Page 22 of Mountain Man Officer

“Should I come back?” I asked.

“No, if you just want to have a seat, I’ll be done in a few minutes,” she said.

I nodded, wandering back to the waiting area. There was a selection of ladies’ magazines to flip through. I picked one up and browsed through the pictures of celebrities in gowns. Crazy. These women spent so much time doing their hair, applying makeup, and choosing the right shoes, it was a wonder they had any time left over to take photographs.

“See anything you like?” Lindsey said, standing over me.

I looked up to see her client waving goodbye before sweeping out the door. Lindsey had gathered her purse and removed her apron. Suddenly, she looked a few tax brackets beyond my reach. I showed her one of the photos.

“Do you think you could make my hair look like this?” The woman in the picture had a flowing mane of strawberry hair.

Lindsey laughed. “I could, but I don’t think it would suit you.”

I put the magazine down and stood up. “Well, that’s disappointing to hear.”

We walked over to the diner and found a booth. She slid in, and I watched the curve of her ass press into the cushioned seat. I sat down opposite before my eyes could cause my groin to stir.

“Has something changed?” I asked her.

“No.” She picked up the menu. “Has something changed with you?”

“No.”

She put the menu down in disappointment. “I thought you asked me here to reconsider.”

I shook my head.

“Did Dillon talk to you?”

“He did,” I responded.

“And…?”

“And the offer of renting a bedroom still stands,” I answered.

The waitress came over to take our drink order.

“I’ll have a coffee, black,” I said.

“I’ll have an iced tea,” she said. I half expected her to stand up and read me the riot act, but she sat calmly and chanced a look into my eyes. “I thought about it.”

I nodded when she paused, encouraging her to go on.

“I really don’t have a lot of options.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I said honestly.

“My old apartment isn’t available anymore, and I can’t afford a two bedroom,” she said. “Ava offered to let me come live with her, but she has a studio.”

“So, that’s out,” I agreed.

“I have to be out by tomorrow, and I just don’t have anywhere else to go.” She sighed.

“Then don’t go,” I told her. “I’m not kicking you out.”

“If we’re going to be roommates, we should talk about things like trash and dishes,” she straightened, all business.

I nodded, though I couldn’t care less. “Let’s talk about rooms.”

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