Free Yesterday's Bride by Susan Tracy Page B

she did not like his choice.
    "You never can tell. Be sure to pick out anything you need to go with it—shoes, whatever." His words were an order.
    As Leigh turned to go, he caught her arm and leaned forward. "I'm going to miss those tight jeans of yours," he whispered.
    Embarrassed, Leigh pulled away and hurried back to the safety of the dressing room.
    She put on the other gown, a cobwebby black lace affair with a peach satin underslip, and returned to the shop to find Jason wandering restlessly around a rack of swimwear. When he caught sight of Leigh in the sophisticated dress, he gave her the full blast of his piercing stare.
    He nodded carelessly and handed her the wisps of material he had in his hand. "Try that on for me," he directed.
    When Leigh held the scraps up by the strings attached to them, they took the shape of a bikini.
    "Now, look here, Jason," she began, "I might agree to parade around in front of you in those dresses, but you can think again if you expect me to model this." She shook the offending objects at him.
    "Just be a good girl, Leigh, and do as you're told."
    She gasped at the patronizing words as the shimmer in her eyes fueled into a blaze.
    "No. I do not need a swimsuit," she said firmly. If the saleswoman had not been standing a few feet away, she would take a punch at his arrogant face, Leigh told herself heatedly.
    Jason was amused. "Then what do you plan to wear when the pool is finished, as it soon will be? I don't imagine that anything will keep Jody out of the water and it's your job to look after her."
    "Well, then, I'd prefer to choose my own swim-wear, if you don't mind," Leigh said haughtily, reaching out a hand toward the rack.
    Her wrist was caught in a punishing grip.
    "But I do mind," he returned smoothly. "Now go ahead or I'll come and put that suit on you myself."
    Aware of the glint of determination in the night dark eyes, Leigh knew better than to push her luck. She did not doubt that he would do as he said. Without another word she returned to the dressing room.
    The bikini was of the very scanty variety, the three lime green triangles that composed it just covering her. Leigh looked in the mirror and shuddered at the expanse of golden skin the slinky fabric exposed. She was tugging at the halter and wishing for a wrap when she heard Jason's mocking voice outside the door.
    "Need any help?"
    "No thank you," she said, attempting firmness.
    The door opened and there he stood. His eyes measured her, lingering on the swell of her breasts and the curve of her softly rounded thigh. Leigh blushed all over at his prolonged scrutiny. It was as if he were touching her without reaching out a hand.
    "Not bad," he said finally, breaking the electric silence between them.
    "Of course," he drawled, "you're a little skinny for my taste." With a mocking grin, he turned to go.
    "I've just about had it from you, Jason Randall!" She picked up the article that was nearest at hand, which turned out to be a blouse, and flung it at his retreating back. She'd like to toss everything in this room into that smug face! He was having a fine time at her expense.
    He wasn't through with her yet.
    When Leigh went over to the counter where the saleswoman was folding her purchases neatly into elegant maroon boxes, she found Jason there, his wallet open.
    "I'll pay for my own clothes," she whispered. "I have enough money and I'd prefer not to accept anything from you."
    He ignored her and counted out a pile of bills.
    "Jason," she hissed, too aware of the interested saleswoman nearby, "I said I'm paying." She reached into the depths of her large handbag, but he forestalled her as he casually threw an arm across her shoulders to draw her a few feet away.
    "I buy my wife's clothes, Leigh. Don't continue with this or you'll be very sorry." The words were a threat, menace clear in his low voice.
    Leigh wrenched out of his hold. She didn't want to cause a scene but neither did she want him buying her anything.
    With