“That they do. He seemed shocked that I hung a light on my own. As if I haven’t done it before.” I act appalled.
“Well, he is kind of new to town. Who knows? Maybe Hudson will become your handyman around the shop.” She wiggles her eyebrows, and I bust out laughing.
It takes Cora a good hour to detangle all the knots in my hair and cut off two inches, opposed to her idea of only a trim. Then she starts blow drying it. “You don’t have to do that. I know it’s a pain in the ass,” I tell her.
“And have you walk out of my salon looking like a wet poodle? I don’t think so. Besides, you’re my last client of the day. After this, I’m going home, putting my feet up, watching some television, and maybe having a glass of wine.”
“That sounds like a perfect night to me.” Cora finishes my hair, and when she’s done, it’s laying in a thick, straight sheet down to my lower back, gleaming just like hers.
“Thank you. It looks amazing. I really need to take better care of my hair,” I tell her as I hug her.
“It’s really not that bad, just, you know, the paint and all.” She winks. I pay her, leaving her a hefty tip for her time. Plus, I made a huge profit today, and helping our local community out makes me happy. Once I’m done, I leave with a smile on my face and a plan to put into action.
7
Hudson
The next day comes and goes quickly. I make all the cuts for the table I’m working on, my mind never leaving Jules for longer than a few minutes. I itched to call her, even if it was for some stupid excuse. I didn’t last night or this morning, though, but come this evening, if she doesn’t reach out first, I may just have to make a second trip into town this week.
With that thought in mind, I finish up what I’m doing. I make quick work of showering, slip on some clean clothes, and head out the door to see Jules.
She’ll really be shocked when I step foot in her shop two days in a row.
Making the thirty-minute drive is easy, curving around Lake Aspyn until I meet the downtown area. Tourists seem to be milling around more than yesterday. For all I know, though, this could be normal, and I just never realized it. Always in my own world until Jules captured my attention.
It takes me a few minutes to find a parking spot, but as soon as I shut my truck down, I go right to Jules’ place.
Walking toward her store, I see there are a few customers inside. Beau is beside her, seeking attention from them. His tongue is lolling out, and his big ears make me smile.
“She’s a sweetheart, isn’t she?” I see her reflection in the window; her hair is red and curly. I have no idea who she really is, only that Jules has talked about her. But I hear she’s as free as a bird. I notice she has a stroller beside her, and inside is a pig. I have to cover up my laugh with a cough.
“That she is. You must be Ophelia?” I reply.
“Yep, nice to meet you, Hudson.” She holds her hand out, and we shake.
“Likewise,” I respond and head toward the door to open it for her.
“I guess we should go inside. Bogo and Beau have a playdate today.” Ophelia nods, proud as a peacock.
She walks in ahead of me, but I see the moment Jules clocks me. A small smile plays on her lips, though it lights up her whole face.
Fuck, if everyone wasn’t walking around inside her store, I’d march right up to her, pick her curvy body up, wrap her legs around me, and kiss her with everything I’m worth.
8
Jules
I’m in complete and utter shock. I didn’t expect to see Hudson. In fact, I was going to text him tonight to see if the next time he was in town, he’d help me hang a few lights. Sure, I could do it on my own. When Hudson pretty much growled at me, demanding I ask for help, there wasn’t any other thought to do it on my own from now on.
Plus, I could watch the muscles in his arms as he hung up the antique chandelier, and maybe I’d even get another glimpse of his firm ass as he stepped up the ladder.
Today, he’s in another pair of faded denim jeans, worn-in boots, and a white t-shirt that molds to his arms and chest.
Our eyes are locked. My tongue skates across my lower lip, and I see the heat smoldering in his own.
“Whew, I can feel the electricity off of the two of you from a mile away!” Ophelia exclaims while taking her pet pig, Bogo, out of his stroller. I set up a play area for the two of them.