Page 10 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Christian heard himself ask this before giving himself a mental shake. He’d just admitted to watching her lesson. What would she think if she knew he’d just spent the past hour fantasising about her?

Christian watched her smile slip.

“Change of scenery,” she said awkwardly, clearly wanting to change the subject.

His gut tingled a sense he relied on heavily when doing business. It had never let him down yet. There was a story here. Did the hotel not realise they had a millionairess, one of Britain’s gentry, teaching yoga to their guests?

The girls behind reception were silent, clearly listening to their exchange. This seemed to make Isabella uncomfortable.

“Do you have time for a coffee?” Christian asked, looking at his watch.

He had an hour before he was due to meet Henri and Patrice for breakfast.

“I’d love to.”

Her face broke into a dazzling smile. A flood of desire exploded in his chest and stomach. He really needed to get a grip.

Isabella faced the girls at the reception. “Ananya should be back tomorrow to cover. If not, I’ll find a replacement.”

Both girls smiled their acceptance before wishing them a great day. Christian noted their interested gazes as they watched him and Isabella head towards the stairs leading back to the main reception area.

Christian followed Isabella to the hotel terrace. He tried to avert his gaze from her toned rear, his thoughts about her far from appropriate. She was Scarlett’s best friend. Isabella moved to one of the inside tables, directing Christian to sit.

“It’s still early, but soon it will be too hot to sit outside.”

She looked at him mischievously as she noticed his jeans.

Isabella King had clearly not changed. The mischief she and Scarlett caused was legendary.

“So, what are you doing here?” Christian asked, having ordered them both coffee.

“I live here,” she said. “I run a wellness retreat with my friend and business partner. It’s been nearly six years.” Her voice filled with pride.

“Six years? I didn’t realise you’d left.” Was it surprising? Scarlett had moved to the US eight years ago. It had seen an end to Isabella’s visits. “I would have thought this a little far removed from the London party scene for your taste.”

Christian regretted his comment as soon as he saw the pained expression on her face. He’d not meant to make her sound shallow, but it had been true. Both she and Scarlett had enjoyed London’s social scene.

“We all grow up.”

Christian hid his grin as she put him in his place. Until he realised her eyes were no longer twinkling. He was taken aback when he apologised for his mistake.

“I apologise. That’s not how I meant it... You and Scarlett enjoyed the social scene. We all did.” Christian said, changing the subject. “Did you come straight to Thailand?”

Isabella sighed, breaking eye contact to glance at the hands she clasped in her lap. “No... I took a year travelling. I ended up in India... Goa. I took a yoga course, and that was where I met May, my business partner. The business—that came later. We made that decision on the beach at sunset.”

Christian admired her, stepping away from the comfort of her family’s wealth. It could not have been easy. But there she was, doing something for herself. Her family’s expectations hadn’t trapped her. For that, he could only envy her.

They paused as the server delivered their coffee. Isabella smiled up at the member of staff, addressing them by name and in Thai. Christian stared at her, wanting more of her genuine warmth. Her smile could light up the room.

“So, what brings you here?” Isabella asked when they were alone.

“The Dupree Group is opening an Asia office. I’m here on business, as you can probably guess,” Christian said, shaking himself out of his trance.

It was at that moment Henri and Patrice, his wife, entered the terrace. Silently cursing their timing, he stood, waving them over.

“Henri, Patrice,” he said, greeting them both. “I’d like to introduce you to an old family friend. Lady Isabella King.”

Henri and Patrice both greeted Isabella. Patrice stepped forward and kissed Isabella on both cheeks.

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