Page 79 of Lost & Found

I needed to put some distance between us. This was going to be harder than I thought. I left her and went in search of Chase. After catching me up on everything he was doing in life, he asked about Isabella.

“So when did that happen?”

“Recent actually, but I’ve had feelings for her for a while now.”

The reality of my words set in. What exactly those feelings were was the real issue. My phone buzzed. I smiled down at the message before shooting off a reply.

PRINCESS:

I put your things away and turned the fireplace on. It has a timer. Isn’t that a cool feature? Hopefully, it’s enough light for you to see by. Have fun with Chase.

LEV:

You’re amazing as always. Thanks, see you soon. XOXO.

“How is Hannah handling it?” Chase asked.

I inhaled sharply. “I don’t care, honestly.”

“That’s harsh, my man.”

“Not really, considering how much of an ass she made of herself a month back.”

“What did she do this time?”

“It’s not important. I won’t let our differences affect the wedding. I’m over engaging her in anything other than mild pleasantries.”

“Still think that’s harsh. You spent what, five years together?”

“And only about one of them was good. You remember Seattle, right?”

“Yeah, but in her defense, she didn’t know how significant Kinsley was to you.”

The mention of that specific incident had a way of stirring up the resentment again. I understood Chase wanting to express his concerns, but frustration bubbled up inside me. I was over her. All the years of navigating her unpredictable behavior and selfish tendencies didn’t leave me sympathetic in the least.

“Yeah, but she could have asked, and she never did. Instead, when I introduced them the first time after telling her she still acted like an ass. It is what it is.” I shrugged, my tone more resigned than bitter. “I’m not about to waste another second worrying about how she feels. She’ll deal with it in her own way, as she always does.”

Chase raised an eyebrow, clearly not prepared for this new attitude.

“And you and I both know she’ll find a way of making this event all about her.”

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “She won’t.”

“I’m tired. I’m going to turn in,” I said, rising and yawning. The travel and jet-lag were kicking my ass, and I didn’t want to say anything more.

Shaking off the conversation, I wandered back to our room. The closer I got to the sanctuary of it, my steps lightened. I paused at the door for a moment, my hand hovering over the handle as I gathered my thoughts. With a quick swipe and a steadying breath, I pushed open the door and closed it behind me.

The click of the latch as I threw the lock echoed in the stillness of the room. A wave of relief hit me at the sight of Isabella curled up on one side of the bed, her form bathed in the soft glow of the fire. She looked so peaceful; her features relaxed in slumber.

I headed to the bathroom and quickly showered before joining her. As I approached, she shifted, and I only then noticed her shoulder peeking out. It was completely unexpected. Her style was a cross between casual, comfortable, and emo/goth.

Reaching out, I eased the covers back and nearly swore under my breath. As eclectic as she was, I wasn’t expecting a satin and lace-covered Isabella. It was elegant and classy. The black silk fabric draped beautifully over her curves, accentuating her shape.

The lace cami skimmed her breasts, the neckline dipping just enough to flash creamy cleavage. Her pajamas were going to make restraint a tough choice. One I was going to have to actively be aware of.

My eyes trailed downward, and I couldn’t help but admire her legs. She was wearing a matching pair of shorts, and the lace detail added a touch of femininity to her. Softening her almost. It was refined. Intentional. And it undid me.

For a moment, I found myself at a loss for words, captivated by the sight of her. So different from her normal, and it made me realize I still had a lot to learn about little Isabella Rose Caruso.