Page 50 of His Forever

“Si, but you’ll be in my arms later, mi siempre hermosa, and Iama patient man,” he told her as he stepped back from the door and opened it up.

***

“Chica, he’s got it so bad for you,” Paulie said when she came back into the massage room once he had gotten settled on the table.

“What’s this I hear that you and Gray are going with us tonight?”

“Uh, yeah, about that, it seems that Zeus and Pete weren’t thrilled about their women being out on the town by themselves.”

“Whatever. We have your mom and his going with us, how much trouble can we possibly get into?”

“Not sure, exactly, but we don’t mind going. We’re going to eat at Zeus’ first while you ladies are out at dinner and then catch up with you.”

“Zeus mentioned that he and Pete would probably show up later as well. Something about dancing.”

“Like I said, he’s got it bad for you.”

“Shut up and roll over, you goober,” she said as she held the towel while he flipped onto his stomach. “Did he get you guys any names of realtors?”

“He did and we’re going to go look at a few places tomorrow. If we find something we like, we’ll get that ball rolling. I’ll run home and be back Monday night and ready to work on Tuesday. I still can’t believe I’llfinallybe doing what I always wanted to do,” he mumbled.

“You know good and well you could have a long time ago, Gray wouldn’t have cared!”

“I know, I know. And it’s not like I’ve not been cutting hair all along, but to actually be in a shop? And working with my best friend next to Gray?That’ssomething I never expected!”

“I’m so excited! You wouldn’t believe it, but you’ve nearly got a full book for next week already!”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Nope. María-Luisa is well-known and respected in town. A lot of her late husband’s friends hate having to go to those chop shops but that’s all they’ve had. I think they’re a lot of your customers, but she’s been busy posting on every site available on Facebook so I think your age range will be from one year to one hundred,” she said, laughing. “Hope you’re up on the latest styles!”

“Who do you think does Gray’s hair? Your dad’s? Your brother’s? My dad’s?” he retorted.

She thought about each of the men and how differently they wore their hair. “You’ll do just fine,” she said. “Okay, old man, you’re done. Take your time and meet me out front when you’re dressed. I’ll have some water waiting on you.”

When she got back out to the front, she started laughing. Herauntwas washing hair while her uncle and Gray were folding laundry and putting it up. “Mamá? I see you have a few more helpers today,” she said.

“Si, si. We have been busy today and your family stepped right in to help,” María-Luisa replied.

“Chandra? You and Joy ready for me?” she asked.

“Absolutely! What do you want to do?”

“Hmm, maybe some blonde and reddish highlights this go-around,” she responded, taking a seat at Chandra’s station. Joy rolled over the portable manicure table and started to work on her nails. Several hours later, she was finally allowed to look in the mirror and she gasped. “Chandra, it’s…it’s exactly what I was visualizing,” she said.

“Girl, you lookhawtand I think the man coming in the front door is going to say the same thing,” her friend replied.

Standing, she made her way over to where Zeus was standing. He hadn’t said anything and she started to get worried. Colton had always hated when she “messed” with her hair. “Zeus? You okay?” she asked, worriedly.

He shook his head slightly before looking down at her. Pulling her close, he cupped the back of her neck and leaned in, whispering, “I didn’t think you could get any more beautiful, mi siempre hermosa. You look stunning.”

“Thank you,” she whispered back. “I…I was worried for a minute when you didn’t say anything.”

Not caring that they had a captive audience, he kissed her. “Never worry if I don’t say something right away, sweetheart,” he told her quietly. “Sometimes, like right now, words escape me.”

“Get a room you two,” Paulie called out.

She rolled her eyes at her cousin and stuck her tongue out. “Paulie, sometimes you’re such a brat!”

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