Page 93 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

He and I are still trying to figure out all that we need to do to care for her. Max has been giving us all kinds of helpful tips and food recipes for her, but in contrast to a typical dog, she seems pretty self-sufficient and doesn’t need the level of constant attention a normal puppy would. When Hal and I took her for our first walk together, she acclimated to it like a natural, didn’t need any training at all, and I’m certain she’s decided she’s the queen of our block. You can kinda tell in the way she struts down the street every morning.

I help Hal carry our dinner trays into the living room, listening while he enthusiastically explains that they’re antique TV trays but he’s retrofitted one of them to accommodate his own bigger frame.

So. Fucking. Cute.

I think that all the time around Hal, but it’s true every single time.

As we settle in on the couch, I take in the delicious-looking spread he’s made for each of us.

“I thought it might be good to go with some easier finger foods for dinner,” Hal explains, pointing to the homemade mini pizzas he’s made along with the fresh vegetable crudité and dill dip. We each also have a small bowl full of what looks to be caramel popcorn.

“You outdid yourself, Hal. This looks fantastic,” I tell him honestly.

He gives me one of those bashful smiles of his that makes my chest all tight.

This sasquatch is mine!

You better believe there’s no way I’m gonna let anyone else nab him out from under me. Nope, I’m gonna give our relationship all I’ve got, because I know Hal’s going to do the same for me. Sure, I don’t exactly know what I’m doing, but I’m confident Hal and I can figure it out together, like real fucking partners.

I’ve never had that before and I want to guard it with my life. Mark my words—if it’s for Hal, I think I could do almost anything.

We settle in and enjoy our delicious food as I introduce Hal to the glory of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and cheesy horror B movies. While we watch, we laugh and talk, offering our own commentary on the silly movie.

Turning off the television when the movie ends, Hal chuckles. “Elvira is definitely the perfect name for our girl. I’m so glad I can better understand where that reference comes from. Anytime you want to do this again, I’m on board.”

As if sensing we’re talking about her, Elvira prances into the room, all smiles, and when we push our trays to the side, she jumps up onto the couch between us and curls up contentedly.

It’s my turn to chuckle. “She’s made herself at home awfully damn fast, hasn’t she?” I reach out and stroke the top of one of her heads. “You know a good thing when you see it, don’t you, girl?”

And I can’t blame her. I feel the same way.

Hal gets up, preparing to clean the dishes, and I stop him.

“Nope, no way, man. I’m doing the dishes tonight. You did all the cooking, so I can do the cleaning.”

Hal wrings his hands. “Are you sure? You must be tired after working so hard at the salon.”

“Sure, but you did too,” I counter. “Just because you were working here doesn’t mean it was any less hard. I know how much time and effort you put into maintaining this place and all the stuff you’re doing for the Harvest Festival on the side.” I take hold of his big, warm hand. “Please, let me do this. If we’re boyfriends, we need to be able to share responsibilities in the house.”

He caves, nodding in agreement. “You’re right.”

Heck yeah, I am. Getting him to let me wash the dishes feels like a small victory.

I smile. “Why don’t you go take Little Ms. Elvira for her after-dinner evening walk while I get everything done in the kitchen?”

“You don’t want to come with us?” That is definitely punctuated with a pout.

So fucking adorable.

“Usually I would, but tonight, it’s time for payback.”

His eyes widen. “What?”

I flash a wicked grin. “This date isn’t over yet. We’re going to my salon next, and you’re going to be my first haircut in Mystic Hollow, babe.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

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