‘Of course it is.’
‘It is.’
Christine lifted both hands. ‘I didn’t say a word.’
‘You said several words...With your face.’
Her smile softened. ‘I’m only saying you look happy, love. And I haven’t seen you look properly happy in a while.’
Marcus smiled warmly. ‘I know, Christine, but really, this has been done for my clients after reading Rowan’s notes.’
Christine’s smile was genuine. ‘You’ve done a great job. Although I thought it was fantastic before. But what do I know.’ She finished with a shrug. She took a step towards him, tilting her head to one side as she studied him. ‘You know, you look different. I think your new friendship with Rowan is having the right effect on you. Before, you were all work and no play. You were a bear with a sore head when we had that meeting in the pub. Now, you look like your old self again—if not happier—if that could be possible. You seem much more relaxed ’
Marcus picked up his coffee and took a tentative sip as he processed what Christine had said. He had been more relaxed yesterday. But had that been because Rowan had eased the pressure of the Ruff to Regal diary? Or had it been becausehe’dbeen here?
Marcus chewed his bottom lip as he carefully considered his answer. ‘I am more relaxed today Christine. Things are starting to fall into place with the competition, and...’
‘And?’
‘Georgina is on the mend. She’ll be back in the next day or two.’
Christine took a sip of coffee as she eyed Marcus. ‘And you aren’t crediting any of this upturn in mood to a certain someone hanging around here more often?’
With a wave of his hand, Marcus tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. Christine was the only person in the bay who knew his sexual orientation—but there was nothing to tell. Yes, he fancied Rowan. Yes, Rowan had made a big positive impact on both him and his business. But he didn’t know enough about Rowan to presume he felt the same way.
He laughed lightly. ‘So, I’ve been a bear with a sore head lately, have I?’
Christine shook her head with a wry smile. ‘Not really, of course you haven’t. You’ve been your usual, jokey, happy self. But I have seen how the pressure of organising the dog competition has been weighing you down... And I have seen how you’ve become lighter having Rowan around.’
‘He’s been a good influence. He knows his stuff. I think the dog competition should run without any hitches now, thanks to Rowan.’
Christine took another sip of her coffee. ‘I’m looking forward to it. I think Tom is even considering entering Rosie. She was a rescue dog, but she’s so well trained.’
‘That’s a great idea. Let me guess... Cutest dog?’
Shrugging, Cristine headed to the door leading back into her salon. ‘Maybe? Anyway, I’d better get back. I’ve got a cut and blow-dry in next.’
‘Me too. I’d better get back to it. See you later.’
Christine disappeared through the door, but then popped her head back around it. ‘And Marcus.’
‘Yes?’
‘Do everything I wouldn’t do!’ She winked and disappeared again, and Marcus was left belly laughing.
HALFWAY THROUGH DETANGLINGa Shih tzu, a familiar face appeared around the door.
‘Rowan, you made it.’
Marcus watched Rowan’s eyes sweep around the parlour. ‘You changed the room.’
Marcus replied lightly. ‘I prefer to think of it as a full emotional makeover. Why are you hanging half-in and half-out? Come in!’
‘It might take me a while, I have a visitor.’ Rowan pushed the door wide open and Marcus was amazed to see Atlas had walked all the way up to it. It was the furthest he’d got so far.
‘Wow. How long have you been out there? I mean, how long has it taken him to get from the gate to the door?’
Rowan flicked his head to the side. ‘I reckon about twenty minutes or so.’
