Page 99 of Dirty Husband

She's always dragging him to a sci-fi movie or a walk in the park or a night of dancing.

And they, well… the walls at Odyssey were thinner than they thought.

It's strange, hearing a man you consider your brother order his subordinate out of her dress. That's just—

It is strange, that Shep and Nick share some of the same tastes. If I knew more about psychology, I'm sure I'd be able to explain it better. Maybe it's a coincidence. Maybe it's shared history. The pain of losing their mother so young. The abandonment by their biological father.

Something their stepfather—

"It's nice to see you, Jasmine." Nick, always a proper gentleman, extends his hand. "You look beautiful." His gaze shifts to his brother. He raises a brow.Beautifuland just-fucked.

Or maybe I'm imagining things.

I shake Nick's hand. If it was anyone else, I'd insist on a hug. But Nick is firm when it comes to propriety.

"You too." Nick turns to his brother with a smile. "You look especially lovely."

It's still strange, seeing Nick joke. He does it all the time now that he's with Lizzy, but I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it.

"I try." Shep's tone is almost friendly. He turns to Lizzy and nods hello. "Ms. Wilder."

"Mr. Marlowe." She nods back. "I guess that will get confusing, with both of you here."

"Baby, when's the last time you called me Mr. Marlowe?" Nick asks.

She rises to her tiptoes to whisper in his ear. He's still so much taller than her. He has to bend to bring his ear to her mouth.

It's adorable. Then she blushes and he gets thisoh, I'll fuck you properly laterlook and it's—

Well, it would be hot if it was anyone else. As it is, Nick is practically my brother. The brother I never had.

"Yes, you're very charming." Shep motions to the table. We're in a private room above an exclusive restaurant. A room big enough for twenty. Right now, it's just a small round table and four chairs.

Lizzy and Nick already have drinks. Dark liquid in ice. Soda or soda and some brown liquor?

I don't ask. Even after scouring the Internet for tips on living with recovering alcoholics, I don't have a real sense of what's appropriate. Is it better to abstain in Shep's presence? Or better to treat him like a normal person who can take care of himself?

Shep pulls out my chair for me. I sit. Then Nick does the same for Lizzy, and the men sit, and we're all one big happy family.

At least, from the outside.

Before we can discuss anything, the waiter arrives to take our drink orders. Mineral water for Shep. The same for me. Even after he insists that's not necessary.

For a moment, I consider a gin and tonic. The buzz of pleasure is wearing off more every second. I need to calm my nerves. Quiet the voice in my head asking if this is a good idea.

But it feels wrong. Not with him so close. Not in such a small space.

"Just the water, thanks." After the waiter leaves, I turn to the table. To my old friends. Do they believe this engagement? Do they suspect ulterior motives?

They look… friendly. Excited. Happy. For us. And just happy.

"I know what you're thinking," I say. "But I'm not pregnant."

Lizzy laughs. "It crossed my mind."

"Were you going to ask?" Nick asks.

"Fifty-fifty," she says.