Page 195 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

She raises and drops one shoulder. “I’m always happy to help however I can.” She’s already shown us that, but organizing a haircut isn’t part of her duties; she’s not my personal assistant. “I can text Hope, my old manager.”

“Is she any good?”

She nods sharply. “One of the best. She specializes in curly and wavy hair.”

“Well, yeah, thanks. I’d appreciate it.”

I finish up with my client and explain the aftercare procedure carefully. He nods a lot, but I don’t trust he’s going to take it seriously. “It’s important that you follow these instructions properly, man.” I shove my finger down on the aftercare pamphlet.

“Yeah, man. No problem-o.” He tips his chin up at me, raps his knuckles on the counter, and heads out the door, leaving the pamphlet behind.

Sophie looks at me with raised brows. “What are the chances he’s gonna end up with an infection and will need to come back?”

“Pretty high.”

Sophie heads over to my station to sanitize the area, and I head to the office to print the design for Aaron. He’s been wanting something for a while and this geometric leg sleeve is going to look fantastic.

Sophie walks in, stopping right beside me, holding up her phone. “Hope can fit you in first thing in the morning.” She covers the receiver. “She had a last-minute cancellation. I’d grab it if I were you, because she’s always fully booked.”

“Okay, yeah. I’ll take it. Thanks.”

She grins, then turns her back to me and my eyes drop to admire her round ass, which is right there in my face and my hands itch to touch it, caress it, grab it.

“Oh, I love it here. It’s exactly where I’m meant to be. Yeah, my boss is amazing.” My heart expands with pride at the happiness in her tone. “Thanks, Hope, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I frown as she disconnects the call. “You’re booked in for eight.”

Leaning her hip against my desk, her coconut scent surrounds me. I’m never going to be able to enjoy coconut without associating it with Sophie. “Thanks. Are you getting a haircut too?”

She tilts her head to the side. “No. I thought I’d come with you so I can introduce you.”

That would mean we’ll spend time together outside of work, which could be dangerous for me. She already has me in a twist and I’m not sure if it would be such a good idea. “You don’t have to go to any trouble. Just shoot me the address.”

She waves her hand in the air. “It’s no trouble. It’ll be great to see Hope.” Her eyes trace my face carefully and her delicate eyebrows lower. Damn. “Unless you don’t want me there,” she says slowly, a little hurt coloring her tone.

“Linc!” Ken barges into the office, holding his phone over his head. “Jenna had her baby! It’s a girl!”

“Oh, that’s great news,” Sophie says brightly as she takes a step away from me. “Did she say what her name is?”

“Olivia Jayne.”

She grins as if she’s known Jenna for years and they’re best friends. “Such a pretty name.” She glances at me. “Isn’t it a great name?”

Ken’s eyes flick between me and Sophie with interest.

“Yeah, it is,” I agree, then turn back to Ken. “Are they okay?”

Ken’s eyes catalog my features and he nods. He knows what I’m asking. “Yeah. She didn’t say anything was wrong, so I would assume they’re both doing okay.”

The muscles across my shoulders relax and I breathe a sigh of relief. “Was Dean there for the delivery?”

He shrugs. “Her message didn’t say.”

“I’ll call her later.”

The bell for the front door rings and Sophie leaves the office. Ken leans against the doorjamb. “What was going on in here?”

I turn my attention back to my desk. “Sophie booked me in for a haircut at her old salon.”

“Was that all that was happening because I felt some tension in here when I walked in?” A tinge of concern in his tone.

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