Page 82 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Why not? I keep hearing all the benefits, and according to Star’s text message this morning, yoga is good for me.”

Isabella laughed. “It is, but it’s not just the moves. It’s a freeing of the mind as well. Meditation is a huge part of yoga. Letting your mind and body relax. Can you do that, Mr Dupree?” she asked, her hand coming up and cupping his cheek.

“I won’t know until I try,” he added, sweeping up his breakfast and moving to one of the stools.

If he didn’t move away from her, he was likely to be late for work. She was like a magnet, his attraction growing daily.

Isabella went back to finishing her breakfast. She prepared the food the night before. There was no excuse then.

“Have you heard from Toby?” Christian asked.

It had been a week.

“No, but I expect to later. He left a voicemail while I was at school. He said he should have more details today.”

“Call me when you hear from him,” Christian said, placing his cup and plate in the dishwasher.

Isabella had that effect on him. His housekeeper probably wondered what he employed her for. There had been nothing out of place since Isabella moved in. The washing up was done, and everything was clean and tidy.

“I will. Now you need to get to work, or you’ll be late.”

She came around and placed a kiss against his lips. Christian pulled her close, his tongue teasing, demanding entrance. Isabella moaned as their tongues finally met, her body moulded against his. He could feel every contour of her body.

He finally dragged himself away, leaving them both breathless.

“I need to go,” he moaned. “I will see you later.”

Isabella grinned as she looked down, clearly pleased with the effect she had on him.

“Have fun,” she said before adding, “I’m having lunch with Scarlett today.”

“Say hello to my sister from me, maybe invite her over one evening. It would be good to catch up,” Christian added.

There may be six years difference in their age, but they’d always been close growing up. Yes, he’d not always enjoyed having a younger sister, especially when she’d followed him and his friends around, but he had always been the protective older brother. Only he’d been allowed to pull a face. He was grateful Scarlett hadn’t resented him for sending her overseas. She’d seen it as a great adventure. Unaware, at the time, of the real reason she was being sent. He’d been determined she would not be a pawn in anyone’s game.

“I will do. She will like that,” Isabella added before shooing him towards the door. “You are going to be late.”

Christian dropped another quick kiss on her lips before making his way, laughing to the door. As he got into the lift, he stopped as he caught his smiling face in the mirror. Who was this man staring back at him? He barely recognised himself, didn’t think he had laughed or smiled this much in years.

∞∞∞

“Hi, Lucy,” he said when his intercom buzzed.

“Ms King is here to see you,” Lucy replied. “And your three thirty has called and cancelled.”

“That’s great. Please send Isabella in.”

Christian got up and moved around his desk. The door opened, and Isabella entered, wearing one of the summer dresses Lucy had picked out for her in the beginning. Christian stared in awe. She was so different from most of the women he knew or had become accustomed to. Even with all the money she had at her disposal, she refrained from splashing out on a new wardrobe or expensive clothes. She’d bought the odd outfit if they’d gone out for dinner, but she’d explained to him she had little use for designer labels in her life, especially at The Retreat.

“This is a pleasant surprise,” he said, stepping forward and dropping a kiss on her lips.

“Scarlett and I met up for lunch around the corner. I haven’t seen your office, so I called in on the off chance you were free,” she said, moving towards the window and staring out over the city. “This is quite something.”

Christian’s office wasn’t overlooked. His building higher than those surrounding him.

“How was your lunch?” he asked.

“Delicious,” Isabella said, turning to face him. “I heard from Toby, as well.”

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