Page 61 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“I guessed as much. I saw Scarlett’s flat was under siege as they came out with Stuart and Ian. I assumed they were heading to yours.” Star said before pausing. “Is Isabella happy to meet Skylar?”

Christian was a little taken aback by Star’s question. He hadn’t thought about it. “I haven’t really asked. She’s more concerned about how you feel about everything,” he admitted.

“Then we’ll be with you later this morning,” Star said. “And Christian, just so we’re clear. Skylar is your daughter. She loves you. Having you in her life has been the best thing for her.”

There was silence before Christian mustered the strength to speak. “Thank you. We... see you later.”

Star really was Lily’s sister in more ways than one.

Chapter Twenty-nine

Isabella

Isabella had risen early. Christian had set her up in his spare room. Another lavish room, with spectacular views over London and the most comfortable bed Isabella had ever slept in, or at least would have had she been able to sleep. With the curtains open, Isabella had stared out at the city lights. Sleep was something she was struggling with. She’d been tempted to crawl into bed with Christian, knowing she would have slept in his arms. Never had she felt so safe or relaxed sleeping next to someone. But she’d set the ground rules, and she’d done that for a reason. Her heart was already fragile. She was unsure how much more it could take... so instead of listening to her heart, she used the time to meditate. When that hadn’t worked, she had got up and moved to the gym. It had been too cold to move onto the balcony, so instead, she’d run through her favourite practice in the centre of the gym, pushing her body through a variety of poses, testing her flexibility and strength to the limits, before finally calming her mind and body down with some slower paced movements. She moved to sitting and into more restorative yoga poses—the gentle twists, forward folds, and back bends, the perfect antidote to the stress that had been flooding her system for days. Finally unfolding herself and moving to Savasana, she found her mind was finally clear. That was how Christian found her.

Isabella opened her eyes at the sound of the door opening, her body feeling refreshed yet tender. She caught sight of the clock and realised how long she’d lost herself in there. No wonder her body felt well used.

“Are you feeling better?” Christian asked, as if aware she’d been in here for hours.

“I am, thank you,” she said, giving him a warm smile and grabbing the water bottle she’d brought, drinking half of it in one go.

“You found the blocks and bolsters,” Christian said, pointing to the items Isabella had found and made use of. It had impressed her to find the gym stocked with the bolsters and blocks, especially when Christian said he did not practise yoga.

“I did,” she said. “It surprised me to find them here.”

Christian smiled. “I ordered them as soon as I knew you were coming. I hoped you’d get to use them.”

His thoughtfulness took Isabella aback. “Thank you.”

A flush crept across his cheeks, which was cute for such a successful businessman.

After Christian’s confession the previous evening, Isabella had found her mind racing, wanting to know more about the man she’d found herself so drawn to, a man who set her body on fire like no one before. When they’d been in Thailand, they’d been in the moment. Their pasts had not mattered. But there, in Christian’s city, surrounded by his friends and family... it seemed much more prevalent.

As if sensing her discomfort, Christian moved back towards the door. “Breakfast is ready when you are.”

“Great,” Isabella said, tucking her arms into her side, using her hair to hide her face.

She watched Christian, his hands shoved in the pockets of his jeans. Maybe she wasn’t the only one trying to navigate their relationship now, it wasn’t based in the bedroom. The tension between them was palpable. All she could hope was that it would ease as time went on.

“I’ll grab a quick shower, then come down.”

Christian nodded before heading back into the main area. Isabella followed him before taking the stairs to her room. Closing the door, she leant back against it, her heart racing. Making her way to the shower, she needed to stop the butterflies twisting and raging in her stomach. She had not suffered from anxiety in years. The city was playing havoc with her equilibrium. Yoga and meditation were helping, but the stress of the outside world was taking its toll.

Before heading downstairs, Isabella called May, easing the tightness in her chest.

“The press have finally given up camping on the doorstep. I’ve either reimbursed our guests or offered them a discount on their next stay. Most have taken the discount,” May said happily. Isabella breathed a sigh of relief as it showed the intrusion had not impacted their overall experience. “I gave the interview to the local paper. The journalist was interested in our plans for The Retreat and how it will help support the local community, and bring tourists into the area... The article has gone down well, which is positive for our expansion plans.”

Tears welled up behind Isabella’s eyelids. “I’m glad.”

“Hey, what’s wrong?” May asked. “You know you can always talk to me.”

“I told Christian I want us to be friends,” Isabella confided in May.

“Friends with benefits? Or friend, friends?” May asked.

“Friend, friends,” Isabella said firmly.

“Something in your voice is telling me that will not be as easy as it sounds?” May mused. “Why do you need to be only friends?”

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