Page 13 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“This is abusinessdinner,” Isabella said.

“A business dinner, but then there isafterthe business dinner...” May added, waggling her eyebrows.

“Christian is my best friend’s brother. There will be no after-the-business dinner,” Isabella added unconvincingly.

“Is he married?”

“Divorced,” Isabella answered.

“Engaged?”

“He didn’t mention anyone.”

“Then you’re not hurting anyone if you partake in a little fun...” May added, stroking her chin as she gave Isabella the once over. “If you get lucky, he may pop your six-year-dry-spell-cherry.”

“Don’t even say that! Scarlett would have a fit!” Isabella said in horror.

It was not like she’d never imagined getting down and dirty with Christian Dupree. He’d been her and every other girl she’d ever met—teenage sexual fantasy. But Isabella could still remember Scarlett’s horror when she’d said Christian was good-looking. After that, she’d curbed those thoughts, at least out loud. Her head, however, had been in a completely different place.

“What happens in Thailand stays in Thailand,” May said, grinning.

May had a point.

No, stop!

What the hell was she thinking? She would not sleep with Scarlett’s brother. That was how she would think of him... not the hot, eye candy... Damn, she needed to clear her sex-deprived thoughts. How had her mind gone from a boring business dinner with Christian’s colleagues to her getting down and dirty with him? Oh hell, she’d need to look Christian in the face later when they met for dinner. She couldn’t have her thoughts consumed by his naked form and the flavour of his lips. She needed to shake herself out of this.

Isabella groaned at her friend. “You’re being very presumptuous,” Isabella added. “Who said he’s even interested in me?”

May looked at her, her mouth wide open. “Have you looked at yourself recently? You, my beautiful friend, are gorgeous! The man watched you bend yourself double. He’ll be interested in you.”

Isabella felt the colour rise in her cheeks, her hands flying up to cover them.

May gave her a sly smile. “Let’s make youeven moregorgeous. The rest will fall into place,” she said, waving her duster over Isabella’s head.

Chapter Eight

Isabella

Three hours later, Isabella entered the hotel lobby. Even she had to agree. May had waved her magic wand, and she really did feel like Cinderella about to go to the ball.

They had found a full-length dress of May’s that hugged Isabella’s curves like a glove. What was full length on May ended three-quarters of the way down Isabella’s legs, exposing her shapely calves and slender ankles. May had done her hair and makeup. When she had looked in the mirror, she had barely recognised herself.

For the first time in eight years, Isabella felt like her old self. Not the broken young woman who had left, seeking an escape. Tonight reminded her of the Isabella, who’d loved to dress up and attend parties. Life had been so different before her father’s death. She’d loved wearing makeup and making an effort.

Isabella made her way to the reception desk.

“Sawasdee,” she said in Thai, “I’m here as a dinner guest of Mr Christian Dupree.”

The girl at reception looked up and smiled, recognition lighting up her eyes.

“Sawasdee, Isabella. You look very beautiful,” she said. “Mr Dupree is in The Lounge waiting for you.”

“Thank you.”

Isabella smiled and bid her goodbye as she made her way to The Lounge.

The hotel lounge was a large, open space with windows overlooking the gardens. It had a traditional wooden bar on the far side, lined with bar stools. The main floor held clusters of lounge chairs grouped together around circular drinks tables. The room was quiet, only a few of the tables housing guests. Christian was sitting nursing a drink, his gaze staring out of the windows onto the beautifully lit hotel pool and palm trees.

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