Page 45 of Marry Me Tomorrow
I swallow hard, my hand hesitating on the doorframe before I slowly push the door open.
Inside, Jenny stands by the bed, the light catching on the intricate fabric of her dress. She turns toward me, her expression both sheepish and determined. “I knew I shouldn’t have let your mom talk me into all these buttons. It’s impossible to undo by myself.” She lets out a huff of frustration.
“She probably didn’t think you’d be undressing alone,” I say before immediately regretting it. My face flushes as the words hang in the air.
Jenny arches a brow, her lips curving into a knowing smirk. “So . . . do you think you can help me?”
I nod, words failing me as she turns her back to me.
When I remain frozen, she asks, “Are you okay back there?”
I clear my throat, trying to steady my hands. “Yep. Just figuring out where to begin.”
“I’d suggest starting at the top,” she says.
“Right.” Taking a steadying breath, I reach for the first button at the nape of her neck. Her skin is impossibly soft beneath my fingers, a warmth that sends an unexpected shiver through me. As I work my way down the line of buttons, the fabric parts to reveal more of her back, smooth and pale under the light.
Jenny shifts slightly, a subtle shiver running through her as her dress opens further. The air between us feels charged, every quiet rustle of the fabric amplified in the silence.
By the time I reach the final button at the small of her back, I’m acutely aware of how close we are. She steps forward, clutching the dress to her chest, and turns to face me, her cheeks faintly flushed.
“I think I can manage the rest,” she says softly, her eyes meeting mine. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” I say, feeling heated. I want to stay with her, but I’m not sure if she feels the same way. And I don’t want to put her in that position. I look at the floor, breaking our eye contact. “Sleep well, Jenny,” I say, stepping out her door.
Once inside my room, I close the door and lean back against it, exhaling a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The feel of her skin, the intimacy of the moment—it’s overwhelming in a way that I can’t quite explain.
“It’s just the emotions from the day,” I tell myself, trying to rationalize the storm swirling in my chest. “There’s no room for emotions in a marriage of convenience.”
Jenny agreed to this arrangement on the condition that physical affection would only happen when absolutely necessary. The last thing I want is to burden her with my own tangled feelings. But then I think of our wedding kiss, the warmth of her lips against mine, and my heart rate spikes again.
I can’t help it. I run down the hall, stopping at her closed door. My hand hovers over the knob, a battle raging within me. She didn’t agree to anything beyond kissing or necessary affection. She probably doesn’t feel the same things I’m feeling now.
I drop my hand back to my side, turn, and walk back into my room.
A cold shower and a good night’s sleep will do me some good.
Chapter 18
Jenny
The moment Trent leaves my room, my legs feel unsteady, trembling under the rush of adrenaline and the butterflies that have taken permanent residence in my stomach. How is it that his light touch, so careful and reverent as he undid the buttons of my dress, made me feel like I might spontaneously combust right there on the spot?
I let out a shaky breath and step out of the dress, the luxurious fabric sliding effortlessly down my body to pool at my feet. Gathering it up gently, I hang it in my closet with care.
I change into soft pajamas, trying to settle the whirlwind inside me. I exhale deeply and flop onto the bed. What a day.
I’m married now.
To Trent.
We actually did it. His marina is safe. My job and home are secure. On paper, everything went perfectly. Things will be better now for both of us.
If only I could get a handle on my emotions. . .
Ever since I caught that first glimpse of him when I walked down the aisle, my heart hasn’t stopped feeling like it might burst out of my chest. Trent’s gaze was fixed on me, his expression one of pure joy. His eyes shimmered with something so raw and real. In that moment, it felt like the rest of the world didn’t exist.
Trent may not care about me beyond the promises we made, but something is changing for me—this relationship isn’t just an agreement anymore.
