And one single word shatters that illusion with startling precision. Stuff like this is how I know I didn't really step into some R-rated Bogey film. Stuff like this is how I know I'm still stuck in my sad story of a life, where I can't even do this right.

Immediately, Jamie let go of the dress, holding his hands back at shoulder-height, palms facing her. He settled back on his haunches, though he didn't move to stand just yet, instead looking up at her with a confused expression that was tempered by concern.

"What?" he asked, his voice an octave lower than it was normally, and his face flushed. "What did I do? Are you--? Did I--?"