By the time I head back to town, I’m filthy and exhausted, but I’m happier than I’ve been in months. I stop by my condo to shower and change before I make one more pit stop.
It’s time to prove to Baylee that she’s the only woman I want.
33
BAYLEE
Honey McAllister runsher fingers through her long locks. “Baylee, I love the bangs. I didn’t think I could pull them off.”
“You have one of those faces that can handle most hairstyles. Short, long, layered. It’s annoying.”
Her light laugh fills my salon, but it cuts off suddenly. I look up to find her scowling at whoever just walked in the door.
Turning, I find Beau decked out in his firefighter uniform. He nods to Honey, who turns away from him. I don’t know what happened between these two, but something obviously did.
“Beau Walker, what can I do for you?” I ask as I unsnap Honey’s cape.
He braces his arm against the wall. “We’re having a family dinner over at the Saloon and Paige sent me to get you.”
Frowning, I reach for my phone. “Did she text? Because I don’t have that on my calendar.”
Honey hands me money and then pulls me into a quick hug. “Thanks, Baylee. Catch ya later.” As she scoots under Beau’s arm, she mutters, “Asshole,” and waltzes out the door.
His face goes tight as she walks by.
I glance around the salon. Vera’s brows lift. Glad I’m not the only person who caught that interaction.
Beau crosses his arms. “Not sure if Paige forgot to ask you. Do you have other plans?”
I lift Leo out of his car seat. “No, but it’s been a long day.”
Vera, my sweet friend, puts her hand on my shoulder. “Want me to watch the baby for a bit? That way you can enjoy dinner with your friends.”
“Really?” I love my son to pieces, but it would be awesome to get a break. Plus, I really need to talk to Maverick. I’m sick over what happened last night. Even though I’m still having a hard time with Nicole, it’s not Maverick’s fault she’s buying a condo in his building. Now that I’ve had some time to reflect, I can admit he wasn’t being particularly flirty. He was just being polite.
Mav texted this morning, but I didn’t know how to respond, so I didn’t. At the time, I was too frustrated by the “Wild Heart’s biggest bachelor” article in theGazetteand didn’t want to add fuel to the fire. Then I read the announcement detailing Mav’s so-called date with that dumb bitch Nicole and decided I needed a timeout before I said something I regretted.
Vera tickles Leo. “I have a client coming in for a cut, color, and style, but I have time to feed him beforehand.”
I love this woman. “Let me pay you. I know it’s a lot to juggle.”
She waves her hand. “Don’t be silly. Leo is an angel, but if he gets fussy, I’ll text you. The restaurant is only two blocks away.”
“If you’re sure…”
“Go have fun.”
“Thank you.” I kiss Leo’s precious face, hand him to Vera, and head out.
As Beau and I walk to the Wild West Saloon, I nudge him. “So what’s with you and Honey?”
“Why do people always ask me that? Nothing’s going on.”
“And I’m sure no one believes you, grumpy pants.” I snicker at his disgruntled expression.
Unfortunately, the restaurant is packed. I’d better just get an appetizer because if Vera needs me, I need to be able to duck out.
Beau opens the saloon-style doors for me, and then he points to the opposite side of the huge bar. Sitting by the piano is the whole Walker clan.
