AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Minutes, man. They have minutes,” he moans, thumping his hand on the counter a few times. So damn dramatic.
“Payback’s a bitch,” I mutter, my eyes on the shop across the road, hoping for a glimpse.
“Where are you going?” he calls after my retreating back.
“Haircut.”
“For twenty bucks I’ll do it for you.”
“No freaking way I’m allowing you to butcher my hair.”
*****
BAILEY
“DID YOUget everything done?” Olivia asks, sliding up next to me.
The bell on the door jingles, and I look up, seeing the man still standing where I left him, staring at me. I was in a rush to get back and, admittedly, wasn’t looking where I was going, but he came out of nowhere. At first, I was concerned that I hurt him, but then I got a good look at him and realized I was being ridiculous. He could have stepped from the cover of one of the romance novels in my store. Maybe the mafia section. He certainly hits all the requirements, being all dark and tempting with his dark eyes, darker hair, and tanned skin.
But that doesn’t quite fit. Mafia guys are usually groomed to perfection, their auras exuding confidence and intimidation. This guy with his slightly longer, tousled hair, stubble-covered face, jeans, and T-shirt screams casual, telling me he doesn’t feel the need to impress people. That he’s comfortable with who he is. And if you add to that the half-moon scar curving down from the corner of his eye, I would peg him as the bad boy type.
But then he silently glowered at me, ignoring my apology, and he shot straight through all the categories and landed firmly in the grumpy and broody category.
At that point, my concern quickly turned to apprehension, so I beat a hasty retreat.
“Bailey?”
Shrugging off the weirdness of my encounter, I can’t help the smile that takes over my face. Nothing can burst this cloud of euphoria I’ve been on since yesterday. It’s not often your husband drags you home from work just so he can fuck you. In fact, it’s the first time I can recall Quinn doing that. And to top off that, I still can’t believe what I found in Second Hand Treasures earlier. It’s so tempting to open my bag and check that it’s still there. That it’s real and not just some figment of my imagination. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to keep this to myself till our anniversary, but I’m going to try.
“Yes, I got the perfect dress and a couple of decent books.”
Olivia grabs the bag containing the books I bought, inspecting them. Once a month, I go to the second-hand shop and browse through the books they have. A few months ago, I designated a corner of the shop for second-hand books, and it’s been quite popular, especially with the older generation.
“This one looks good,” She mutters, paging through a dog-eared copy of Peter Pan.
“It’s a 2002 edition, so not very valuable, but it still deserves some love.” I gently take it from her and put it back in the bag. Olivia can be scatterbrained sometimes, and I need to add it to the inventory before it goes on the shelf.
“And the dress?” she asks, reaching for the second bag. So damn nosy. I feel a bit guilty for spending so much on it. Years and years of living on a budget and funneling every spare cent I had back into my business have made me quite frugal when it comes to luxuries, but when I saw this dress, I couldn’t resist. Our anniversary dinner is coming up, and I want to feel sexy and beautiful.
We’ve always had a healthy sex life, but with his work hours, things have slowed down considerably. Then the way he stormed in here yesterday and dragged me home and the feral way he took me up against the door? So frigging hot. Okay, the fact that I didn’t get to come was disappointing, but the thought that his need for me was so overwhelming he couldn’t last means everything. Means that the connection between us is still there.
I’ve been feeling as if it’s been so long since Quinn’s truly looked at me—really seen me—so I want to go all out. Keep yesterday’s momentum going. I want him to find me irresistible. I want him to be unable to keep his eyes and hands off me.
I bite my lip as she unfolds it but relax at the sound of appreciation she makes. Quinn’s favorite color is blue, and this is a vibrant blue, which is a much bolder color than what I would normally pick for myself. I was hesitant to try it on, but the sales lady assured me that it would contrast perfectly with my brunette hair, and she was right.
The A-line accentuates my curves, and the dress falls to just above my knees, showing just the right amount of leg. I love the halter neck, but the deep V back finally sold it. It made me feel sexy and a little daring. The dress makes me feel like a princess, so I’m hoping it will do the trick. That it will bring the spark back into my marriage.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“You think so?”
“Yes. You’re going to knock Quinn on his ass when he sees you. Don’t be surprised if there’s a repeat performance, and he drags you out of there before the main course,” she teases.
“I hope so,” I mutter as I take the dress, folding it up carefully and putting it back under the counter. Yesterday was so good, and I want more of it.
“Good morning, dear.” I look up and don’t stop my smile when my eyes land on Fiona.
“Morning, Fiona. Your hair looks amazing.”
