by LuAnn McLane
“Oh thank you, Carrie Ann. And I’m fond of you too.” Sophia shifted in her chair and inhaled deeply. Of course she’d thought about staying in Cricket Creek, especially recently. The peace and quiet of a small town drew her in more than she’d expected, and living in the same town with Garret, Grace, and her mother would be sorely missed once she moved back to the city. She’d sublet her apartment to a friend, and Sophia had no doubt that Janie would be more than happy to take over permanently. “But Lily is nearly six months old and Mattie is back full-time at Walking on Sunshine. While I love cooking and enjoyed filling in as a chef, I’m a hair stylist and makeup artist. I’ve worked hard to develop my clientele. It’s time for me to head back to New York before I lose them. I’ve stayed through the holidays, but I really need to get back for the June bridal season. I’ve already stayed way longer than I intended. My salon is running out of patience with me. They will only hold my position open for so long before I’m permanently replaced.”
Carrie Ann pressed her deep red lips together and gave her a level look. “And just why did you do that?” she asked but continued without waiting for an answer. “Um, maybe because you want to stay in Cricket Creek?” She raised her eyebrows. “Hmm? And you could have a chair here.” She waved her arm in a wide arc. “I could certainly use someone with your reputation and skills. Girl, after you helped with the updos for the Snow Ball Dance, requests for you started pouring in.”
“You’ve mentioned that a time or two.”
“Or ten.” Carrie Ann gave her a slight grin.
Sophia loved the little salon situated in the heart of Main Street, and while she didn’t miss the drama of the high-end bridezillas she’d had to deal with, her expertise was in elaborate updos and makeup for elaborate events and weddings. But how could she tell Carrie Ann that the little salon wouldn’t be enough of a challenge without sounding uppity and rude?
“Hey...” Carrie Ann raised her palms upward and inclined her head. “I know what you’re thinkin’. You’re used to the hustle and bustle of that fancy salon in New York City, and this wouldn’t be enough for someone with your skills.”
“Carrie Ann...”
“Hear me out, sweet pea.”
“Okay.” Sophia gripped the magazine and waited.
Carrie Ann nibbled on the inside of her cheek for a few seconds as if gathering her thoughts. “We’ve been slow today but A Cut Above still holds its own against the chains popping up outside of town. I have lots of loyal local clients, and I could use a couple more stylists.” She put her hands on her knees and leaned forward. “But I’ve been tinkerin’ with the idea of opening a salon up in Wedding Row. You know, in that pretty strip of wedding-related shops overlookin’ the river?”
“I’ve been up there with Grace.” Sophia nodded her foiled head and felt a warm flash in interest. “If I remember right, there’s a florist, jewelry store, and lovely bridal boutique, among other things.”
“From This Moment is owned by Addison Monroe, daughter of Melinda Monroe, the famous financial guru. She married a local boy.”
“I know.” Sophia nodded slowly. “Um...Addison was engaged to my half brother, Garret, before she married Reid Greenfield. It was kind of a messy story in the tabloids for a while until Rick Ruleman, my mom’s ex-husband, came to Cricket Creek to straighten out the rumors and crazy lies fueled by the media. Rick was a rock legend with a reputation to match, but he would never have had an affair with Garret’s fiancée.” Sophia shook her head in disgust.
Carrie Ann slapped her hand to her forehead. “Well, hell’s bells, how in the world could I have forgotten about that little detail?” She winced.
Sophia sliced a dismissive hand through the air. “Oh, no worries where that’s concerned. Addison and Garret are on great terms now. She even sent a baby gift for Lily.” Sophia lifted one shoulder. “My mom and Rick have mended their fences too. Crazy, but I never thought I’d see the day when he’d retire from his hard rock days and settle down in a small town. And his wife, Maggie, is such a sweetie.” Sophia chuckled. “Life is so weird.”
“Tell me about it. Your fashion model mama married a bass fisherman, and they run a fishin’ camp for underprivileged kids right here in Cricket Creek. Your sister, Grace, swooped into town and helped Mason Mayfield save his craft brewery from going under.”
“Oh, Mason was none too happy about Grace’s marketing plan. They butted heads over calling it Broomstick Brewery.”
“I thought it was genius. Sure brought in the local female crowd who might not have tried craft beer. I didn’t know how delicious a glass of flavored ale could taste. And names like Spellbound and Witches’ Brew are so clever.”
“Oh no doubt, but Mason didn’t go down without a fight.” Sophia groaned. “Oh, I love Mason’s chocolate porter.”
“Um, yeah! I’d say your family is pretty damned awesome.”
“Why, thank you. I totally agree,” she said with a firm nod.
“This is why you need to consider staying in Cricket Creek.” Carrie Ann stood up and checked one of the foils. “Not done processing yet.” She folded it back into place.
“Carrie Ann, why are you so adamant about my staying?” she asked but had an inkling of where this conversation could be heading.
“What would you say to opening up a wedding-themed salon as partners? I’m thinking I’d like to call it White Lace and Promises,” she said in a dreamy tone.
Sophia’s heart thudded with excitement, but about a dozen questions popped into her head all at once. While her mom and sister were all about taking financial risks, Sophia was much more conservative. “Would there be enough weddings to keep the business brisk?”
“Good question. I spoke with Reid Greenfield’s sister, Sara, who said that she’s getting big barn weddings booked from Nashville, Tennessee, and Lexington, Kentucky. Sara’s wedding-reception venue with the gorgeous river setting is growing by leaps and bounds. She’s also booking more intimate receptions at Wine and Diner right here on Main Street. We might be a small town, but we’re close to some big cities. And don’t forget that there’s a convention center down by the baseball stadium now. I’m sure there will be some black-tie events, which could mean even more business. Sophia, sugar, with your expertise and reputation, I truly think the clientele would grow quickly.” Her voice picked up speed, and her hands did the talking as she became more and more excited. “The businesses up on Wedding Row support and feed off one another. There’s a shop available for lease right next to Flower Power and it’s just two doors down from the bridal boutique!” She paused to take a breath. “So what do you think? Not that you have to give me an answer right now. But thoughts...Give me some feedback.”
“I’m definitely interested.”
Carrie Ann smacked her knee. “Sweet! I’ve been thinkin’ about this ever since Wedding Row opened up, but I didn’t have anybody like you who could take the reins for me. And I have to keep on top of things here at A Cut Above. My mother opened this shop, and I want to keep the doors open in her honor.” She raised her arms skyward. “This is so perfect! We definitely need to head to Sully’s or down to the taproom at the brewery and celebrate.”
“Carrie Ann...I said I’m interested,” Sophia said with a note of caution in her tone.
“Okay then...” Carrie Ann flipped her palm over and put her index finger to her opposite pinkie. “Let’s start a list of reasons why you should do this: You’d be your own boss. I would basically let you run the whole thing. You’d live in the same town as your family. The cost of living is nothing compared to New York City. You already told me that you love your condo overlooking the river.” She leaned forward and put her hand next to her mouth and whispered, “And you already know that most of the hot Cricket Creek Cougars baseball players live there. Thought I’d toss in that tidbit.”
“I hadn’t noticed,” Sophia said.
&
nbsp; “Oh...well maybe that’s because someone else in this town has caught your eye.”
“Pffft...no way.” She pointed to her eyes. “Not caught.”
“Right, and I’m a natural redhead.”
Laughing, Sophia pointed to her own hair. “And I’m about to become a natural blonde.”
Carrie Ann sat back in her chair. “You’re gonna look that way because of my expertise. Actually, those highlights will be just the perfect little boost to your gorgeous caramel color. A very Jennifer Aniston look. You kinda remind me of her...so pretty but not in a flashy way.”
“Coming from one of the flashiest women I know.”
“At my age I have to pile on makeup and bling to camouflage my flaws.”
“Oh shut up! You’re gorgeous.”
“Ah, bless your heart, Sophia. But, sweetheart, you’re a natural beauty.”
“The girl next door, right?” While Sophia didn’t have the stunning long-legged beauty of her mother and sister, Grace, she was content with her looks for the most part. Although it was super irritating that Grace could eat whatever she damn well pleased and not gain an ounce. Having a slow metabolism really sucked. While Sophia also didn’t share the big personalities of her mother and sister, she was happy to stay in the background. She’d much rather do hair and makeup than be in front of the camera. But being the quiet one also gave her the ability to get away with some pretty epic practical jokes. Garret and Grace were always blamed for things first, so there was a definite upside to flying under the radar.
“Why so quiet? Did I say something wrong?”
“Oh no.” Sophia shook her head. “Not at all. I’m just trying to process what you’ve just thrown in my lap.”
“You mean the twenty-five ways to drive your man wild?” Carrie Ann asked with a chuckle.
“No! I’m just a little blown away by your offer to go into business together,” Sophia replied but then glanced down at the article. Because she’d thought she’d be heading back to New York, she’d been careful not to get entangled in a relationship but looking at the hot guy with the wicked smile suddenly had her longing for a little skin on skin. Damn, it’d been a long time since she was in the arms of a man. And there was one man in particular...No, don’t go there!
Carrie Ann stood up and checked the foils again. “About another ten minutes.” She patted Sophia’s shoulder. “No rush on your answer. It’s good enough for me right now that you’re considering my offer,” she said, and hurried off to answer the phone. Because Sophia had come in rather late, everyone else was gone for the day. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror and winced, thinking that she looked like an alien Medusa, with the silver foils sticking out everywhere. The blond highlights were a bit of a whim, but she was glad she was getting them done, since she was ready for a change. Of course hair stylists were always ready for something different.
With a sigh she started scanning through the article, just for shits and giggles. The suggestions called for sexy games using props like ice cubes and feathers, mostly silly in her opinion. The painting of each other with chocolate syrup and then licking it off seemed a little messy, she thought, but then closed her eyes and groaned. Dear God, was she becoming a...fuddy-duddy? Yes, because she was pretty sure nobody her age even thought of expressions like fuddy-duddy. Determined, she kept her eyes closed and tried to imagine the chocolate-syrup scenario. Perhaps if you used thick chocolate fudge and warmed it up? Oh, now that might just be very nice. Hmmm...
“Are you sleeping?” asked a whiskey-smooth male voice that slid over her like the chocolate fudge she’d been daydreaming about. She smiled, thinking that this body-painting thing might be the ticket after all. “Um, maybe I shouldn’t interrupt,” the voice continued cutting through her chocolate-coated fantasy.
Oh shit.
Sophia opened her eyes and looked at the sexy country boy who had been invading her thoughts and dreams over the past few months. “Avery!” She almost sighed, but then caught herself and cleared her throat instead. Foils sprung from her head and oh dear God the magazine in her lap was open to the twenty-five ways to drive your man wild. She gripped the armrest, dearly wishing there was an eject button. “Hi.” Her smile probably looked like a wince.
“Hey, Sophia. Haven’t seen you in a while.” He put his toolbox down and shrugged out of his jacket.
“I’ve been busy babysitting Lily a lot.”
“Oh well, I miss seeing you at breakfast,” he said, which created a vision of him sitting across a kitchen table in the morning, all sleep tousled and sexy.
She swallowed hard. “I miss you...I mean seeing you at the bistro too.” She glanced down at the nearly naked model. Her fingers itched to turn the page.
“Watcha readin’?” Panic set in when he angled his head at the glossy pages in her lap.
“I...um...” She felt heat creep into her cheeks. “I was just, you know, thumbing through a random magazine while my hair processed.” She looked over at Carrie Ann, who was chatting away on the phone. “What, um, brings you here?”
Avery jammed his thumb over his shoulder causing Sophia to notice the bulge of his biceps, which stretched the sleeve of his red T-shirt. The Fisher and Dean logo printed inside of a toolbox rested above a nicely defined pectoral muscle. “I’m here to fix the washing machine that’s been giving Carrie Ann fits. I would’ve been here sooner, but I was slammed with repairs all day.” He gave Sophia a grin that caused a dimple in his cheek. His dark hair, which he had usually worn short, had grown out a bit since she’d last seen him, while she’d still worked at the bistro. Dark tendrils curled around his ears and forehead. As though reading her thoughts, he shoved his fingers through his hair.
“I know. I need a haircut. Just been too busy to get it done.”
“I like it longer,” Sophia heard herself say and then lifted one shoulder.
“Well, then, maybe I should keep it that way.” He shot her a grin.
“As a stylist I’m always thinking about hair,” she responded quickly.
“Oh, I’d forgotten that was your career. If you ever decide to stay a cook, you’ll never be broke either.” He flashed another grin that made her melt like the ice cube in “How to Drive Your Man Wild” number five. “I really do miss you at the bistro, Sophia.”
“Oh, I was getting pretty good, but Mattie is still the best cook around and is getting even better.”
“I was referring to the company,” Avery said in a sincere but slightly flirty tone. “Your sweet smile was a great way to start my day.”
“Why, thank you.” Sophia inclined her head but then was mortified at the tinny sound. “Sorry. I must look a fright.” She pointed to her head and caught her bottom lip between her teeth.
“Aw, you still manage to look pretty,” he said just as Carrie Ann hurried over.
“Hey there, Avery. You gonna take a look at my washing machine from hell?”
“Sure thing.” Avery nodded. “Sorry I’m late. Busy day.”
“Oh, that’s okay.” Carrie Ann peeked beneath one of the foils. “You’re just about ready to get rinsed,” she said to Sophia but then looked back at Avery. “We’re thinkin’ about heading up to Sully’s Tavern later. Stop on in and I’ll buy ya a beer.”
“Well, now, that’s an offer I can’t refuse,” Avery said, and then angled his head toward the back of the shop. “I’d better get working.” He picked up his toolbox, causing another delicious ripple of muscle. “See y’all tonight.”
“Let’s get you back to the bowl, sugar.”
“Carrie Ann!” Sophia said in an urgent whisper. “Just what do you think you’re doing?”
“Gettin’ an early start on bein’ your wingman,” she whispered back. “Avery Dean’s got the hots for you, Sophia. And judging by the blush in your cheeks I think you’re sweet on him too. Why are you not taking
advantage of the situation?”
“Because when we first met at the bistro he was just getting over a broken engagement. I didn’t want to be his rebound girl. And I never intended to stay here, so I didn’t want to hurt him all over again either.”
“Well, now, I’d say enough time has passed since his breakup. And I’m hoping you’ll take me up on my offer and move here. In other words, everything has changed, sweet pea.”
Sophia stood up and had to grin. “I think you’re playing matchmaker to give me another reason to stay.”
“Would I do something like that?” Carrie Ann placed a hand over her ample chest. “Little ole me?”
“In a heartbeat.”
Carrie Ann laughed. “Ah, child, you already know me too well. That’s why we’re gonna make great business partners. You just wait and see.”
Sophia shook her head as she followed Carrie Ann back to the shampoo bowls to get rinsed. Through the open door to the laundry room she could see Avery bent over the washing machine. She couldn’t help but admire his very fine denim-clad butt.
Carrie Ann turned and caught her staring. “What?” Sophia sputtered with a lift of her chin, desperately trying to appear innocent, which of course only made her appear guilty.
Carrie Ann laughed. “Thought so...” She rubbed her hands together. “I do love it when a plan comes together.”
Sophia rolled her eyes, but when Carrie Ann turned around, Sophia angled her head to get another glimpse of Avery. Of course he picked that very moment to straighten up and look in her direction. She did one of those lightning-quick look-away moves, but she caught the blur of his smile in the corner of her vision. A warm tingle of awareness washed over her as she leaned her neck against the cool porcelain bowl. She and Avery had been tap-dancing around their attraction for months and for very good reasons. She firmly reminded herself that nothing would change if he showed up at Sully’s. No matter what matchmaking scheme Carrie Ann was cooking up, Sophia knew she needed to make her decisions with a clear head that wasn’t clouded by the desire to know what it felt like to kiss Avery Dean.