was your shower?” he asked, dragging his gaze away.

“Fabulous. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such a luxurious shower in my life,” she admitted, moving to sit opposite him.

“Do you want some breakfast?” Christian asked, moving his laptop to one side.

“Please,” she said, following him to the kitchen.

Christian grabbed a pan and poached some eggs, adding bagels to the toaster. Isabella worked the coffee machine the way she’d seen Scarlett do the day before.

“How did you sleep?” Christian asked, turning and leaning against the kitchen side.

“I didn’t,” Isabella admitted, stopping and looking at the floor before looking up and smiling, “Hence the mammoth yoga session.”

Christian smiled back at her, making her stomach flip. “I wondered.”

They both stood staring at one another until Christian opened his arms. Isabella stepped into them, loving the feel of his strong embrace, her head resting over his heartbeat.

“It’s okay, you know. You don’t have to be strong all by yourself.” He murmured into her hair. “I know I keep saying it, but it’s the truth.”

“I don’t know how to do this. I’ve been on my own for so long. It’s like... this isn’t what we were,” she admitted against his chest.

“Maybe not,” he said, pulling back and tilting her chin until she was looking at him. “But who gets to say what we are? Let’s just get through this.”

Isabella gave him a small smile and nodded as she submitted to his request.

“I spoke to Star this morning,” Christian added, making Isabella freeze. “It’s okay. She wants to meet you. She’s bringing Skylar around this morning.”

“Is that a good idea?” Isabella said, stepping back and wrapping her hands around her waist.

Christian stepped forward and unwrapped them, taking her hands in his and squeezing them.

“It’s the perfect idea. You’ll like Star, and I want you to meet Skylar... If it’s any help, Scarlett is also coming. She’s never been able to resist seeing Skylar, and she’ll give you some moral support.”

Isabella’s heart rate picked up. Christian’s offer of support could be over in one breath if Skylar or Star disliked her.

She was a ball of nerves, picking at her breakfast and drinking far too much of Christian’s rich coffee. By the time Star and Skylar arrived, she was pretty wired.

Star was beautiful. She had long dark hair, with enormous eyes and a very large pregnancy bump. She entered with a man Christian introduced as Damian, her husband. Together, their presence changed the atmosphere in the room. They exuded strength and power as a couple, evident in their obvious love for each other.

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