“I’m letting my apartment go,” I confess.
“Good,” Everett says as he slides my waffle over.
“That’s all you’ve got to say?” I ask.
“What else is there to say? You live here now,” he states before shoving a forkful of waffle in his mouth.
“That store had dresses that might be suitable for Linc and Parker’s engagement party. But if you don’t like them, we can?—”
“I can just order something online.”
He stares at me across the island.
“We’ll find you something perfect,” he promises.
“Your man’s here,”Sienna announces, and when I look up, I find Everett walking into the salon with a backward baseball cap on with his too-long blond hair curling around the edges, a simple white T-shirt that clings to all his muscles, and a pair of ripped jeans, his hands stuffed into the pockets.
“Afternoon, ladies. I’m here to steal your boss.”
Rachel giggles. Savvy fans herself, and Lessy swings her empty chair around and offers to give him a trim, which he declines.
“You know, you should probably take her up on that offer,” I point out. “Your blond is growing out.”
“Maybe I want you to do it?” he asks, his eyes never leaving mine as I walk toward him, feeling a lot more comfortable in my new clothes. The only problem is that previously I looked overweight; now with the right clothing, I look pregnant, and we’re yet to announce our relationship, let alone that. We need to get a move on if we don’t want others to start circulating stories first.
“I’m not a hairdresser,” I point out.
“I’m sure you’re more than capable.”
He’s right. I am. But that doesn’t mean I have the confidence to touch his hair. Our photos will be everywhere soon. Imagine if I screwed it up.
“You need to get it done before the party. Parker won’t have you looking a mess.”
“Ugh,” he complains. “Has she messaged you about it, too?”
I can’t help but laugh. “No, but I have eyes.”
He presses his hand over his heart. “Ouch. I’m still ruggedly handsome and totally fuckable though, right?”
“Oh my god,” one of the girls gasps behind me.
“I never said you were either of those things.”
“The maternity pants you’re wearing tell a different story,” he deadpans as I gather my purse in front of me, hiding my belly, and head for the door.
“Have a fun evening,” Sienna calls. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Doesn’t leave much off the table,” I deadpan as Everett’s hand presses against the small of my back.
“It’s a good thing I love you,” Sienna calls.
“Love you, too,” I shout back.
“I’ve booked us a table for after our shopping trip. Thought tonight could be our second date,” he confesses nervously as we stop beside his ostentatious sports car.
“Oh?” I question, my freak-out yesterday coming back to me. “I was starting to think you didn’t want to be seen with me,” I tease, even though my words hit a little too close to home.
“Are you kidding? Why wouldn’t I want to be seen with the most beautiful woman in the world?”
