Page 48 of Calling the Shots

“The salon. Plumb Perfect.”

“That’s next door to you.” Carter points out the obvious, and my gut churns as he waits for a logical explanation.

Because he’s correct—normally, a delivery to the salon would take five minutes. But now, with Gracelyn in the picture, I doubt that’s how things will go down.

At least, I really hope not.

“I might be getting a haircut.” I pull the lie straight out of my ass.

“Really? Interesting. Mrs. Reynolds paying you in haircuts?”

Heat creeps up my neck and I can’t make eye contact with Carter. “No, don’t think so.”

“Hmm. I didn’t think she’d be working this late.”

Damn, this guy’s not letting it go.

“Not her. Gracelyn.” I keep my voice neutral, not giving anything away.

“Gracelyn? Sloane’s friend?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

“Interesting.” The corner of his lip curves up and I’m grateful Baker already left. Carter’s discreet and probably won’t ask any more questions. Baker would never have let this go.

“We can catch the game on Sunday night, probably.”

Coach nods, picking up the equipment bag. “Okay.”

He starts walking away from me, toward the office. After a few steps, he calls over his shoulder. “Better check with Gracelyn.”

Then, smirking, he walks away.

Jackass.

That’s why I love the guy, though. He’s smart as hell, picking up on every little detail. But he doesn’t pry and minds his own business, which I appreciate.

The man’s a legend in my book.

Chuckling to myself, I hustle to my truck and drive home to pick up the chair.

CHAPTER16

MACK

Twenty minutes later, I’m hoisting the “eggplant throne,” as Gracelyn calls it, and carrying the oversized chair next door.

I climb the stairs, gripping the arms of the chair tightly and ignoring the hammering of my heart.

Relax. You’re making a delivery, nothing special.

Except that’s not strictly true. The last time I was in this space, I hadn’t been sleeping with Mrs. Reynolds’s daughter.

Everything’s different now.

I only hope the woman doesn’t have a sixth sense or something. Because if she does, this is gonna be real awkward.

I hesitate at the door.Should I ring the doorbell? Knock? Will anyone be able to hear over the blow dryers and all the noise in the salon anyway?

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