Page 174 of Damaged Protector

“No way. I’m not missing this party for anything.”

His hand lifted, as if he was going to touch my face, but then he dropped it and graced me with that panty-melting smile of his. “Okay, Bee. Have fun.”

Once he was gone, Aurora, Ellie, and Mila explained how everything worked. Their philosophy was to bring joy to those who needed it in their lives.

“We think mental health is just as important as physical health for healing,” Ellie commented. “There are many studies that back that up.”

“Each of us are either cancer survivors or have a family member that battled cancer,” Mila added, “so we know how hard it is to lose your hair. I use only human hair, and I make sure my wigs are comfortable, unlike many of the ones online.”

They started passing wig samples around, and I’d never had so much fun in my life. Hazel was sporting a dark-purple spiky one, while I was wearing a curly gray number that looked like something my Grandma Fitz used to wear.

“Ooh, Jenn,” Hazel cooed at her friend, whose dark hair was covered by a long wig with wavy blonde locks. “You look fab as a blonde.”

Jennifer was smiling into a mirror, tilting her head from side to side. “I do like it. What do you think, Mallori?”

“I think it makes your eyes pop. They usually look hazel, but the blonde hair brings out the green.”

“I think I want a change,” Jenn said, still staring at herself and touching the thick, silky hair. “I think I’d like a blonde one.”

Ellie turned to Mila. “How are we on blonde stock?”

The woman scrolled through her iPad before grimacing. “A little short, but I think we could pull it off. Might take an extra four weeks though. We’re doing that hair drive at the mall next week, so maybe we’ll have some luck.”

“That’s our most requested color,” Aurora explained. “You know, because everyone thinks blondes have more fun.”

“So you get all the hair from donations?” Hazel asked.

“A hundred percent,” Ellie said with a wicked grin, “because sneaking into people’s houses and cutting off their hair is frowned upon.”

Everyone busted out laughing as an idea struck me. Leaning over, I whispered something in Mila’s ear, and she grinned.

“Mallori, you’re my new best friend.”

Chapter 52

I headed back to the hospital with soup and bread for all of us. After checking into the hotel, I’d carried our suitcases up to the room and found that there was only one bed.

Fuck me sideways with a chainsaw.

How the hell was I going to survive an entire night in the same bed with the woman I wanted to touch more than anything? At least it was a king-size. Maybe I could sleep with my back to her and hug the edge of the bed so I wouldn’t be tempted.

Getting out of the rental car, I entered the hospital and took the elevator up to the fifth floor. Jennifer’s friend Hazel was exiting her room as I approached.

“Hey, are the queens still in there?” I asked, and she nodded.

“Yes, but they’re about to clear out. We’re all done now.”

“It was nice to meet you, Hazel. Thanks for coming to see Jenn.”

“Nice to meet you too. I’m off for the next few days, so I’ll stay with her until I have to go back on shift the day before Thanksgiving.”

Hell, I’d forgotten all about Thanksgiving. “That’s nice of you. I’m not sure when I’m leaving but let me give you my number in case she needs anything after I go. Call me anytime.” She pulled out her phone and tapped in the number I rattled off before walking to the elevator and pushing the down button.

The three wig chicks came out next, waving at me as they passed. One of them was holding a blonde ponytail.

“Hey, did you get something picked out?” I asked Jenn as I entered.

She was propped up on her bed with a big grin on her face. “I did. I’m going blonde.”

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