“Yep. He even let me record it. He was such a good sport about it—funny, actually. Really funny. Here, look, I still need to edit the video.” I pull it up and press play, smiling as I watch us again.
Ashton leans in, eyes narrowing. “Girl… the way this man is looking at you is something else.”
My smile falters, and for the first time I actually pay attention instead of just laughing at how ridiculous we were. Esteban isn’t just humoring me. He’s watching me. His gaze is steady, intent—like I’m the only thing in the room worth noticing. Mesmerized. My chest tightens, warmth prickling across my skin as I see it through Ashton’s eyes.
Ashton narrows his eyes at me like he’s studying my soul. “Hmm.”
“What?”
“You’re smiling.”
“I always smile.”
“Not like that.” He smirks. “Girl, don’t youdarefall for the man you’re fake engaged to.”
“I’m not!” I insist, though my voice pitches a little too high. “We’re just helping each other. It’s a mutually beneficial agreement.” Even though I would love for him to really be interested in me.
Tilting his head, Ashton gives me a look. “That’s exactly what people say right before they trip and fall headfirst into love.”
I swat his arm. “Stop it.”
“I’m just saying,” he says, backing away with his hands up in mock innocence. “If you start writing his last name in your journal with little hearts, the only thing that I’ll say is, ‘I told you so.’”
If only that could really happen. But I know Estebandoesn’t look at me like that. He’s just being friendly, and flirting comes naturally to him. I just have to keep reminding myself, that’s his personality.
I shake my head, laughing as I take another look at my new space. Fake fiancé or not, this is the real start of something big. I can feel it.
And if Esteban’s stupid, flirty grin keeps sneaking into my thoughts while I organize product displays and plan out content for the next week? Well... that’s my business.
After finally finishing up placing all the products on the bookshelf, I take a step back and look around. My little corner at the front of the salon is starting to feel real now. The shelves are stocked with the brands I’ve been promoting for years, and seeing them lined up like that makes something warm settle in my chest.
I pull out my phone and snap a few pictures of the setup, the salon, and a quick selfie with Ashton. I’ll post it on social media in a few minutes with a cute caption and a thank you shoutout. The aesthetic in here is perfection with the lighting, the clean lines, the touch of glam Ashton added with the new decor. Everything screams high-end, but still welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you want to stay a little longer just because it feels good.
Thankfully, I already had the website ready to go, and now that I’ve got a physical location to promote, I can officially launch. I type out a quick caption and post the photos to my stories and feed.Big things coming! Honored to partner with my bestie @AshtonDoesHair—starting today, you can shop my favorite skincare brands right here in Honey Springs!
As if on cue, the little bell above the salon door jingles, and I look up.
Payton walks in, beaming, with a large canvas bag slungover one shoulder and a drink carrier in her hand. “Hey, girl!”
“Payton!” I wave her over. “Look at this place!”
She sets the drinks down on the front counter and takes it all in. “Eva, this looks amazing, girl. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks,” I say, smiling as I grab one of the iced coffees she brought. “I love it too. Ashton really outdid himself. I’m so lucky he gave me this opportunity.”
“Did someone say my name?” Ashton calls out as he appears from the back room.
He throws his arms wide. “Welcome to our empire, ladies.”
Payton giggles and slips an arm around him in a quick side hug. “See? I told you this remodel is giving total luxury vibes.”
“Only the best,” Ashton says with a wink, then turns to me. “So, you going viral yet?”
I snort. “Not yet, but give me a few hours.”
Ashton’s eyes light up as he points to the bookshelf. “That corner is everything. I told you this would work, didn’t I?”
“You did,” I say, taking a long sip of the coffee. “You’ve thought of everything. Even the chair!”
