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Groaning, Kellan wraps his arms around her and dips her back slightly. When they straighten, he smiles. “I’m happy you’re happy,ma belle.”
Wes’s hands are in his jacket pockets, and he’s watching quietly. At some point, something flipped inside him. Instead of forcing Athelia to be near him, he’s backed off. I’m not sure why exactly, but I think she appreciates it, even if it’s killing him inside.
So when she turns toward him, his expression may not change, but I know he’s hopeful. Hesitantly, Athelia places her hands on his chest. When she rises onto her tiptoes and tips her face up, he rests one of his hands on her hip.
After a moment of staring into Wes’s eyes, Athelia presses her lips to his. The kiss is short and sweet, although I can tell they both want more. When Athelia steps back, Wes’s grip on her shirt tightens, but then he lets go.
“This means a lot to me,” Athelia says as she turns to face all of us. “I… thank you.”
Kellan nods to the door. “Get in there,ma belle.Don’t want someone to take your spot.”
With one last grin, Athelia spins around and heads back into the salon.
Chapter Forty
Athelia
My heart hasn’t felt this full in a long time. I stare at myself in the mirror, my face framed with my long, dark green hair. It’s so close to the shade I fell in love with when I was younger.
Just having it this color again makes me feel more like myself. I tilt my head left and right, watching as the light catches it. It looksperfect.
“I’d ask if you like it, but considering you can’t stop smiling, I think I have my answer.” Chelsea grins at me in the mirror. “It looks great.”
“Thank you so much, Chels. How much do I owe you?”
“Oh, your boyfriends came in and paid while I was rinsing you out.”
My jaw drops.“What?”
“Where’d you find them, girl? They’re hot as hell,andthey paid for you to get your hair done? I’m jealous.”
I laugh. If only she knew the truth. “You could say my college experience has been… unique.”
“I’d say,” she mutters with an amused glint in her eye. “Well, you’re all set. Text me when you need to do your roots.”
“Will do. Thanks!”
I find the guys hanging out at the cafe across the street. Wes is sitting nearest to one of the front windows, so he notices me first. His eyes lock onto me as I cross the road, and one corner of his mouth tips up into a half-smile as I pull my blow-dried hair over my shoulder.
“Fuck,” Kellan says once I’ve entered the cafe. “I forgot how well that color suits you.” He grabs me and pulls me into his lap, squeezing my ass as he does. “You look hot as hell, Thelia.”
I relax into Kellan’s hold, breathing in sandalwood and frankincense. They always smell so damngood.
Cal is sitting next to Kellan, and he grabs my chin and seals his lips to mine before I can reply. His tongue slips into my mouth, but I pull away before it gets too intense. I know they don’t care that we’re in public, but I do.
“I love this place,” I say, looking around the cafe. “I used to study here all the time when I was in high school.”
“What’s your favorite drink?” Cal asks, pulling out his wallet.
“You’re not paying,” I tell him. “You already paid for my hair.”
When I move to stand, Kellan locks an arm around my waist to keep me in his lap. “What’s your favorite drink?” he repeats.
“Seriously?” I squirm, but he only tightens his hold on me, so I give in. “Their hot apple cider is really good.”
Cal grins. “Got it.”
“That wasn’t so hard, was it?” Kellan brushes his lips across my jawbone.
