Page 106 of Play Fast (Brooklyn Dawn 2)

“No, no, no. You can’t let him drive you away from us. We love you so much already. I know it’s onl

y been a few months, but you’re family.” She shook my shoulders. “Truly.”

My eyes burned. “It’s really hard to to see him every day.”

“Right.” Her bluebell eyes went pink with unshed tears. “I didn’t think about that. I mean I sort of did, but I guess there’s a reason people shouldn’t hook up when they work together.”

It seemed like a lightbulb went off over her head.

I twisted my fingers with hers in solidarity. Maybe she knew a little bit about what I was talking about. She had been unusually interested in Noah as of late.

“I can truly say it sucks. Times eleven.” I sniffed and dabbed at the corners of my eyes. “I never should have gone after him.”

“Hey, Teag. Almost done?”

My heart sunk at the voice in the doorway. I turned away and went to the sink to wash my hands and pull myself together.

How long had he been there? This was usually my safe space.

I’d been avoiding him as much as possible. I didn’t even eat with the crew like I used to because I couldn’t handle being in the room with him.

“Since when did you come in for hair and makeup?” Teagan’s voice was cool.

I smiled a little to myself. Such a fierce little warrior. I would really miss that part. I hadn’t called the salon to ask for my spot back, but the last time I’d gone to visit they’d hinted we might be able to work something out.

I’d left the door open just in case. Maybe I’d always known this would just be a small oasis in the crazy. Or maybe I was just closing a chapter in my life. A painful one.

The thought of moving on with someone other than Oz made everything go cold. How could anyone compare?

The water flowing over my hands started to sparkle. Dammit, I’d cried enough over this man. I wouldn’t be doing it again. I promised myself. And I was the only one who could keep that promise.

“Since today.”

He was going to pick today to sit in my chair? He just lived for torturing me evidently. I spared a glance for myself in the mirror. The little flowers I’d painstakingly painted just above my lid were still there in all their frosted peach and pearl glory. My eyes were a little red, but no worse than someone with allergies.

You can do this.

I turned off the water and turned around as I dried my hands. “Come back in fifteen minutes or have a seat on the couch.”

He crossed the room to stand before me. He’d obviously freshly showered and God he smelled good. “Think I need a trim?”

“I’ve told you that for months. Probably a good eight inches.”

He swallowed and his skin paled a little. I resisted the urge to give him a big shark-like smile.

“Change your mind?”

He lifted his chin, daring me. “Nope.”

Damn him. He knew I wouldn’t cut his gorgeous hair. I loved sinking my fingers into it. So thick and silky, but it had absolutely no bend unless the humidity was in the stratosphere.

Unless…

I grinned up at him.

His dark brows beetled. “What?”

“Nothing. Just have something special planned for you, that’s all.” I sidestepped him to gesture for Teagan to get back in my chair.

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