Sweet Flash Marriage with the Restrained Tycoon (Isabelle and Damien) novel Chapter 49

Still, it was incredibly embarrassing. A high-powered CEO, whose hands were usually busy signing contracts and moving money, had actually washed her underwear for her...

After changing, she tiptoed out of the bathroom and slipped back under the covers. Picking up her phone, she saw the message Brian had sent her last night.

Brian sent, "I'm begging you, please just go and soothe him. Otherwise, I'm pulling another all-nighter tonight."

Isabelle was stuck. Sooth him... How? Use my charm on him? Damian's way harder to handle when he's mad!

Isabelle tossed her phone aside and rolled over, hoping to catch another half-hour of sleep. As she turned, a perfectly sculpted face filled her vision.

The bone structure was flawless. Even in sleep, the sharp lines of his brow and the deep set of his eyes held a severity that was vaguely intimidating.

His breathing was even, and his scent carried a hint of last night's Brussels sprouts and a faint, clean mint from toothpaste. He'd brushed his teeth for a long time in the bathroom.

Strange. I usually hate Brussels sprouts, can't even stand the smell. But on him... it's not bad.

She leaned in a little, her nose twitching as she took a subtle sniff. It's actually kind of nice...

"Damian," she whispered. No response.

How am I supposed to make it up to him if he wakes up now? Last time I put my foot in my mouth, I kissed him in the car and he wasn't mad. What if I kissed him again? Would that work?

She covered her face with her hands and buried her head in the pillow. Apologizing as an adult is so confusing. Why can't it be simple, like with a piece of candy or...

"Flowers!"

She suddenly remembered. Last time she gave him flowers, Brian said it made him happy for days! A sly smile curved her lips. She couldn't resist reaching out and giving the tip of his nose a light tap.

"Got you," she whispered with a soft chuckle.

*****

Only Isabelle and Harrison were attending the fashion show that day. They were already seated, waiting for it to begin.

"Brian and the others had a meeting last night, didn't wrap up until after three," Harrison said, looking exhausted as he stifled a yawn. "Which meant I didn't sleep well either."

"Really?" Isabelle knew she was the reason.

"Wanna hear some gossip?"

Isabelle didn't. What was so interesting about her own gossip?

But Harrison leaned in conspiratorially. "Last night, during Brian's meeting, I swear I heard a woman's voice in Mr. Cross' room. You have no idea, it was this utterly seductive, husky tone. Incredible!"

"Wow." She forced a laugh.

Isabelle let out a few awkward laughs. So that's the rumor now?

Isabelle's face flushed. That put him in a good mood?

Well, he should be happy. He got a full view of these legs last night. If my pants hadn't been dirty, he probably would've thought I was trying to seduce him...

Isabelle slowed her steps and turned. Leaning against a large pillar was a tall, lean man dressed in a white athletic set with a black wool coat draped over it. He looked a bit more mature than a college student—gentle and steady.

"Collin!" Her face instantly lit up with joy as she walked toward him. "What are you doing here?"

Collin Dorfman reached out and ruffled her hair, a smile lifting his lips. "You're still just as adorable."

This entire scene was captured by Ashley's phone.

"I thought you were waiting for me at home. What are you doing out here?" Isabelle looked up at him. "And when did you get so tall?"

Collin had to be around six-foot-three, easily Damian's height.

"Mom said you wanted me to come over. Diana told me you were here, so I came to find you." The corners of his mouth lifted in a natural, warm smile.

"Did you drive?" Isabelle asked.

"Yeah. Come on, get in. Let's head over." Collin reached out, his large hand coming to rest on her shoulder as he steered her toward a white car up ahead.

"Hey now, personal space! Have some decorum, Collin," Isabelle said, half-joking, half-serious as she shrugged his hand off.

"Look at you, all grown up. Won't even let me touch you anymore," he said, giving her head an affectionate pat.