Free Yesterday's Bride by Susan Tracy Page A

something?" Jason's scowl was bringing his black eyebrows together in a fierce line.
    Holding on to her temper, Leigh answered, "I've been managing quite well at the cottage, and I intended to pick up a few things at the first opportunity." How like the arrogant Jason to bark at her like this over something that was none of his business anyway!
    He shoved back his chair and picked up the check lying on the table.
    "Come on. We're going shopping."

Chapter Five

    With single-minded determination, Jason propelled Leigh through the doors of an exclusive-looking boutique, Jody trotting along between them.
    In an effort to avoid what she knew would be a harrowing experience of shopping with Jason looking on, Leigh sought a way out.
    "It's time for Jody's nap," she protested, pulling her arm out of his ironlike grip. "Couldn't we put this off until I can come into town at a more convenient time. There's really no rush."
    "It isn't going to hurt Jody to miss one nap. You can just put her to bed early tonight," was the inexorable reply.
    "All right, then." Leigh summoned a bright smile. "I'll pick up a few things and then Jody and I can walk along to your office. There's absolutely no need for you to wait. You'll be bored. Besides, I know how busy you are," she prodded sweetly.
    "Who says I'll be bored?"
    With great charm, Jason smiled at the tall, gray-haired woman who stood hovering at his elbow and introduced her to Leigh.
    "Take your time, Leigh. Jody and I will wait over here."
    Leigh turned to the discreet displays of dresses, but watched out of the corner of her eye as Jason and Jody sat down on fragile-looking Louis XIV chairs, obviously there for just such a purpose. Jody, who considered that she had waited long enough, eagerly dived into the bag clutched in her hand, pulled out the tiny doll and carriage, and settled down contentedly to play.
    Leigh selected a pretty pastel cotton dress, several skirts with tops to match and a lightweight pair of slacks. As an afterthought, she added a pair of shorts. It could get fairly hot here in the spring, Leigh remembered, and she might as well be prepared.
    The helpful clerk showed her into a good-sized dressing room equipped with a floor-to-ceiling mirror, and Leigh quickly tried on the things she had selected, not wanting to waste too much of Jason's time. She was just tying the belt of a denim wrap skirt around her slender waist when the clerk appeared, carrying two long dresses over her arm.
    "Mr. Randall sent these," she said in an approving voice. "He felt they would suit you."
    The woman carefully hung the dresses up, smoothing them out as she did so. "Mr. Randall asked if you would please come out when you have them on so that he can see how they look on you," she said as she turned to go.
    Leigh was fuming.
Model these dresses, indeed
. Just what was Jason up to? He didn't care what she wore.
    She had to admit, however, that the gowns were beautiful. She tried on the first one. Of the finest silk, it was a pure, frosty white, a color that interacted with Leigh's silver hair to create a dazzling effect. Leigh blinked at herself in the mirror as the soft silk caressed her skin. She had never thought to wear this color. In fact, she wore white only occasionally, and then a more creamy, eggshell color. The gown's softly gathered bodice had a halter neckline that dipped low in the back, almost to the tight waist, and an A-line skirt that fell in graceful folds to her feet.
    Jason has good taste, I'll give him that, Leigh told herself as she walked across for his inspection. She stopped in front of him, and not even her professional model's detachment helped to quell her nervousness.
    He observed her closely, his expression bland.
    "You look more like an ice maiden than ever," was his only comment.
    Leigh fingered the delicate fabric. "Jason, this is a gorgeous gown, but I can't really see that I would have an opportunity to wear it," she said hesitantly, not wanting him to think