Page 96 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“She seems to have that effect on everyone she meets,” Christian said as he fell into an easy conversation with his friend and colleague.

It was Henri who looked up and smiled, beckoning to the new arrival.

“Seb, great to see you,” Henri said, holding his hand out to Christian’s best friend and biggest support in the office.

Christian had invited Seb after Isabella had invited Scarlett. It would give Isabella a chance to meet him again after all these years.

Christian turned to the women. Scarlett was scowling at Seb, and Isabella looked like she’d just sucked on a lemon.

“Seb, you know Scarlett, Henri, and Patrice. This, of course, is Isabella.”

Was he mistaken, or did his best friend flinch when he introduced the ladies? No, he was mistaken. Seb had on his charm face, as Christian called it. As long as he didn’t use it on his sister or Isabella, he would be fine.

“Sebastian,” Scarlett said, nodding her acknowledgement.

“Hi, Sebastian, it’s great to see you again,” Isabella said, now smiling.

He had clearly been mistaken. His blue balls were affecting his brain function.

Richard and Annelise took that moment to arrive, and the women’s excited meet and greet restarted before they settled on one side of the table, leaving the men on the other.

“It looks like we’ve been relegated,” Richard said, watching the animated chatter on the other side of the table.

“I think so,” Henri said, taking a drink.

An unfamiliar feeling settled in Christian’s chest as he looked around the table. As if sensing his eyes on her, Isabella looked up and smiled. The warmth in his chest grew, his upper body relaxing.

It was Isabella who invited everyone back to Christian’s penthouse at the end of the evening. No one wanted the evening to end. Isabella was deep in conversation with Annelise about The Retreat, after she’d taken over the day-to-day management when Isabella had left. From what he could glean, the press interest in Isabella had not affected the business. Her TV interview about the benefits of yoga and meditation had attracted many visitors. Meaning they were fully booked until early next year. Christian knew that May and Isabella had been in discussion about expanding the operation before everything happened. Building additional rooms to house more guests and expanding the services they offered. They’d even talked about creating an on-site spa, as they were currently transporting guests to the major hotels for treatments like massages and facials.

Her excitement was palpable but created a pain in his chest, one he had not felt in a long time. Star had been right when she said he had fallen in love. He had. He wouldn’t deny it to himself. There was no point. He had fallen head over heels in love with her, but that was not enough.

It had been the early hours of Sunday morning before everyone called it a night. Taxis were called. Henri and Patrice, Richard and Annelise, were staying at the same hotel, so shared a taxi. Seb and Scarlett also shared one. Christian watched in fascination as Isabella whispered frantically in Scarlett’s ear. Nothing changed with those two. There was always some drama. He had to laugh.

“Thanks for a great evening,” Seb said, coming up and shaking his hand.

“You’re welcome. See my sister home safe,” Christian said.

A strange look passed over Seb’s features before it was quickly masked.

“As always,” he replied before turning around and calling Scarlett.

Once they’d all left, Isabella moved to clear away the glasses.

“Leave that,” Christian said, moving up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.

“You didn’t tell me you had invited Sebastian,” Isabella said, her tone a little too matter-of-fact.

“It was a last-minute decision,” Christian said. “I thought it would give you time to meet him outside of the office. Even you said it had been years since you had seen him.”

Her hand came up and cupped his cheek. “Thank you, that is very thoughtful.”

“I know what would be even more thoughtful,” he whispered against her ear, his breath causing her to shiver in his arms.

“What would that be?” she asked, tilting her head to one side and giving him access to her neck, her perfume invading his senses, making him instantly hard.

“Offering to help with my very blue balls,” he said, sucking in a deep breath as Isabella’s hand snaked down between them, cupping him through his trousers.

“Oh, I’m sure I can help with those,” she said, pushing him back on the sofa and dropping to her knees between his legs.

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