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“Oh, I see,” Louise said, but I could tell she didn’t believe me. “You know, you could do a lot worse than Zachary. I’m sure your rich out-of-towner is exciting, but nothing beats a good hometown boy.”
With a wry grin, I pulled down the sides of her hair to check the length. “And you wouldn’t have any bias when it comes to that, would you?”
“I’m just saying, a Haven man is an excellent choice. They’re solid. Well built, if you know what I mean.” She winked at me in the mirror.
With a soft laugh, I rolled my eyes.
“I mean in the manhood area, dear. In case that wasn’t clear.”
Stacey laughed out loud.
I felt my cheeks flush slightly. “Louise!”
“What? These are the sorts of things a woman ought to know. Obviously I don’t have firsthand knowledge of anything an auntie shouldn’t see. But I have been married to my George for most of my life and let me tell you, I’ll never regret that choice.”
I checked the length of her hair again. Zachary wasn’t a Haven by birth, but I decided not to point that out. She’d probably just say it didn’t matter. “That’s good. But I’m looking for a lot more than a man who’s um, well built.”
“I’m just saying, it’s a perk.” She met my eyes in the mirror. “Keep in mind, honey. Once Zachary sets his mind to something, it’s hard to dissuade him.”
“Zachary Haven doesn’t have romantic feelings for me,” I said, my voice firm with conviction. “Marlene probably sent the flowers on his behalf anyway. They’re just a thank you.”
“All right, dear.”
I fluffed out her hair a little. “How’s this length?”
“Just right.”
“Okay, I’ll get you dry and then finish up.”
Fortunately, Louise didn’t go back to the subject of Zachary, or the merits of her husband’s manhood. I blew out her hair and added a little curl. She left happy and I went on with my day.
I put Zachary, and his flowers, out of my mind. My next client needed my full attention. She’d been coming to me for color correction after a botched bleach job at a different salon. Her hair was so damaged, we were restoring her color gradually so we didn’t do more harm than good.
She also left happy, which was always the goal. By the time Stacey and I cleaned up after she left, it was time to go home for the night.
I drove home, looking forward to taking my shoes off and enjoying a cup of decaf tea. The weather had finally broken and the sky was clear, the fall air crisp and refreshing.
When I pulled up to my house, someone was parked in my driveway.
Not just any someone. Zachary Haven.
What was he doing there?
He leaned casually against the driver’s side door, his black coat open to reveal a blue flannel and jeans. His shirt looked soft.
Why was I thinking about what his shirt might feel like?
The half smile on his face grew as I approached. But I was not going to let that sexy smirk do anything to me. Not anymore.
I parked next to him and before I could open the door, he was there to open it for me.
“Milady.” He offered his hand.
I hesitated before taking it and letting him help me out of the car. “Thanks?”
“You’re welcome.” He gave my hand a tiny squeeze before dropping it. “Did you get the flowers?”
“Yes, but I’m not quite sure why you sent them.”
