Kaydee sobered. The guy had weathered some damn heavy crosses in his life. He didn’t need any more. “I wouldn’t move there. I have to stay with my grandfather until my dad retires.”
She slowed down as she neared the salon parking lot. It was deserted except for two cars, and the lights were on in the shop, which she and Fiona closed and locked up an hour ago.
Fiona frowned. “Why is Rose here?”
Kaydee shut the engine off. “Don’t know. Let’s go find out.”
“There you two are,” Rose said, standing next to her husband behind the counter, both wearing matching grins.
“Okay…what’s going on?” Fiona frowned, glancing back and forth. “Are we onCandid Camera? Or something?”
“No, honey.” Rose shook her head as she came around the counter, smile still curving her lips. “Earl and I have a proposition for you.”
“Me?” Fiona raised her brows.
“Yes.” The older man moved to slide an arm around his wife. “We know you want to own your own shop, and I’ve finally convinced Rose to hang up her scissors and see the country with me.”
Rose snickered. “While we’re still young enough to get around on our own.”
“So…what exactly are you saying?” Kaydee asked, not daring to believe what her gut was telling her.
“We want to sell the salon to Fiona.”
“Punk’d,” Fi said, glancing around again. “We’re onPunk’d, right?”
Earl laughed. “No.”
Her friend stilled, and Fiona’s eyes widened. “S-o-o…you’re for real?”
“Yes.” Rose chuckled.
Fiona let out a high-pitchedwhoopand pulled Rose in for a hug. “I’ll take it.”
Their boss laughed. “Don’t you want to hear our proposition first?”
“Of course,” Fi said.
“Great.” Earl motioned with his hand toward the back of the shop. “Let’s go to the office and talk numbers. Trust me. It’s doable.”
Excitement propelled Kaydee forward. She did trust them, and for the first time since she started to help Fi salon-shop, she had a good feeling about this one. Neither of them was going to have to leave this location. Warmth radiated throughout her body. For someone who embraced and encouraged changes, she was surprisingly happy her work and personal relationships were heading in a more permanent direction.
Life was good. God, it’d be great if it stayed that way.
Chapter Sixteen
Ever since that first morning Leo woke up in his bed at the ranch with Kaydee in his arms, he’d felt different. Centered.
Grounded.
Over the past week and a half, they’d fallen into a very satisfying, comfortable routine. And she seemed different, too. More relaxed. Open. And that was before her friend had signed papers to buy Yellow Rose Salon. Although that definitely put a smile on her face. He loved seeing her so happy. He’d given her another reason to smile when they’d had their own private celebration over the weekend.
That was three days ago. He hadn’t seen her since, and he admittedly missed her. Something he’d never felt with any other woman. Longing. It was kind of a double-edged sword. Sucked at the time, but when they did see each other their connection was stronger.
Thankfully, today was Wednesday, which meant his weekly trip north tonight to have dinner with his grandmother, followed by dessert with Kaydee. She was the dessert…and more. So much more. He still hadn’t told her how he felt, though.
Admitting their feelings would be a step toward commitment. If that happened, he’d have to tell her about his past. He believed the only way a relationship could work was if it was open, and there were no secrets. Trouble was, revealing the secrets from his past could jeopardize his future with Kaydee. But not telling her would definitely doom his chance at a relationship with her.
The woman was worth the chance.
