Page 37 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Local sessions?”

“Yes. Ourgive back to the community. We do free maternity sessions for new mothers and their babies. We are also starting kids’ yoga. The earlier someone starts, the better,” Isabella added, her tone filled with pride.

This woman was full of surprises.

“Well, May is covering my classes for the weekend, so I am free,” Isabella said, throwing her arms out and smiling. “I do, however, need caffeine.” She glared at the coffee machine.

Isabella squeaked as Christian swept her up and set her on the sideboard next to it. Stepping between her legs, he lent to one side and flicked a few levers, setting the coffee machine into action.

“Your wish is my command,” he said, returning his attention to her.

“My hero,” Isabella added cheekily, kissing his cheek.

“Is that all your hero gets?” Christian asked.

Christian watched as Isabella’s eyes darkened with desire, her hand snaking down his chest and cupping him through his boxers.

Christian watched as Isabella licked her lips, pushing him back as she slid off the side and dropped to her knees, her eyes never leaving his.

“My hero,” she said, kissing his growing hardness through the material.

Christian’s hand went to the back of Isabella’s head, his fingers curling into her long, red hair.

Isabella’s hands slid into the waistband of his boxers, inching them down until he sprang free. Christian stared down, his breath frozen as Isabella gripped him with one hand before running her tongue up his length.

“My hero,” she muttered before she took him deep into her mouth. Christian’s eyes fluttered closed.

∞∞∞

Christian had to admit their trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park was everything Isabella had promised. She’d been right. His body felt energised and refreshed. He was beginning to understand how she’d come to settle here. Her love for this country and its people shone out of her like a beacon of light, drawing people to her. Their guide was more than happy to include them on his tour. His enthusiasm when he saw Isabella was clear, especially when he began talking to her in Thai at high speed. Christian had to admit Isabella’s knowledge of the language impressed him.

They visited local villages and explored two beautiful waterfalls. Most of all, he’d enjoyed their closeness. The laughter and jokes, the way they kissed and held hands. He felt freer than he had in years.

“When you said you had left your old life behind, you really meant it,” Christian said as they drank cocktails in the hotel lounge.

“It wasn’t hard,” Isabella said. If he had blinked, Christian would’ve missed the sadness that flashed through her eyes before being replaced with a grin. “This place is my heaven on earth. I love it. I would never have dreamed this would become my home.”

Christian’s chest tightened at her words. The thought suffocating. The longer he spent with her... this was temporary, their lives worlds apart. He was there for the weekend, and then he’d return to normality, a world he was familiar with.

Christian pushed his feelings aside. He would not ruin what time they had together with thoughts outside the here and now. While he was there, he needed to enjoy Isabella and the time they shared in whatever way he could.

“The new office and factory official opening is on Monday,” Christian said. “The other CEOs and their wives are getting together for a celebratory dinner in the evening. Would you join us? Nothing fancy.”

A warmth flooded his system as Isabella smiled. “I’d love to, thank you. It will be fun to catch up with Patrice and Annelise.”

Isabella laughed. Christian realised his mouth had fallen open. How did she know Richard’s wife? As if sensing his question.

“Patrice brought Annelise with her to The Retreat. She’s been coming to my classes for months now, has even begun training as an instructor. We often go out for a drink together.” Christian nodded, his mind in a spin, as Isabella continued. “Annelise didn’t know anyone when she arrived. I introduced her to the ex-pat community here. We’re a close-knit community. I recommended their Thai teacher.”

Christian was in awe. This woman did not know she’d saved the day. Richard had been unsure whether they could stay, as Annelise had been struggling to settle in. Then one day, everything had changed. He now knew Isabella was the catalyst for the dramatic turnaround.

“Thank you,” Christian said.

“What for?” Isabella asked, her furrowed brow making Christian want to lean over and smooth it out.

“For being you,” he said.

Isabella’s cheeks darkened at his compliment. “I didn’t do anything. Annelise is a wonderful person and has fitted in well. Everyone loves her.”

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