Page 44 of Puck and Prejudice

“It’s not like you want to impress anyone, Izzie,” I mutter.

The pep talk does little to make me feel better. I might not spend hours in front of a mirror preening like Lydia, but I’d never go out in public like this if I could help it. The fact that I’ll be with Jackson just adds insult to injury.

I’m gloomy when I return to the living room, carrying my wet clothes. Jackson is not out yet.

“Let me get you a plastic bag for your clothes, dear,” Dione says.

“Thanks. I’m sorry for all the trouble.”

“What trouble?”

“You know… losing Raven Ray in the storm, forcing Jackson to go look for me, and now making a mess in his house.”

She gives me the bag she got from a cupboard in the kitchen. “Oh… don’t worry about any of that. What happened wasn’t your fault.”

Jackson joins us before I can reply. He gives me an elevator glance, making me even more self-conscious about my appearance. I clutch the plastic bag with my wet clothes against my chest.

“I’m ready,” I say before he can make a comment.

“Good,” he replies roughly.

Shit. Heismad. It’s going to be one hell of ride back to Miami.

* * *

JACKSON

I must be losing my mind, because seeing Izzie in that bizarre outfit did little to stop my attraction to her. On the contrary. I blame the silk PJ top which, despite being a loose fit, still showed her hard nipples. I’m also certain she isn’t wearing underwear under those pants. Now I have to force my attention to stay on the road, and not steal glances at her. The last thing I need is to sport a hard-on.

From the corner of my eye, I see her texting someone. My curiosity gets the better of me. “Are you messaging Jane?”

“Yes.”

When Izzie doesn’t elaborate, I ask, “Did you ask if she can come to our game on Tuesday?”

“No. I want to talk to her in person.”

“Right.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure she won’t need much convincing. She’s head over heels in love with Chad."

“He feels the same away about her.”

“And yet, you meddled.”

I grip the steering wheel tighter. “I apologized, didn’t I? Andyet, you’re still judging me.”

“Can you blame me?”

I rub my face. This conversation is turning sour already, and I can’t have that. “Put yourself in my position. What would you have done if your younger sister came home one day and said she was getting married to someone you didn’t know anything about?”

“You can’t compare a sixteen-year-old airhead to a grown man.”

“Chad might not be sixteen anymore, but he’s inexperienced when it comes to relationships. Jane is the first serious girlfriend he’s ever had.”

“Oh my God. Was he a virgin?” she blurts out, and I don’t know why, but her question makes me laugh. “What’s so funny?”

“You. No, Chad wasn’t a virgin. Come on.”

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