Page 95 of Until You (Forgive Me)

Christian had never felt comfortable discussing his love life with Star. It was why it had always remained a private matter, especially after Skylar had come back into his life.

“Why on earth not? It’s clear you love her,” Star said.

“You need to leave it, Star. I won’t ask her to give up everything she’s worked so hard for, everything she loves. I can’t do anything different. I can’t change, so how can I ask her to? Not when she loves what she does and the life she leads.”

“You’ve changed from the man I met so many years ago. I’m glad you found Skylar again. Lily would be so proud of the man you have become.”

Christian looked down at Star, a lump forming in his throat at her words. She didn’t know what had gone on between him and Lily. Lily had sworn everyone to secrecy, and he’d paid a premium for that silence.

“Thank you,” he said. “That means more than you could know.”

“I still think you’re wrong. I made the mistake of not being honest about my feelings for Damian, and we wasted so much time.”

It was at that moment Skylar rode over, Isabella chasing her.

“Can you look after my bike? Isabella and I are going to see who can swing the highest.”

“Just be careful,” Christian said, as Star choked next to him as she tried not to laugh.

“What?” he said, firing her a questioning look.

“Now you’re sounding like me,” she said. “You’ve taken well to fatherhood.”

Christian rolled his eyes at her as he held onto Skylar’s bike. Isabella seemed more of a natural parent than him, but he was trying and would continue to try. His daughter would always come first. He’d not had that luxury with her mother, but where Skylar was concerned, it was a no-brainer.

∞∞∞

Isabella took his breath away when she stepped out of the bedroom. It was all he could do not to cancel their evening out and ravish her. She held up her hand as if sensing his thoughts.

“Don’t even think about it. Your sister is about to arrive, and this,” she said, waving a hand in front of and around her head, “has taken too long to create. You can put it on ice until we get home.”

Christian groaned. Someone had clearly sent her to torture him or at least test his willpower.

Isabella laughed when he stated as much.

“It’s good to practice restraint,” Isabella chuckled, giving him nothing but a chaste kiss on the lips so as not to smudge her lipstick.

Christian pulled her into him, his arousal straining against his trousers. “Tell that to my blue balls,” he murmured against her neck.

The doorbell rang at that moment, making Christian step back. “I’ll be back in a moment,” he said. “You can let my sister in.”

“Good idea,” Isabella said, tongue-in-cheek as her eyes dropped to the front of his trousers. “I don’t think your sister wants to be greeted by...”

Christian didn’t wait for her to finish her sentence. Instead, he took the stairs two at a time, Isabella’s laughter following him as he heard her answer the door to Scarlett. Why had he said yes to his sister joining them? They needed to go, and he needed to get his body under control.

∞∞∞

When they arrived at Mount Crystals, the maitre d’ showed them to their table. The restaurant was busy, as always, but the layout ensured every table received a certain amount of privacy. Robin Downsend, the owner, was an astute entrepreneur. He ensured exclusivity over numbers, offering first-class food and service to his clientele. Its art deco bar and private dining booths, set under ambient lighting, added to its charm. Christian knew Robin’s staff were reputed for their discretion and top-notch service. It was Christian’s restaurant of choice.

Henri and Patrice were already at the table when they arrived. Patrice stood up and swept Isabella into a hug as soon as they got close enough.

“What about me?” Christian asked, turning to her.

“You can wait your turn,” Patrice said, turning back to Isabella and Scarlett, talking to them at a million words a second.

Christian smiled as he stepped forward to greet Henri.

“Don’t mind her,” Henri said. “She has been begging to see Isabella since we arrived. They formed quite the bond over the past few months. Patrice missed her when we visited Richard and Annelise. It’s not the same.”

---