“I will, Carrie. Thank you for listening.”
“No problem. That’s what I’m here for.”
“Bye.”
Irish hung up the receiver and stood. Walking out the booth, she inhaled the muggy Florida air. The talk with Carrie was much needed. She put a lot of things into perspective for her. Now, she was ready to leave St. Parklynn behind so she could see what the hype was for Diamond Falls.
Noble walked into the nail shop on a mission. Every woman seemed to turn their head at his presence. He caught a few of them batting their extended lashes and inviting him with their eyes. However, Noble hadn’t come to flirt, he came there to make a move.
“How can I help you?”
He looked at the beautiful brown skinned woman, who wore her hair in a high ponytail. His gaze went down to her vest where her name tag readHallie.
“I need a manicure.”
“Okay, one of the nail techs will be available soon. You can have a seat there.”
Noble shook his head. “No, I want you to do it.”
A friendly beam graced her full lips. “I’m actually in the middle of some paperwork right now. I can assure you that my nail techs will take great care of you.”
Noble leaned against the counter, drawing near to her face. Her gaze was locked into him as he studied her features.
“You come highly recommended, Hallie. Therefore, I want you to take care of me. You think you can make that happen?”
She nodded as if she was in a daze. “Uh, yeah, yeah, I’ll do it. Follow me.”
Noble ambled around the front desk and followed Hallie to her station. All the patrons watched his lean frame walk while whispering to the technician that serviced them. Noble took a seat as Hallie grabbed a towel and laid it across her station. She was a cute girl with a slim build and subtle curves. She sat down, swarming the area with her amber scent.
“So, you said I came recommended, huh?” she asked.
“Yeah, I heard you're the girl to see when it comes to nails.”
She simpered, grabbing his big hands. “Your nails actually look like they’re in great shape. Are you sure you want a manicure?” She jokingly narrowed her eyes.
Smirking, he replied, “Yeah, I’m sure.”
“Okay.” Grabbing her file, she began buffing his nails.
Noble looked at the pink and yellow color scheme then leaned a bit to look at the back of the salon.
“How long you been here?”
“About two years. The shop was actually a present for my birthday.”
“Oh, yeah?” He smiled. “Who got it for you?”
She glanced at him. “Someone special.”
“Word? That man must love you.”
She nodded. “He does. He tells me every day but you know how men can be, though.”
“No, enlighten me.”
She twisted her lips before saying, “Men say one thing but do another. Sometimes, words are empty with them. I’m sure you know all about that.”
Noble chuckled, wondering if it was Tuck who made her jaded or someone from her past.
