Page 34 of Embracing James

He couldn’t argue. He ate his lunch in silence.

James balled the paper after he ate the last bite. “Oof. That was too much, but just right.”

He chuckled and finished his own sandwich. “I want to take care of you.”

James’ eyes widened. “No one has ever said that.”

“I’m not like anyone else.”

“No, you’re not.” James collected the garbage and tossed it. “My next appointment is a color and blow out. It’ll take a while and I need to prep for it or I’d stay here in the office a little longer.”

“No problem. I’ll get to sweeping up.”

“Thank you.” James kissed him. “You’re one in a million.”

“And I’m falling for you.” He’d said it and had no regrets over saying the words out loud.

“Well, okay.” James beamed. He didn’t say the words in return, but Paul didn’t mind. They needed time and he’d give James all he needed. He knew how he felt about James, even so soon. He’d fallen hard for James Mason.

Chapter Nine

James finished the last of his clients and cleaned up his area. His feet ached and so did his back, but he’d put in a solid day of work. He prided himself in keeping his customers happy, no matter how much it sometimes wore him down.

Ky approached him. “I’m leaving. Do you need anything?”

“No.” He glanced over at Ky’s station—clean, orderly and ready for the next day. “All done? Did you have any issues?” He hadn’t noticed any, but he’d been busy, too.

“No, I had a good day.” Ky nodded. “I like the clientele here. It’s eclectic and exciting. You’re pretty easy to work for, too. You don’t hover over us and only ask for five percent. That’s nothing. My last salon insisted I split my take fifty-fifty.”

“Steep.” He’d never had to do that, but some salons could be greedy. Maybe he didn’t ask enough from his stylists.

“Yeah. I’m glad to be here. I don’t feel like I’m being judged.”

“You’re not. I hope you stick around, because you do good work,” James said. “I watched you today and I liked what I saw.”

“Thought you might keep an eye on me.” Ky chuckled. “I expected you to watch. It’s your salon.”

“Some stylists wouldn’t agree with you.” He’d had a few stylists who wanted him to back completely off.

“It’s your salon. I’d like to open one, but not now.” Ky folded his arms. “Who was that guy here earlier sweeping up?”

“Paul.” They’d slept together and he believed Paul was his boyfriend, but things could’ve changed since they’d been together.

“He’s cute.”

“He’s my boyfriend,” James said. “It’s new.”

“He comes here to clean up? Then you’ve got a good one—or he’s in dire need of a job,” Ky said.

“He has a job, but he likes to come here to help.”

Ky nodded. “I’m glad I asked who he was before I made a move. I don’t butt into relationships.”

“Good. I hate the extra drama in my salon.” Ky was handsome and younger than James. He’d be a catch for Paul or anyone else. But James hated lots of interpersonal drama.

“Anyway, I’m heading out. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Ky said. “Thank you.”

“Have a good night.” He had his first appointment the next day at ten-thirty. Some days it felt like he never got to leave the salon.

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