Page 89 of Dirty Husband

I pull the zipper up her back. Let my fingers graze her shoulder blades. "Are you supposed to wear white?"

Key was going on about it, but that's a blur. The last few days are a blur.

It's consuming all my mental energy, the horrible thought of my brother ruining everything.

This hasn't even started and I already need a fucking drink.

Bourbon. Neat. Enough to dull every thought in my brain.

That's out of the question. That bastard isn't seeing me drunk and sloppy. He's not thinking he's won.

And I'm not about to lose Jasmine—

"Some people do." She turns. Looks to me. "Are you going to ask me to change?"

"No." I'm not aware enough of the rules here. I need to know them. It makes things easier. "You look lovely."

"Lovely?" She arches her back enough her chest rises into the air. Half pride, halfI dare you not to look. "Am I allowed to ask if you're okay?"

"Fine."

"This is fine?"

"And you?"

She makes thatehmotion with her hand. "It's a lot."

"Did your aunts make it okay?" I'm not sure why I ask. Lock picked them up from JFK a few hours ago. He's already dropped them at a hotel and suggested a few places to shop, dine, spa.

"You don't know?"

"Making conversation."

"Shepard Marlowe is making conversation? This is a first." She half-smiles.

She's inviting me to talk to her.

But conversation isn't going to help.

"I'm a little…" My eyes drift to her chest. The curving neckline hugs her enough to invite my hands. I do want her out of that thing. I want to tear the soft fabric in half. Use it to bind her wrists. "Distracted."

That's too much for her. I need to stay away. I don't trust myself.

"And you?" I ask.

"Am I… distracted?" Her eyes flit over my body. She takes in my tailored suit. Then she moves closer. Adjusts my tie. "It matches well."

"Too much?"

"You don't usually ask my approval."

"Like I said—"

"Distracted?"

"Yes." My gaze flits to the window. Still afternoon. The sun is bright.

I'd think it was beautiful if I saw beauty in the world. Instead, I count the minutes we have before we meet my brother and his girlfriend.