Josiah glanced at him. “Your dog is kind of weird.”
That made me giggle. “Oh my gosh, I know. He’s a total weirdo.”
“Cute, though.”
“Isn’t he? Come here, Max.” He zipped over to me, dropped to the floor and rolled onto his back. I crouched to give him a belly rub. “You’re the cutest weirdo, aren’t you good dog? Yes, the goodest dog ever!”
I realized I probably looked like as big of a weirdo as my dog. But Josiah just looked at us with that almost smile that made my stomach tingle.
“Anyway.” I stood and smoothed out my shirt. “He’s a lot of fun. Thanks for letting us see the house. I’ve been curious about what it looks like inside.”
He nodded and his eyes lingered on mine. For a second, it looked like his gaze flicked to my mouth. But I might have imagined it. Still, my nerve endings fired, my lips tingling, and I had an almost insatiable desire to know what it would feel like to kiss that big, bearded man.
Thankfully, he turned away before I did something awkward, like move in closer hoping he might kiss me.
Kiss me? What was I even thinking? He probably wasn’t even interested in me. Not like that. Sure, he’d been nice to me, but that didn’t mean anything.
I followed him outside, sternly telling my silly heart to be quiet. I didn’t need to start wishing for things I’d never have. And Josiah Haven was certainly one of them.
CHAPTER 14
Audrey
The light in the office restroom was surprisingly flattering. I washed my hands and glanced at my reflection. My skin didn’t look half bad. Maybe the at-home mask that my dog had tried to lick off my face last night had helped.
My hair, on the other hand, was in a state.
I dried my hands and tried to fluff my listless locks. It had been ages since I’d had a haircut. Trips to the salon had been one of the first things to go when I was unemployed. Now the ends were dry and it had no shape.
I came out of the restroom and went back to my desk.
“Are you okay?” Sandra asked. “You look uncharacteristically melancholy.”
“Do I?” I sat up straighter. “I’m fine. I was just lamenting my sad hair in the mirror.”
“You have pretty hair.”
I held up a strand. “I haven’t had a haircut in forever.”
“I can help with that.”
“You do hair too?”
She smiled and picked up her phone. “No, but I know who does. You have to see Marigold Martin at Timeless Beauty. It’s right up the street. She’s a magician.”
Before I could reply, Sandra was already talking to someone.
“Hi, it’s Sandra… I’m great, how are you?… Wonderful. You don’t happen to have any openings soon, do you? My friend Audrey needs you in her life.” She paused for a moment. “Let me check.” She lowered her phone. “She had a cancellation. Can you do noon?”
“Today?”
She nodded.
“Oh. Yes, I think so.”
She put her phone back to her ear. “She’ll take it. Thanks, Marigold! You, too.”
“Wow, thanks, Sandra.”
“Problem solved. And trust me, you’ll love Marigold.”
The rest of the morning ticked by with agonizing slowness. I didn’t know why I was so excited. It was just a trip to the salon. But it had been so long and it felt like a win, just knowing I could afford it.
Finally, lunch hour arrived. I stood and shouldered my purse.
“It’s just up the street that way,” Sandra said, pointing. “You’ll see it. Have fun.”
“Thank you, I will. Bye, Ledger.”
He lifted his eyes from his phone. “See ya.”
I left the office and walked deeper into the little downtown. Summer heat was beginning to settle over Tilikum. It was probably over eighty but a light breeze kept it comfortable as I headed toward the salon. One thing I did like about this town, and my office location, so much was within walking distance.
Timeless Beauty Salon was a couple of blocks away, and like Sandra had said, easy to find. A little bell tinkled when I opened the door and walked in.
“I’ll be right there,” called a voice from somewhere in the back.
The décor had a distinct old-fashioned vibe, like something out of a historical novel. The wispy curtains, a velvet chaise, vintage art, and antique bronze mirrors made it elegant without being gaudy. A vase of fresh flowers stood on the front counter, spilling their fragrance into the air.
The woman who came out was taller than me, with a big smile and gorgeous long brown hair. Her outfit—a sleeveless black top with a wide collar and wide legged black pants—was sleek and professional, while still highlighting her curves.