Page 58 of No One But You

“You’re welcome, sweety. He likes to be kept up to date with happenings in the romance department.”

“I’m sure he does. When are you going to set him up so y’all can talk about his love life?”

“He’s not ready to go there.” Kaye motioned for the woman whose hair she permed to get under the dryer.

Thankfully, Summer entered the area with a bowl of color and a cape she wrapped around my shoulders. “Okay, ladies, let me talk with my customer. Y’all have been talking about her enough today. Give her a break.”

Relationships were always the main topic at Shear Perfection, and I couldn’t stand it when it was about mine. This was why being in one was overwhelming, and I refuse to allow what Kai and I have going on to be called that. It was too soon. “What’s been said now, Summer?”

“Nothing different than all those nosy women wondering about details of your and Kai’s relationship. Too bad you couldn’t have kept things under wraps.”

“No shit.” I should have tried harder or just stayed locked in the room until the salon had closed for the day before sneaking out. I also shouldn’t have been holding his hand while I took him on a tour of the town. If I would have just gone kayaking, this talk wouldn’t be a thing. I lowered my voice. “Just think what they would say if they knew we have spent multiple nights together.”

Summer pursed her lips and nodded. “Nice.”

“I agree. Anyway, have you seen my aunt at all today?” Even though she worked, she often stopped in during her lunch break. She worked at city hall, and it was within a short walking distance. A perfect situation to spread the daily gossip to her friends before she forgot all the juicy details.

“Yeah, it’s Friday. She was here with some stories, but I wasn’t paying attention. I actually have to stay busy. I have bills to pay.”

Soon, my hair was in foil, and my feet soaked in a bath. Nothing like starting summer off with new hair and pretty nails. “This area is nice. Kai really knows what he’s doing.” The newly completed area had three pedicure bath chairs and a manicure station with two seats. It was a nice addition to the salon. They’d been talking about it for a long time, it was finally good to see it completed.

“From what I hear, he’s professional in other ways as well.” Summer glanced up from her stool.

“I won’t complain,” I said with a smile.

Just then, the door to the salon opened, and a male voice filled the room.

“Speak of the devil.” Summer gestured toward the door with her head.

I didn’t need to turn my head to see who Summer was gesturing to. I recognized Kai’s voice. My eyes popped wide. Holy shit! He couldn’t see me with foil in my hair. I looked ridiculous. “Summer, hide me,” I whispered.

But it was too late.

“Kora’s back getting a pedicure, Kai. What a coincidence her being here and you walking in,” Kaye greeted him. “But I’m sure you knew that didn’t you?”

Damn Kaye. I pulled my foot from Summer’s grasp.

“Hey.” Summer jerked my foot back on the footrest. “Don’t move. I’ll end up painting your entire foot. Not just your nails.”

“No, ma’am. I’m just here to meet Blake. He needs to do the final plumbing inspection. But Kora being here sure is a bonus.” Kai’s voice floated in from the front but was getting closer.

“Hey, Summer. Kora?” My name ended in a question.

Of course it did. I looked like I was preparing for an alien invasion with all this tin foil on my head. Maybe an alien ship could show up right then and beam me up. Heat crept up my neck, and I lifted my eyes slowly.

“Hey.” My heart thumped hard in my chest from a combination of absolute embarrassment and this amazing hunk standing in front of me. A sky-blue T-shirt, jeans, and boots were all he was wearing, but with the typical scruff on his face, he was breathtaking, and when he smiled and that dimple popped, he took my breath away and stole my heart.

“There. Toes complete.” My toes were a bubble gum pink. I liked the color and planned on having my fingernails match. Summer slipped my flip-flops carefully on my feet. “I think you have about ten minutes before we need to check your color, so you’re free. Just stay out of that now empty bedroom.” Summer winked and started to clean up the pedicure station.

I stood carefully with Kai’s help, and a spark shot from his hand through my entire body.

“Your toes are cute. Pink’s your color.”

“Thanks.”

He kept his hand on my arm as we walked into the kitchen. “I thought you were meeting Blake,” I said as I filled a cup with water.

“I am, eventually.” He ran his fingers across one of the pieces of foil in my hair. “Sexy.” His grin was crooked. His eyes glowed.

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