Page 52 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

“They definitely know how to make an impression,” Skylar says. I can tell he’s trying not to chuckle.

“That’s one way to describe it,” I agree. They continue to sing the next verse, oblivious to all around them. “Until recently, I never realized they were such a musical species.”

We veer in the opposite direction and walk up to the quieter bar to take over two stools.

“How’s it going?” I say to Akram.

His lips twitch with amusement. “Can’t complain.”

I jerk a thumb at the rowdy patrons, now clapping for one of their friends, who’s dancing an Irish jig on the table. “Any problems with our new town residents who bare all?”

He shakes his head. “They’re paying customers and enthusiastic drinkers. Business is slow enough tonight that I’m willing to put up with their shenanigans as long as they keep their wallets open and don’t break anything.”

I chuckle. “We’ve had some… interesting encounters with them recently.” I take hold of Skylar’s hand and hold it on the bartop. “Sorry, I forgot to introduce you. This is Skylar Wright. He’s opening the new salon in town.” My chest puffs up with pride. “And he’s my boyfriend.”

Akram arches a dark, perfectly sculpted eyebrow as he glances between us, then smiles. “How wonderful. Congratulations. You’ve finally found someone who knows what a gem you truly are.”

“Damn right,” Skylar says. “Hal’s the absolute best.”

Akram extends a deep red hand to Skylar. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Akram Fayed and this is my humble establishment.”

Like most djinn, Akram has a distinctly sensual air about him that, quite frankly, makes me a little nervous. Many in town find him attractive, and I’m sure he’s a lot more experienced in the romance department than me. Tall and brawny, Akram sports the deep red skin, raven-black hair, and trim goatee common to the men of his species. Even I can admit that he’s quite arresting upon first encounter. He’s also one of the most mysterious residents in Mystic Hollow, which probably adds to his appeal for some.

To my surprise, Skylar doesn’t hold his hand out to shake Akram’s but opts to give a friendly wave instead. “Nice to meet you, Akram.”

My heart twinges. Based on some of his actions, I have a sinking feeling that Skylar’s abusive ex was a rather large and muscular man. Skylar was similarly tense around Baxter when they first met.

I move my arm behind Skylar and gently rest my hand on his lower back to remind him that I’m here and will keep him safe.

The look Akram shoots me is full of amusement, but he pulls back his hand without any fanfare and says, “What can I get you two?”

I blush a little as I place my standard order. “Ahem. A Shirley Temple for me, as usual.”

Skylar grins, and I marvel at the way that the corners of his lovely sea-green eyes crinkle like starbursts. “You like the sweet stuff, huh?”

“I’ve never been a big fan of alcohol,” I say. “But I have no problem with other people enjoying it in my presence.”

Skylar considers my words, then turns back to Akram. “Make that two. I’ll join him in that Shirley Temple.”

Akram’s eyebrows wing up so high I think they might reach his hairline, but he doesn’t comment. He just gets to work on making our drinks, for which I’m grateful.

A tingly sensation rushes through me as I study the man beside me. “You didn’t have to get the same thing as me. It’s fine if you want to have an alcoholic beverage.”

Skylar shakes his head. “It’s all good. I like to respect the preferences of the people I’m with. It’s about making sure we’re both comfortable.” His eyes turn distant. “One of my roommates from when I left Damien was working on his sobriety. It kind of became a habit for me to take steps so I wasn’t interfering with his recovery.”

“No doubt he appreciated your support. Fortunately, I have no battles with addiction of any kind. I’m just not keen on the way most alcohol tastes or the way I feel when I drink it.”

Skylar smiles softly. “That’s cool. I’m not a huge drinker either—at least, not anymore. When I was young, I drank more than enough for a lifetime, and long before I really should have been getting blitzed on cheap booze.” He smirks. “Then again, not sure anyone should be doing that.”

I frown. “Was this after you ran away from home?”

He nods and fiddles with a cocktail napkin with his free hand. I note that he hasn’t let go of mine with the other.

Cue internal squeeing!

I shove that middle-school-crush part of myself into the background and focus back on our conversation. “It couldn’t have been easy. You probably wanted a form of escape.” My heart hurts at the thought of a young Skylar on his own in the city, no one to protect him.

“Got it in one. Those were some real fucking scary times. Partying and drinking away my sorrows helped me get through it. It’s all so cliché, but yeah, I was pretty wild. Guess I was out to rebel against the world.” He chuckles. “Real fucking self-destructive, but I figured shit out. Eventually.”