Page 50 of Under His Touch

“You look beautiful,” I say. She smooths her hand over the big skirt, and the bling on her waist glitters. “Although the bling isn’t you,” I say.

“I know, but I think Sara would love it.” I sit back and nod. “Wait, let’s take a picture,” I say, “and I’ll send it to her.” I pull my phone out, snap a picture and send it to Sara. As we wait to hear, Maria suggests we try on another.

Megan continues to try on different styles and send pictures to her cousin. But still no response from Sara. After the tenth dress, Megan comes from the change room and I nearly bite off my damn tongue.

“Holy shit,” I say, as she walks to the podium in a strapless, body shaping gown that showcases her beautiful curves and creamy skin. I stand before I even realize what I’m doing and walk up to her.

“This one,” I say. “This is the dress.” I run my hand along the exposed skin on her back and when a shiver moves through her, Maria makes an excuse and rushes off.

Megan turns to me, a flush on her cheeks, her eyes wide as I touch her. “When we were kids you talked about a ball gown princess dress—”

“You remember that?” she asks, cutting me off.

“Yeah. But I have to tell you, Megs. This is the one. It’s stunning. I’ve never... What made you try this on?”

“I just... It was a mistake.” She lets her words fall off, turns from me fast, averting my gaze, but there is a hitch in her voice when she says, “I need to get out of this.” She nearly falls as she steps down from the podium. I hurry to her, catch her in my arms, and when I do, everything I feel for her comes racing to the surface. I dip my head and at the same time she swipes her tongue over her lips like she’s preparing her sweet mouth for me.

“Megs,” I whisper, just as my damn phone pings.

Megan pushes away from my arms. “That’s probably Sara,” she says, her voice rough and breathless.

I glance at my phone. “She said to pick whichever one you like best. She has no preference.”

“Oh, okay,” she says, then

disappears into the changing room. I sit back down and restlessly flip through the magazine, every nerve in my body agitated and on fire. When she finally comes out, her face is pale and she looks like she’s just seen a ghost.

I jump from my chair, close the distance between us. “What is it?” I glance at the phone in her hand. She’s gripping the thing so hard her knuckles are turning white. “Are you okay?” She blinks once, then twice, then shoves her phone into her purse so I can’t see what has her so rattled. “Megs?” I ask again.

“Everything is...fine,” she says, but I know her well enough to know she’s lying.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Megan

I’VE HAD A KNOT in my stomach since I received that text from Sara at the bridal boutique.

Sara: Met the hottest guy at the convention. He’s a god in bed. Won’t be home for a couple more days. Hope the planning is going well. You look amazing in all those dresses.

I didn’t respond. Didn’t know how. Jesus, she’s engaged to Alec and having hot sex with a guy at her convention. Something tells me the convention was long over, and she was hanging back just to have a little bedroom fun. How the hell could she do this to Alec? Okay, yes, I get it. Alec and I have been having sex like bunnies, but the key words here are have been. We stopped the second he got engaged to Sara. Alec might be a lot of things. A LOT of things. But he’s no cheater. He once told me he wasn’t a nice guy. Fine. Maybe he does deals at work that destroy businesses and livelihoods, but when it comes right down to it, I know in my heart he’s monogamous.

“What are you going to do?” Amanda asks from the chair facing my desk as she sips her latte. I reach for mine, grateful that I have a friend who knows when I need my favorite drink.

“I don’t know what to do,” I say. I’m an honest girl. At least I try to be. I only fib when I have to, when I know it’s for my best and someone else’s. When was the last time I fibbed? Oh, when I thought I could have sex with Alec and not feel anything more.

My lips tingle with the memory of him, and the intimate way he always claimed my mouth.

Stop thinking about him already.

I push from my chair. “I can’t tell him.”

“If it’s a marriage in name only, will he even care?”

“I don’t know. I mean eventually they’ll have sex, right?” Unease worms its way through my veins. “I’m sure they’re already having sex, actually.”

“It’s not too late, you know.”

Pacing in my office, I spin to face my friend, who is staring at me with those astute brown eyes. “If you’re suggesting I tell him how I feel, yes it’s too late. He’s getting married in less than a week, Amanda. Everything is set. I’m not about to jump in now and ruin this. Think about what this wedding will do for your business.”

---