Page 24 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

“For real.” I shrug awkwardly. “I’ve never worked on hair quite like yours, and definitely not when it’s all over someone’s body, but I’m up for the challenge.” I nod with growing determination, liking the idea even more as I continue to talk about it. “In fact, why don’t I do that for you a day or two before the salon officially opens? You’ll be the salon’s very first client.” I lower my voice. “But you can’t tell Astraea or she might kick my ass. I’m tough, but I’m no match for a dragon goddess.”

Hal throws his head back and laughs. It’s a sweet, rumbling noise that I immediately want to hear again.

“That sounds fantastic,” Hal replies. “I haven’t had a proper hair grooming for far too long. It can be a little… complicated with a body like mine, since I’m so hairy all over.” He frowns with worry. “That wouldn’t creep you out, would it? Some humans find it off-putting.”

There’s a note of pain in his voice that tells me this stems from something some asshole said to his face.

Motherfucker. I’d shave the sonofabitch bald.

“’Course not,” I say firmly. “Hair’s a totally natural thing, and everyone’s different. That’s part of what’s so cool about it. Yours is beautiful, and it would be an honor to work on it.” I give him a sheepish smile. “Plus, I feel like it’s a small way I can repay you for all the kindness and generosity you’ve shown me since I moved into the B&B.”

Hal holds up his hands. “I don’t need any kind of repayment. What I give to my guests is freely shared. I wouldn’t want you to feel like this is something you have to do.”

“Trust me. It’s something I want to do. I’d feel better sharing my talents as an expression of my gratitude.” I hesitate. “But if it makes you uncomfortable, I won’t force you to accept.”

Hal studies me closely as if to gauge my sincerity and then nods shyly. “I’d be delighted to be your salon’s first client in Mystic Hollow.”

That fills me with a happy, floaty sensation inside.

The conversation shifts directions again, and we start talking about the Harvest Festival and Hal’s responsibilities. But the more Hal talks, the more I want to help him somehow.

“How did your committee meeting go? Did they say I can help out? With such a big event, every little bit counts, I’m sure.”

Hal smiles and I can’t help but notice the way it makes the corners of his eyes crinkle, which is super fucking cute.

“I had a talk with the other committee members, and they all agreed you can join us at the next meeting. We’ll figure out something for you to help with, don’t worry. We’re all exhausted, and more volunteers are always welcome.”

“Awesome. I can’t wait.”

Hal grins. “I’m excited to introduce you to the other committee members. You know Baxter already, but we also have Sylvia from the Clothing Emporium, Ryder’s BFF Max MacLeod, who’s also Targan’s boyfriend, Principal Bogey and his partner Jayden, and Kassiel Blackburn, who runs a couture fashion boutique downtown.”

“Well, I do need to get to know more of the movers and shakers in town, especially among the business owners. This sounds like a two birds, one stone type of situation for me. Win-win.”

Hal chuckles but then his brow furrows in thought. “Are you sure you aren’t too busy with getting the salon up and running? I appreciate your willingness to volunteer your assistance but I don’t want to overburden you.”

“I can spare an hour or two a day until opening. Like I said, helping out is good for me too.”

Then I get an idea.

“In fact, what if I also offered some kind of special at my salon? I open the same day as the festival starts, so the timing is kinda perfect. Like, maybe I could do a Harvest Festival Blowout event?”

Hal blinks at me. “What’s a blowout?”

I can’t hold back a bark of laughter. “It’s a quick wash, dry, and style situation. Sometimes people like to do it when they have a date night or an event and want their hair to look its best.”

Hal beams. “I bet there’s lots of folks here in town who’d like to do that to look spiffy for the festival.”

“Right, and it’s a way for me to incentivize residents to come check out my salon.”

Hal holds up one of his enormous hands. “This calls for a fist bump, don’t you think?” He blushes. “Ryder taught me it.”

Too. Fucking. Cute.

I reach up my own fist, and we gently bump them together.

When we touch, a snap-crackle-pop of awareness zips through me.

Well, fuck.