Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45455 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 182(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45455 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 182(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
“I don’t know if that would be any better,” she said, shaking her head.
“Doctors are used to questions, Bumblebee. It will be okay. I bet CC will be able to answer some questions for you, too. I’ll get something scheduled for next week.”
“I’m super busy next week,” she hedged.
“Let’s try an earlier date then. Are you free tomorrow to have them join us for dinner?” he double checked.
“Yes. Tomorrow works. I even get off earlier at three.”
“Perfect. I’ll work from home in the afternoon so I can be here when you arrive. Shall we put this list away for now and watch some television?” he suggested, lifting the notebook from his lap.
“Please. I’d like that.”
Within minutes, she and Spike were cuddled together on the couch with a fun program on. She was soon lost in the mystery he’d found. Made for kids, it wasn’t scary but very engaging. Kiki laid her cheek on her Daddy’s chest and inhaled his scent deeply. If only she could freeze this moment in time.
Chapter Eleven
“Wow! I’d love to know what you’re thinking about,” Beverly teased as she watched the hairstylist clean brushes while they waited for the color to process.
“Just making my grocery list,” Kiki assured her long-time client with a pat on her shoulder as she schooled her expression from the smile that had curved her lips.
“Liar. There’s only one thing that makes a woman look like that. There’s a man in your life. Tell me about him,” Beverly insisted.
Caving after a second’s hesitation, Kiki admitted, “He’s incredible—handsome, mannered, and so attentive.”
“Sounds like a keeper. I knew I’d found my match the first time I met my Harvey. He was a handsome devil. After forty-two years together, you’d think I’d be tired of him, but he’s still my favorite person on earth.”
“You are so cute together,” Kiki agreed. “Is he taking you out to dinner tonight?”
“We’re trying something new. There’s a cupcake shop that everyone keeps telling me about. I’m going to take Harvey there for a treat,” Beverly revealed.
“Little Cakes?”
“Yes! That’s it. Have you been there?”
“Oh, yes. My favorite is Fudge Crunch but you have to be a major chocoholic to love that one,” Kiki warned.
“Bring it on!” Beverly cheered. “Harvey will try something else. He’s not a chocolate fan.”
When Kiki shook her head at this thought, Beverly continued, “I know. I don’t get it, but I don’t like cherry-flavored anything, so I try to pretend to understand his flavor preferences.”
“A life without chocolate…”
“I know. It’s almost as unsatisfying as a life without a love partner,” Beverly pointed out. “You should keep this man who makes you smile.”
“I think I will. Hopefully, he’ll want to keep me,” Kiki quipped back.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt about that,” a familiar deep voice said from behind her.
Brushes clattered to the floor as Kiki whirled around to face Terry. “Hi! I wasn’t expecting you,” she said, walking closer.
“I’m sorry to startle you,” he apologized. “I was driving by and wanted to let you know that CC and Hunter are coming to dinner tonight. Were you stopping by your apartment before coming home?”
Her mind focused on that last word, home. It was so appealing to think of his house as her home, too. She stared at him, unable to process his question.
“Bumblebee,” Terry growled in a low tone as he cupped her jaw and kissed her lightly.
Cheers and wolf whistles sounded around them, making Kiki step back when all she really wanted to do was wrap her arms around his neck and snuggle close. She felt her cheeks warm and knew she was blushing. “Terry…”
“Sorry, sweetheart. I know you’re busy. Here’s the highlight you’ll want to know. Tonight. Company for dinner,” he recapped.
With a laugh, she nodded. “Got it that time. Thanks for the warning. I’ll dress a bit differently.”
“Bring comfortable clothes, too.”
Terry leaned close to whisper in her ear, “And bring clothes for work tomorrow.”
As her mind boggled with the possibility of spending the night with him, Terry pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. “Drive safely. It’s raining hard out there.”
“I will. Thank you.” Her voice trailed off meaningfully as she paused. She really wanted to add one more word. When he winked at her before turning to walk to the exit, Kiki knew he understood.
“Should I reschedule my appointment, Kiki?” Beverly asked with a grin, pulling Kiki from her thoughts.
“What? Sorry, Beverly. I’m with you now.” Kiki picked up the brushes and placed them in the cleaning bin under her station. She’d deal with those later. Turning her attention to her client’s hair, she tested the color absorption. “Five more minutes. Want some coffee?”
“I’d love a cup with five sugars and a good dollop of cream,” Beverly reported and then laughed as Kiki’s mouth fell open at the thought of that concoction. “You are paying attention. A cup of black coffee would be amazing after you rinse out the color.”