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“This Monday?” That was only two sleeps away.
“Yeah.”
“No. I mean, I don’t work Mondays, so I’m free.”
“Good. You like steak?”
“Steak is nice.”
“I know a place. You gonna give me your number this time?”
Heat hit my cheeks. “Yes,” I whispered. “Do you have your phone on hand?”
He let go of my palm to pull his cell out of his jeans. “Hit me.”
I rattled off my number and then bit my bottom lip to stop my crazed smile from scaring him. I couldn’t believe he was here, at my work, to get my number and ask me out.
“Thanks, little mouse.”
I heard a snort somewhere. “Little, sure. She’s wider than a house.” As soon as the voice penetrated, I knew who it was. Margot. She was Rina’s recurring client who loved to gossip and talk shit about people. A lot.
Her comment didn’t worry me; she’d been giving me “helpful” hints about new trending diets for a while. What did worry me was the way State slowly turned his hard gaze on her.
“You got somethin’ to say?” he clipped.
“State—” When he took my hand, I shut up.
Margot smiled, not clueing in on his pissed-off vibe. “You could do better, handsome.”
I swore everyone in the room tensed and grew silent.
“State, it’s fine.” I squeezed his hand.
He shook his head. “It ain’t fine when a haggy old lady talks shit about someone I like.” He stood with his fists pressed to the table. “How about you mind your own fuckin’ business, and you might get some dick yourself because it’s obvious you ain’t been since you’re so uptight thinkin’ you have the right to talk about Courtney that way.”
Margot gasped. “How dare you.”
“I dare, lady.” State looked at me, leaned down, and pressed his lips against mine in a firm kiss. “See you Monday.”
“Okay,” I breathed.
He bopped me on the nose, smiled, and walked out of the salon.
“Court,” Rina called as she pulled off Margot’s apron. “I have to say you are one lucky bitch. Margot, since you’ve already paid and your hair is done, you can go, and I think it’s best you see another stylist from now on.”
“You can’t—”
“I can and I will to protect the people who work here.”
With a huff, Margot stood and walked out of the salon with her nose in the air.
“Rina, are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Honey, I should have done that a long time ago. Now, since you have time, come on back and tell me what you’re going to wear on your date.”
Oh God, I had a date.
A date with State.
Ha, that rhymes.
Jesus, I hoped I wasn’t a bundle of nerves by the time Monday came around.
