Page 26 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Isabella knew May was fishing. She could keep their night a secret, but she desperately needed to talk to someone. And she definitely couldn’t ring Scarlett!

“It was amazing,” Isabella said, unable to calm her smile.

“You... you...?” Then in a very theatrical whisper, added, “You slept with Christian last night?”

“I can’t say there was much sleeping,” Isabella added with a wink before going back to hanging up her washing, knowing it would wind her friend up.

“Oh my God. I can’t believe it,” May said, staggering over to the garden bench before falling back and fanning herself dramatically.

“It’s not that big-of-a-deal,” Isabella said, joining her.

“Not a big deal. You have been celibate for six long years. This is a big deal. Did you even remember what to do, and what goes where?”

Isabella scowled at May.

“So... are you seeing him again?” May asked.

Isabella paused. “Nope. He’s flying back to the UK this morning, and we didn’t discuss what happens next. Last night was a one-off. An amazing sex-fest. One I shall remember for the rest of my days.”

“That good, huh?”

“Better than good. But that’s all I’m going to say on the matter.”

They looked up as a delivery van pulled into the drive. The driver got out and grabbed something out of the back. Both women were shocked by the size of the bouquet the guy was carrying.

“Isabella King?” he asked.

“That’s me,” Isabella heard herself say, staring wide-eyed at the flowers the guy was carrying.

“These are for you.”

Isabella opened her arms to accept the enormous bouquet. It was so big, she could barely see around it.

“Er, thank you,” she added as the guy walked away.

“Well, someone clearly made an impression,” May said, coming to stand next to her before reaching up and grabbing something from inside the flowers. “Ooh, there’s a card.”

Isabella placed the flowers on the bench and took the card from her.

May read Christian’s message over her shoulder, while Isabella’s heart stalled in her chest.

Christian wanted to see her on his next trip to Thailand. Her heart sped up until reality set in. Only the heavens knew when that would happen. Did he want her to be his Thai bootie call, or had he been affected by last night as much as she was?

Holding the card to her chest, she was unsure what to make of it. The flowers were beautiful, and he didn’t need to send them. She’d left before he’d woken up. Not wanting to ruin their night with awkward goodbyes or empty promises. What she hadn’t expected was… this.

What was she supposed to make of his note? Last night was supposed to have been one night. Now, Christian had muddied the waters.

As if sensing her anguish, May stayed silent, instead wrapping an arm round her waist.

“It’s impossible, May,” Isabella whispered, a painful lump forming in her throat. “He lives in the UK, and I live here.”

“Nothing is impossible.”

Isabella hid her trembling chin in the flowers as she carried them inside. Shewould notover think this... a kind gesture from a thoughtful man. She’d see what the future held. Christian was on a plane flying away from her, and she didn’t expect to see him anytime soon. She would not... could not, put her life on hold.

Chapter Fourteen

Christian

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