Page 67 of The Recovery Coach
“You’re sure you’re okay with us going out?”she asked.
Yet another opening where he could object.He didn’t want to ruin either of their evenings.“For sure,” he lied.“I hope you have the best time.”That part, at least, was true.
Livy had freshly washed hair; the strands were silky and smooth, and when he ran his fingers through the curls, he got the exact effect he’d been hoping for.Soft, shiny hair fell over her shoulders in gentle waves.He worked some delicious-smelling oil (from his own collection) into the ends.
He unplugged the curling iron and said, “Okay, close your eyes.”
She obliged.He tugged her to her feet and led her to the bathroom where she could get the full effect in the floor-length mirror.Adjusting her dress and hair so it sat right, he said, “Now, open your eyes.”
She stared at herself for long enough to make Hazy doubt his ability, even though she looked stunning.She touched the choker around her neck and ran her fingers through her waves, disheveling them and enhancing their beauty.
“Oh my God, Connor.I’m like a sexy Cinderella.”
He looped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder while she stared at herself in the mirror more.
“You’re my fairy godmother,” she said.
The sentiment shocked a chuckle out of him.“Bippity Boppity Boo, or something I guess.”
She really did resemble a modern-day, alternative Cinderella.Her dress was the perfect shade of blue, and the choker added to the effect.She swayed her hips to make her skirt swish.
“It works for you.”
“Hell yeah, it does,” Livy agreed.“If you’re going to pull out this level of talent, you’re dressing me for every date I ever go on until the end of time.And my wedding.”
Hazy scoffed.“I can’t believe you’d consider letting someone else touch your hair for your wedding.You’d betray me like that?”
She twisted in his arms and planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek.It left a sticky patch where her lip gloss stuck to his skin.His heart skipped a beat.
Fuck, it couldn’t be doing that.Sister.She has to be like your sister.You will not ruin this for Lover.Or Livy.Think of every gross, weird thing you know about her.
Hazy came up empty.Livy had no weird or gross qualities.
“No, I wouldn’t betray you like that.”She turned back to the mirror and admired herself again.“Oh my gosh!”She slapped his arm three times in excitement.
“What?”he asked.
“Hair and fashion totally count as hobbies.”
His mood lightened as he realized she was right.
While they waited for Lover, Hazy watched over her shoulder as she picked out the last of her makeup haul.He was fascinated by the way Livy window-shopped.As kids they’d spent a lot of time adding stuff to an online cart they’d never purchase.Hazy still took up the practice sometimes, using the shopping app as a cure for boredom.He didn’t need—or want—any of the junk people used to fill a void they should be filling with meaningful relationships and retirement savings.
Livy added everything of the slightest interest to the cart.Every once in a while a text from the guys would pop up and she’d swipe it away to keep browsing.Hazy had no idea what he was missing by ignoring his phone, but for once he didn’t care.Livy’s shopping habits were way more interesting.
When another banner popped up, Livy’s thumb moved to dismiss the notification, but she accidentally opened the text thread.To one of his go-to hookups, Tiffany.Who had sent a very naked picture.
They both panicked.He reached for the phone as she tried to shove it at him, and their colliding hands made the phone clatter to the ground.“Sorry!”
His cheeks heated with mortification as he picked the phone up off the floor and stuffed it into his pocket.
He cleared his throat.“It’s fine.”
“I really didn’t mean to invade your privacy.”Her voice came out squeaky, and her blush showed through her foundation.
“I know.It’s okay.”
Neither of them seemed to know what to say, and he didn’t think it could get any more awkward until she said, “I’ve never sent a nude.”
