Page 23 of Desert King

6

Amber

Three days later…

“You’re good with him.”

“Thanks. He’s amazing.”

We both turn our heads. Evan is busy at his easel painting. He has natural talent and many of his pieces hang in oak frames around the room.

“I knew you were the right fit. My family thought it was crazy to hire you, without meeting you in person. But I just had a gut feeling you were the right person.”

“That’s how I felt, too.”

“What’s wrong? I thought you liked it here?”

“It’s only been three days… but yes. I’m sure I’m staying.”

“Then why are you twisting the ends of your shirt and biting your lip. And every time a bike goes by, you wring your hands.”

I blow a lock of hair off my face. “I’d never win big in Vegas, eh?”

“Nope.”

“Ugh, it’s nothing. Just some dumb-ass biker giving me a hard time.”

“Tell me about it. I was married to one.”

“Was he a Royal Bastard?”

“Totally.” We look at each other and laugh. “I like you Amber, not just as Evan’s para. I was hoping we could be friends. And by the way—I’m dying to get you into my salon. I’m not into girls, but I know you’ve caught me staring.”

My face heats because I have caught Jenny looking at me when she thought I didn’t notice.

“I didn’t want to impose but my ends… I tried to dye them myself…”

“Let me see.”

My hands undo the sloppy bun on top my head.

She lifts a lock of my hair. “I can work with this.”

“Really?”

“Please. You would not believe what people did to themselves during the pandemic when salons were closed. I was booked solid for a year.”

“I’ll bet,” I smile.

“Evan’s dad is taking him for tacos later. Swing by my salon, I’ll stay open for you.”

“I couldn’t impose…”

“Is it about money? I’m offering.”

“No. It’s not that. I can pay…I just… can you do more than hair? Would it be weird?”

“What did you have in mind?”

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