Page 99 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

As if proving my point, Hal tosses a sausage into each of Elvira’s mouths and she munches away with obvious satisfaction.

“She’s a growing girl, after all. We need to keep her well-fed.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Are you telling me you didn’t already feed her a big breakfast when she woke up?”

“Ahem.” Hal looks away guiltily. “No comment.”

I grin so hard my jaw hurts—and I realize Hal’s the only one who’s ever made me do that.

Love’s funny that way. Huh.

I glance around and then crane my neck to look up at the ceiling. “Is Astraea eating with us?”

Hal shrugs. “I’m not sure. She got back pretty early this morning, so I suspect she’s still sleeping, and I don’t want to disturb her.”

I nod. My boyfriend is seriously a smart guy. “Neither of us needs a grouchy dragon goddess breathing literal fire down our necks.”

“I suspect she, Baxter, and Rowan were busy with magic business most of last night, making sure everything is A-okay for today,” Hal says. “After all, it’s finally the big opening day of the festival.” He beams. “And your salon!”

I smile back. “I’m glad we have Rowan here now. Hopefully everything will go off without a hitch.”

Somehow, Hal can always make me see the bright side of life. I’m not even worried about today.

“Your salon opening is going to be a huge success, I just know it. You’ve done such an incredible job of bringing your dream to life, and I’m certain folks in town will appreciate your skills as a hairdresser.” He winks at me and fuck if that isn’t the cutest thing ever. “I’ve gotten to experience your talent firsthand, so I know you’ll be in hot demand, my love.”

His words make me squirm a little. I’m not used to hearing a lot of praise, and don’t know how to respond to it, but I’m working on it with Dr. P. She tells me I deserve it and I’m starting, little by little, to believe her—mostly because of Hal. His encouragement, support, and unwavering certainty in my abilities has started to change how I see myself.

He’s also inspired me to reassess my priorities in life. My business is very important to me, but Hal is even more so.

The haircut I gave him is just the start of how I plan to take care of Hal, in my own way, from here on out. Seeing how much he loved me using my hairdresser mojo on him filled me with a shit ton of pride and satisfaction. I also learned that having his hair brushed and washed is a sensual and pleasurable experience for him. He might not experience sexual desire, but there are plenty of other ways we can share forms of physical intimacy we both enjoy. I plan to perform a detailed study of what Hal likes so I can do more of it.

We share a few moments of companionable silence while we finish our breakfast. When I’m done eating, I glance at the clock on the wall and gulp down a second cup of black coffee. It burns a little on the way down, but I don’t care. Caffeine is my lifeblood, especially on opening day.

“I hate to rush off,” I apologize, getting up from the table, “but I really gotta get down to the salon since Akram is going to meet me there soon. We need to get him situated with his drink station before I open the doors to clients.”

“Of course. Once I’ve tidied up here, I’ll be heading out as well. I’ve got to go down to the orchard for the festival’s opening events.” He blushes adorably. “If you get a chance to swing by around four o’clock, the students from Jayden’s class over at the elementary school are going to be doing a musical performance.”

“Sounds like fun. I’ll have to see how things go but’ll do my best to make it. I think I can either close a little early or lock up for a short break.”

Hal follows me to the front door. “All the best, Skylar. I know your opening day is going to be fantastic. Remember to believe in yourself and your dream. You’re really making it happen, and there’s no one and nothing that can stop you.”

My chest gets full and tight as I study his face, which has become so precious to me.

I muster my resolve and stride over to him, motioning him to lean down. He does so with the quizzical look on his face that morphs into delighted surprise when I pull him down for a kiss.

When I let him go, his expression is more than a little dazed and flustered.

It makes me downright smug.

“That’s just a little something special so you don’t forget about me today. We’ll continue this tonight.” I wink at him and turn to stroll out the front door, whistling the whole way.

I don’t think I stop smiling until I reach the front door of the salon.

Just as I’m opening up, a van pulls to a stop at the curb in front of me and Akram jumps out.

“Perfect timing,” he says with a grin. “I’ve got a van full of booze, and I’m ready to get this shindig started.”

I reach out to shake his hand. “Fantastic, I like a man who comes prepared. Follow me.”