Page 50 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

Hal flushes and stares down at his feet. “I just spoke from the heart. Our town means everything to me, and I know we can all get through this if we work together and support each other.”

“You’re a stand-up guy, Hal Atwood.”

That warm, floaty feeling returns to my chest, and I decide I should be open with him too. “At first, when you told me what’s going on, I was hella worried. I mean, I have so much riding on the salon being a success that I kind of freaked. But coming here and listening to you talk? Now I’m as determined as you are to stick things out. Together. I may not have been in Mystic Hollow for long, but it already feels like home to me, and it’s the first place since Grandma’s apartment that I’ve ever felt truly safe. There’s no way in hell I’m giving that up.”

Hal reaches out and puts a large, warm hand on my shoulder, giving me a gentle squeeze. The action raises goose bumps all over my body and has my mind replaying last night’s events. Again.

Fuck, am I in trouble or what. Forget falling, I’ve completely crash-landed into love.

“We can do this,” he tells me, oblivious to my wayward thoughts. “And your business is going to thrive. I guarantee it.”

The conviction in his voice reassures me while the sparkle in his eyes makes me chuckle. “Not sure that’s something you can guarantee, but I appreciate the encouragement.”

He gives me a mock affronted look. “I beg to differ.”

“Oh, you’re psychic now?” I tease. “Like a giant Magic-8 Ball?”

He rolls his eyes. “Hardly. What I am is one hundred percent confident in you. For the past few weeks, I’ve watched you work tirelessly to make your dream come true. While things might not always be smooth sailing, and we both know that’s hardly ever the case when it comes to business, I’ve seen you display the resilience and persistence to keep going no matter what.”

Goddammit if I’m not starting to tear up again in the face of my very own seven-foot-tall cheerleader.

“How do you always know what to say and what I really fucking need to hear?” I choke out in a whisper.

His expression turns anxious, and he reaches out a hesitant hand to stroke my cheek. “Don’t cry, Skylar. I’m sorry if I made you sad. I didn’t mean to.”

I wipe furiously at my eyes. “You didn’t make me sad, you big, sweet goof. You made me real fucking happy.”

“I did?” His whole face brightens. “Good. I’d hate to have to cancel our very first date.”

“Not on your life,” I say with a growl.

He chuckles and takes hold of my hand for the first time in public. “Let’s go.”

As we walk toward the bar, I hunch down in my jacket to ward off the chilly evening air. All the while, I can’t seem to take my eyes off Hal.

I want to figure out what I can do to make him feel as wonderful as he makes me feel. Hal gives so much to others but asks for nothing in return, and I want to be the one to take care of and appreciate him the way he deserves.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Cryptids United in Delightful Dating and Love Encouragement (CUDDLE) Forum

SuperShySasquatch: My boyfriend is brilliant. He’s even helping me with my business. Now I’ve got a website, a social media account, and a professional plan for how to attract more customers. I didn’t have a clue about any of this stuff, which is probably why business hasn’t exactly been booming for a very long time.

IPutTheBrahInChupacabra: Whoa, dude. You guys have leveled up from boyfriends to partners overnight.

YetiOrNotHereICome: No kidding. I think you’ve got a keeper. Someone who wants to help you be successful is a rare thing in this day and age.

LoungeSingerLizardMan: I’ll drink to that.

SuperShySasquatch: He’s starting his own brand-new business in town, so he’s been super busy, but he devoted his time and expertise to helping me. It was such a generous and selfless act. I was so touched. No one’s ever done something like this for me. And the way he took charge and made it happen was so cool!

MerMagicMan: Once again, my love life looks even more lackluster in comparison. But please, do keep bragging. JK. I want to hear all the details. *winky face emoji

NessieNeedsLoveToo: I thought you were taking things slow? *side-eye emoji

SuperShySasquatch: We are. At least, I think we are. My heart has already raced to the finish line, but I don’t want to rush him when it comes to feelings. For now, I’m making sure we’re talking and getting to know each other better, learning each other’s preferences, and so forth. In fact, he’s taking me on our first date soon. His idea!

YetiOrNotHereICome: I’m totally sighing dreamily over here. This is the most precious love story I’ve been privy to in ages. Can’t wait to hear how the date goes. Have a wonderful time, honey.