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“What are you up to now?”
“Not much.” She looked around her at the displays of hair treatments and the pictures of current hairstyle trends. “Thought I’d stop by and see how the salon fared after the holiday rush.”
“Did it pass muster?” Ace asked.
“Not really.” She shifted on her seat. “But it’s Christmastime, and I’m sure they’ll have it back in order when they come in. As long as it looks perfect when our clients arrive, all is good.”
It felt so natural talking with Ace, like they’d done this forever.
“How are things at the ranch?” she asked.
“Jayson had to take care of a rogue heifer, but other than that, everything was fine.”
“I had a lot of fun these past few days,” she found herself saying. “It was kinda lonely this morning.” Although talking with him made up for it. Sort of.
“Same here.” His tone came out all low and rumbly. “Instead of waiting until Saturday to get together, what do you say to that drink at Nectar’s you didn’t win, but I’d be happy to treat you to? Today.”
Charlee laughed. “How can I say no to that?”
“What time should I pick you up?”
Now, she wanted to say. Instead, she told him, “If you pick me up at three-thirty, we’ll make it in time for happy hour.”
“Deal.” Ace paused. “After all these years, I don’t know where you live. I’ve never been to your home.”
“I’ll text you my address.” Her heart felt lighter knowing they would be getting together soon. “See you then.”
“See you, sunshine.”
Charlee disconnected the phone, a smile on her lips, feeling warm and yummy inside. She took a moment to text Ace her information.
She locked up the salon, and it wasn’t long before she was driving home. Would she bring him to her place afterward? Should she? Or should they wait a little longer before going any further than they already had?
Crazy feelings, like dragonflies gone berserk, went on in her belly, as she thought about having him inside her. That would be absolutely amazing, sheknewit. To feel him inside and out, surrounding her with his presence.
She found herself speeding and had to force herself to slow down. They’d be together soon enough.
CHAPTER13
Ace guided his truck up Charlee’s street. For some crazy reason his gut tightened and his skin tingled, like he was nervous or something. Weird as hell considering the time they’d spent together.
She’d acted a little strange yesterday, when they’d parted, likely still worried about jumping into any kind of relationship. So, he hadn’t known what to expect when he called her. Seems she wanted to be with him, like he wanted to be with her.
Score another one for the cowboy.
He checked the house numbers, found Charlee’s, and pulled into her drive and parked to the right of the closed garage. Likely she kept her Mustang there. By the time he reached her front door, his gut was tighter than a freshly tuned guitar string.
The door opened wide two seconds after he knocked, and the next thing he knew, Charlee had her arms around his neck, her body pressed to his. She tilted her face so that she could meet his gaze, and she wore a radiant smile.
Hell, he didn’t need any more invitation than that.
He kissed her long and hard, and she answered him with hunger and desire. By the time he came up for air, his heart pounded, and his skin flushed with heat. To hell with drinks. He’d sweep her into his arms and take her to bed now.
His throat worked and he smiled. “Hello to you, too.”
She smiled almost shyly now, like she couldn’t believe what she’d just done. He couldn’t believe it, either, but he sure wasn’t complaining.
“I’m ready for that drink.” She turned and locked her front door and he realized she already had her purse slung over her shoulder. She took his hand. “Come on.”
