and see if she has the agreement. I’ll have my lawyer look it over if you like. As for shopping, Madeline will know my appointments for the week. Stop on your way out and have her schedule a few hours for us to pick out your furniture.”
She flashed him a smile that warmed parts of his body that didn’t bear mentioning. With a toss of her long hair, she rose gracefully from the chair. She gave him a small wave bye then turned and walked to the door.
A fairy. Her tattoo was a fairy with a sprinkling of glittery dust and sparkles radiating from the design.
It suited her.
But it brought up another very intriguing thought. Did she have any other tattoos? Maybe one or two that could only be seen when she wore no clothing? It made him twitchy as he imagined going on a hunt with her body as the map.
Isabella left Theron’s office, biting her lip to keep from smiling. He’d certainly been prepared to give her an endless lecture on how they could never again do what they’d done the night before. It wasn’t anything she hadn’t expected which was why she’d been prepared to head it off before he ever got started.
She mentally patted herself on the back at the expert way she’d diffused the situation. He was probably still off balance and trying to figure out just what had happened.
She approached Madeline’s desk and politely asked if Madeline had received a fax for her.
Madeline tapped a stack of papers at the edge of her desk and then smiled up at Isabella.
“Did he tell you about the party?” Madeline asked.
Isabella picked up the rental agreement and frowned. “No, he didn’t mention it.”
Just then Theron stuck his head out the door. “Bella, I forgot to tell you that I have a cocktail party planned this Thursday that I’d like you to attend. Seven p.m. at my penthouse. Madeline will arrange for a car to pick you up at the hotel.”
Before she could respond, he withdrew into his office again and closed the door.
“Well, there you have it,” Madeline said in amusement. “I don’t suppose he’s also told you the occasion?”
Isabella turned back to the older woman, her frown deepening. “Why do I get the idea that I’m being royally set up?”
“Because you are?” Madeline said cheerfully.
Isabella flopped down in the chair beside Madeline’s desk. “Tell me.”
Madeline pulled out a sheet of paper and thrust it toward Isabella. “I wasn’t told to keep this secret so I’m not violating anyone’s confidence, and I figure if I was invited to a party where my future husband was in attendance, I’d at least want the opportunity to buy a gorgeous dress for the occasion.”
Isabella snatched the paper and stared back at Madeline in astonishment. “Husband?”
Madeline’s eyebrows went up. “He didn’t tell you that he was searching for a husband for you? I’d have to think that came up in conversation at least once.”
“Well it did, briefly I mean. Just yesterday. He’s already found someone?”
Isabella tried to keep the horror from her voice, but she wasn’t entirely certain she’d been successful judging by the sympathy she saw in Madeline’s eyes. She’d gone along with it because she hadn’t really thought that Theron was serious, and even if he was, she figured she had plenty of time.
“Maybe he’s in a hurry so that he can concentrate on his own upcoming wedding,” Madeline said in a soothing voice.
“What?” Isabella croaked.
“He didn’t tell you that, either?” Madeline asked cautiously. “Well then, you didn’t hear that from me.”
Isabella leaned forward. “Tell me,” she said fiercely. “Is he really getting married? Is he engaged?”
Madeline looked stunned for a moment and then understanding softened her expression. “Oh dear,” she breathed.
She got up and walked around to where Isabella sat stiffly, her hands gripped tightly in her lap. “Why don’t we go into the conference room,” Madeline said quietly.
Isabella let Madeline lead her into the other room where Madeline shut and locked the door. “Have a seat,” she directed Isabella.
Numbly Isabella complied and Madeline took the seat next to her.
“Now, how long have you had this crush on Theron?”
“Crush?” Isabella asked in a mixture of amusement and devastation. “A crush is a passing fancy. I’ve been in love with Theron ever since I was a young girl. Back then it might have been considered a crush, but now?”
Madeline shook her head and patted Isabella’s hand. “He has the right idea to introduce you to potential husbands then. He