The Beauty and the CEO

“You believe in vegan products over animal-tested?” Will asked.

Didn’t he know anything about cosmetology?

“I’m sure your mother was impressed and mortified. I’m imagining the ants and the smells from your food-based makeup.”

A memory of her grandmother came to mind. She rarely shared personal stories, but something about being in her hometown was nostalgic. “My grandmother came to my rescue. She was so impressed with the way I perfected the 1940s eye that she brought me more doll heads and encouraged me to do everything under the sun in cosmetology, how a product is made, applied and sold.”

Will shifted uncomfortably in his seat and Zoe chalked it up to their meals. They had eaten a lot this morning from a food truck. Zoe figured he would burn the meal off with the walking tour of the history of downtown Southwood later after lunch.

“Okay, so you’ve always loved makeup.”

“I love pretty things,” Zoe responded.

In his response to her, Will wiggled his brows. “What do you know? We’re very similar.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to remind Will she wanted him to be her boss, and that this flirting, no matter how exciting, was inappropriate. But, truthfully, she enjoyed it. She loved the thrill he gave her with each cocky grin.

“Alright, y’all—” Kenzie clapped her hands together “—it’s time we get moving.”

Saved by the Southern belle.

* * *

The tour ended just before dusk. Will parked the sports car in the same spot and, like earlier, came to Zoe’s side of the vehicle to help her out. His Southern manners were in rare form, Zoe thought, as she watched him move in front of the hood of the car. Despite setting her own ground rules, she couldn’t ignore the wave of excitement each time she got the chance to be alone with him. She’d be lying if she said she was looking forward to the barbecue this evening. It meant she’d have to share his company with the other guests and right now jealousy tingled her senses.

She’d noticed a hairstylist batting her lashes at Will after dinner. A jealous bug did bite her, but she ignored it. Zoe had an agenda. And, so far, she thought she was winning Will’s favor. They stopped by Grits and Glam Gowns, and Zoe was able to point out the jobs she’d done in the photographs hanging from Lexi’s walls. Will didn’t say anything about her work, but he did nod his head in approval.

Zoe didn’t care for Rebecca Smith, who was half trotting and half limping in her four-inch heels toward the car. Who wore heels like that on a walking tour?

A few years ago, Zoe and Titus had been at the same show. In most fashion shows, makeup was done first and then the model went over to the hairstylist. The designer collaborated with her crew to create the looks she wanted for each model. One of Zoe’s models needed more attention. Titus, irritated at not getting more of the intricate work, spent his time backstage gossiping with Rebecca, who held the models in line for hair. With Zoe’s models backed up and Titus’s models ready, Titus had received the high praise for being professional. Rebecca never mentioned the true reason for the holdup.

“There you are, Will,” Rebecca exclaimed breathlessly. Rebecca’s attempt at wing-tip eyeliner was shaky at best, and in the sweltering heat, the liquid had also leaked onto her upper lid. Poor thing was oblivious. Zoe was almost tempted to pull her aside and let her know. “I was hoping to find you before we ate dinner.”

Will extended his hand to help Zoe out of the car and kept a possessive hold on her hand as he spoke to Rebecca. “You found us,” he said, with an emphasis on the us.

Rebecca gave Zoe a tight-lipped smile. Zoe dipped her head to hide her sarcastic grin. “I wanted to talk business with you.”

Zoe disentangled herself from Will’s grasp. “You two go on ahead. I’m going to change for the cookout.” She excused herself and walked through the yard, through the hickory-scented air. What business did Rebecca have with Ravens Cosmetics? Zoe didn’t realize she was stomping up the steps until Lexi, cuddled up on the hanging swing with her husband, glanced up and paused her conversation. Zoe waved an apology and headed upstairs. She had no business feeling any way over Rebecca. More than likely the hairstylist just wanted to be a part of RC, much like Zoe did. Who could knock her for trying?