Page 38 of Until You (Forgive Me)

She’s not the only one, Christian thought. “Thank you anyway. I know it’s meant a lot to Richard that Annelise has found her feet.”

Isabella acknowledged his thanks with a nod, clasping his hand and squeezing it. When she went to let go, he clasped it tighter.

“Room service?” he asked, his eyes darkening.

“I thought you’d never ask,” Isabella said, standing up, pulling him with her.

Chapter Seventeen

Isabella

Isabella lay on her side and watched the beautiful man next to her sleep. She couldn’t recall feeling this relaxed with anyone except May and Scarlett. Their time together had been perfect. Their conversation had been fun but intelligent. Discussing everything from politics to their favourite TV shows. They’d held hands and kissed. He’d held her close as they stared at some of the most romantic settings imaginable. When they’d returned the night before, Christian had taken her in his arms, and their lovemaking had taken a different turn. Instead of frantic and desperate, it had been slow and tender. She felt something snap inside her, and knew something had changed permanently.

Christian’s eyes fluttered open, and a slow smile tweaked the corner of his mouth.

“Morning, beautiful,” he said, his head resting on the arm curling under his head.

“Morning,” Isabella returned, mirroring his position.

“What are our plans for today?” Christian murmured, his hand sliding under the covers and up and over her side before reaching and cupping her cheek, his thumb drawing circles where it touched.

Isabella closed her eyes for a moment at the intensity of her feelings. She needed to regain control. He was departing in two days, and she didn’t know if or when they would see each other again.

Taking a shuddering breath, Isabella opened her eyes and smiled into Christian’s deep blue eyes.

“I thought we’d cook.”

“Cook?” Christian said, his brows furrowing.

Isabella grinned. “Yes, cook. The hotel offers a local Thai food cooking course. We buy produce at the market and learn to cook it here. Take a little piece of Thailand home with you as a memory.”

Isabella squeaked as Christian rolled her onto her back, settling himself between her legs. She stared up into his face, unable to decipher the look she saw there.

“I think I’ll have plenty of memories of Thailand to sustain me.” Isabella held her breath as Christian stared down at her, his thumb brushing over her bottom lip. “Plus all the souvenirs we picked up for Skylar yesterday.”

Isabella felt her nipples tighten at his weight and touch. Unable to help herself, she wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling his desire slide against her core.

“That may be true,” she gasped, “but cooking and the scent of food evoke memories like nothing else.”

“Is that so?” Christian smiled against her lips, before taking them in a gentle kiss. “What are the perks of cooking?”

Isabella raised her hips, rocking against him, making them both groan.

“The memory of me in an apron, cooking up a storm,” she whispered mischievously against his lips.

“Hmm. But you won’t be naked beneath your apron... Maybe I need to make some more memories,” Christian said, deepening their kiss, grinding himself against her.

Sometime later, they emerged from the hotel villa. Isabella was excited that Christian agreed to spend the day with her doing something together. They’d had fun the previous day. It felt like she’d known Christian for years, not as Scarlett’s big brother, but something more. She’d never felt this connected to anyone... not even Edward.

Isabella drew in a deep breath, worried her plan for today would not live up to the hype. Luckily for them, they’d awoken early, meaning the chef had not yet left for the market. Grabbing Christian’s hand, she pulled him towards the minibus.

“Come on,” she grinned. “Time to see how us mere mortals shop.”

They took the hotel minibus to the market with some of the other guests. The chef told them what they needed to buy and how to choose the tastiest ingredients. It surprised Isabella how focused Christian was. He did nothing by half, from business, to buying the best vegetables, to making love. This man was driven.

Once they’d collected their produce, they still had time to explore the market. Christian took her hand as they walked among the stalls, her step light and bouncy as they laughed and teased each other, chatting to the stallholders. Christian was the perfect partner, as he leaned in towards her, showing appreciation for her world.

When they finally made it back to the hotel, the chef took them all into a large kitchen area set up with individual cooking stations. Each had a set of knives and cooking utensils, a gas stove, and everything else they could possibly need. The chef demonstrated how to prepare each vegetable. Isabella smiled at the intensity with which Christian watched. She squeezed his hand, and he turned and smiled down at her. Her heart melted at the soft look in his eyes.

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