Page 88 of Dirty Husband

What I want to do.

My favorite play.

If I prefer dramas or comedies.

When Mr. Marlowe is going to take me to see the latest and greatest. And, if not, maybe he'll take me.

He claps when I pick a dress, fills my ears with tales of Shep visiting London, teases me about my desire to stop at Dunkin Donuts.

Key can prepare something much better. And there's no way he's allowing a ninety-nine cent donut in this household. Especially when it's not even fresh.

It's funny. He's funny. And it feels like we're old friends.

The day feels easy. Until I get home to dinner and I eat alone.

This time, I'm up late enough to see Shep. But he barely says hello. Just nods, changes into his gym clothes, mentions something about needing to work out frustrations.

His eyes flit over me quickly. Like he's considering another way of working out his frustrations.

But he doesn't. He leaves.

* * *

Even after a busy,full day—lunch with Dad, afternoon tea, an off-Broadway play—it's impossible to sleep. Shep is right there. In the next room. Alone.

And I'm here alone.

Why is he avoiding me?

I try to put it out of mind, but I can't. I try counting sheep, but it's useless. I try reading one of the books Dad bought me, but it's not interesting enough.

The question echoes through my mind.

I replay our last encounter again and again. Let my curiosity turn to dirtier things.

But even when I stroke myself to orgasm, it's not enough. It's satisfying.

Sure, I fall asleep. But I don't wake up rested.

I wake up wanting.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Shepard

"Shep?" Jasmine's tone is soft, but there's something else there. That assistant voice she uses. The one that masks everything in her head.

"Yes?" My body turns toward hers. It's impulse. I'm too tuned to her. Too interested.

She doesn't want me in her head or heart. I shouldn't be in her head or her heart.

I can't invite her into mine.

She turns. Motions to the zipper of her cocktail dress.

The garment is gorgeous. A deep floral print that skims her chest and falls over her hips.

She's wearing her hair down today. In its usual straight line. The one that makes her look more trendy than traditional.