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Cole waves a quick hand to me from the window, letting me know he’s seen me. That’s the only acknowledgment given before he starts driving toward the main road. I breathe out the breath that I was holding and follow them into traffic as my anxiety about the situation eases and my pulse returns to normal.
We’re soon heading toward Manhattan proper amid bumper-to-bumper traffic, stop lights, pedestrian crossings, and towering buildings. It’s not long before Cole pulls up to the curb outside a skyrise, gesturing me behind him. Sheldon and Nick both get out of the car and are walking toward me as I snap a picture of them, along with the building, and send it to Allie with a quick explanation.
My best friend no doubt thinks I’ve completely lost my mind, evidenced by the barrage of texts blowing up my cell, asking me if I’ve lost my mind. I text her to alleviate her worry, letting her know I’m fine right before Sheldon reaches the car and taps on my window.
I shove my cell in my purse and roll the window down. “Where do you want me to park?”
“Nick will park your car, and I’ll escort you upstairs.”
“Bossy much?” I retort, averting my gaze from those penetrating deep brown eyes before taking my key chain out of the steering column to remove my car key from the ring.
His eyes narrow, and the lines of his forehead crinkle in confusion. “What are you doing?”
“You certainly don’t expect me to give two strange men the keys to my house, salon, and virtually everything else I own too, do you?”
Sheldon chuckles. “I certainly do not. Give me your car key and keep the rest. Nick is absolutely trustworthy. He’ll not only have your car parked securely until we’re finished but will have it polished and shiny when you’re ready to go home,” Sheldon states, taking my key and grinning broadly as Nick’s eyes go wide.
The look on his face is priceless. I can’t help but laugh and join in on the fun. “That’s sweet of you, Nick! It’s been absolutely impossible to find the time to get to a good car wash lately.”
“At your service, my lady,” Nick replies, beaming at me.
Sheldon’s mouth quirks, and he takes my elbow as I get out of the car. “Don’t forget her bag,” Nick remarks, handing it to Sheldon as we make our way past him and into the sky rise.
A man dressed in a uniform greets us as we enter. “Can you call upstairs and let Gaby know we’re on our way?” Sheldon asks the doorman as he leads us away from the main reception area and to a set of private elevators. When the door closes, he presses his thumb to the screen, entering the passcode.
The elevator begins to move, giving me a chance to appraise Sheldon. He doesn’t say a word, but every neuron in my body is acutely aware of his masculine presence. The door opens into a foyer decorated with an oval wall mirror, reflecting the bouquet that sits in a vase on the small table beneath it. “This way,” Sheldon directs, placing his hand on the small of my back and causing the sensitive skin to heat as he guides me into the dining room where a couple sit quietly conversing.
The tall, handsome man with deep green eyes stands as we enter the room. “Alexis from Salon Diva,” Sheldon says to the couple.
“Nice to meet you. This is my wife, Katarina, and I’m Chase,” he greets, extending his hand. “Thanks for coming on such short notice. Katarina has an important meeting, and in the event there are cameras, we want to make sure she is prepared,” Chase informs me.
Sheldon puts my bag down on the table in front of us, while I try to gather my bearings. Chase and Katarina Prestian. They are like New York City royalty, especially since her father runs the entire fricking mafia in this town. Holy shit! No wonder everything was so hush hush! The young woman is even more gorgeous than in the tabloid pictures that have her plastered on their pages all over the world. Her bright blue eyes sparkle with happiness, and her trademark long, curly auburn hair is rich and shiny. “You are most welcome. Katarina, your hair and skin are beautiful, so just a quick style and makeup should work. Plug this in for me, please?” I ask Sheldon, handing him a plug to a large spiral wand.
“Your hair looks naturally curly, so let’s just go with that, but with sleekness and smoothness, unless you’re looking for a different style.”
“I already put smoother on it, but haven’t had a chance to dry it yet,” Katarina tells me.
“We’ll have you ready for this meeting in no time at all,” I reply, handing Sheldon the plug to the blow-dryer and gesturing with my finger to the outlet behind him, ignoring his upturned brow.
“Okay, let’s get you dry really quick. This baby really smokes,” I tell her, turning it on full blast and running its warmth over her hair until it’s ready to curl.
When we’re finished, I spin her. “You like?” I ask, putting a mirror in front of her so she can see the back too.
“Oh my God, yes! I’ve never seen my hair so curly, glossy, and smooth at the same time.”
“Just wait. Let’s powder your face with a mineral base; it will get rid of any extra shine the cameras produce. You have such beautiful skin, so nothing else is essential unless you want me to give you extra color to your cheeks and a bit of glam.”
“Maybe just a little,” Katarina agrees, raising her fingers to gesture just a pinch, and I catch Chase’s amusement in the mirror.
I laugh. “Very good. Let’s boost you with a little apricot coloring, apply a thin coat of eyeliner on top, just enough to enhance, and then voilà—we’ll finish with a ginger lip gloss. You were absolutely beautiful already, but this will help against the harsh lights of the camera,” I tell her. She starts to stand up, but I press on her shoulder a bit, laughing. “Not so fast. Let me fluff your curls.” I finger the loose spiral curls that are now set, spreading them apart with my fingers to add more fullness and bounce. “There, how do you like it?” I ask as she takes a look in the mirror.
“I absolutely love it! You’re amazing! Thank you.” Katarina beams.
I’m thrilled that she seems so pleased and smile at her. “You are more than welcome. It was a pleasure to work with you,” I respond, leaning over to unplug the iron and blow-dryer before starting to place them in the case.
Sheldon reaches to take them from me. “Shouldn’t you cool them off first?”
“Heat resistant bag,” I answer, giving Sheldon a wink before packing them into my travel bag.
