Page 139 of The Forbidden Note

Like I believe that line.

“We don’t have a lot of time. You better pick out your dress.”

“I’m going to spend all your money,” I threaten.

He makes a satisfied little sound. “I think that’s going to be my second favorite thing. You spending all my money.”

“Second? What’s the first?”

“The sound you make when I lick your—”

“I’m hanging up.”

His laughter bounces in my ears as I hang up the phone and toss it in my purse like it’s on fire. When I turn around, the girls are watching me.

I clear my throat. “I’m leaving.”

“But the dress!”

“I’m not buying a dress today.”

Cadence pouts. “Grey, wait.”

I stalk to the door.

She slides in front of me. “Don’t think of it as a gift from Zane. It’s for the plan. And the plan is more important than anything else, right?”

My nostrils flare.

The clerk surveys us. “Are you ready?”

I grit my teeth and resist the urge to run out of the shop. Cadence is right. The plan is more important. And I have a feeling that if I don’t accept this, Zane will find a bigger, more outrageous way to corner me.

“Fine.” I turn. Since Zane is paying… “Show me your most expensive dresses first.”

* * *

I lift my face to the mirror, feeling slightly frightened by the way this five-thousand dollar dress hangs off my shoulders and hugs my curves. The material is shimmery and light, even though the skirt is voluminous. It has a low front and a built-in, custom bustier that pushes my chest up and sets my cleavage front and center.

It definitely doesnotlook like a teacher’s dress.

“This isn’t one that Zane picked,” the clerk says, zipping me up. “Are you sure you don’t want to try those on?”

“No.”

She nods. “Actually, this works too. The light tone goessowell with your darker complexion.”

I slide my hands down my waist as she continues her assessment.

“Your shape is gorgeous. I just knew a strapless would dazzle on you. The pleated skirt is a little avant garde, isn’t it? What do you think?”

“I think…” I choke up. “That this dress was made for me.”

She gives me a proud little smile and helps to gather up my hair.

When we walk outside, silence falls.

Cadence’s jaw drops.

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