Now, though, I’ve taken over Anderson Construction Group, something I didn’t ever think my father would allow. As of last winter, Dad handed it over, and it was a momentous occasion. We didn’t celebrate like normal people would; we all flew down to Florida, hung out with my brother at his bar, only this time without the need to get drunk. I had a beer, hung out with everyone, and then I flew back. That’s when I first met Michelle. I came back in desperate need of a haircut, and she was available.
I neglected myself while I was getting my feet wet, and I’m not ashamed to say there were some nights I ate, lived, breathed, and hell, even slept at the office. It wasn’t easy for some contractors to take me seriously, not after fucking off for too many years to count. It took almost eight months for them to see I was ready to do anything I needed to prove my worth, even if it meant working in the field, side by side with my crew.
Like now, for instance. I left to head out to Arizona to land us another account, one that will keep us busy for many years to come with a residential company. It seems more and more lately, we’re getting busier than we ever were. I’d like to think I had something to do with it, even if I didn’t.
My eyes wander over to Michelle again, taking in the way her black leggings show off the shape and curve of not only her legs, but her ass too. When she turns around, her front is just as shapely. Her breasts are more than a handful, but what really knocks the breath out of me is her smile. When she smiles, her deep chocolate eyes sparkle.
“Thank you for coming, Mrs. Fitzpatrick,” I hear Michelle say, stopping me from lingering any longer. This woman, damn she makes me want to be a better man, even if it’s only to steal an hour from her every three weeks.
2
Michelle
Every time Devon comes in, my body hums in contentedness. Truth be told, I spend way more time on him than I should. If I wasn’t the owner, and was just renting a booth, I’d probably get dirty looks from the other hairdressers. Thank God, I jumped on this opportunity three years ago. Sure, it’s not easy; my back, legs, and feet hurt at the end of the day. But it’s mine—well, besides paying the rent, of course, this place was in the black six months after opening, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
“How have you been?” I ask Devon, and as he comes back to my chair, I place the cape around his collar. His muscular build is a contradiction to the softness of my own.
“Good, just left Arizona. I’m home for a few weeks now, so I can’t complain.”
“That’s great to hear. I know how much you hate traveling. Come on back so I can wash your hair.” I motion him to follow me.
He sits, tilting his head back, and when his green eyes meet mine, a smile plays on his face. I get to work on washing his hair, more thoroughly than I would for any other client. I have to reach over for the bottle of shampoo. I swear my girls move things on me on purpose. When I feel Devon’s breath on my chest, I realize my breast is right above his face. I took my smock off earlier since it weighed down on my neck, giving me a headache. I never thought to put it back on, and now I’m seeing the benefit of it.
I wish I could say the sensation Devon just gave me didn’t rattle me, but it did. For months now, we’ve been playing this cat and mouse game. One of us is going to have to give in. I only wonder who it’ll be. I continue washing Devon’s hair until it’s shampooed and conditioned. The feel of his locks running through my fingers, the way he hums his approval… Yeah, something is going to have to give.
“You can head back to my chair now,” I say after I’ve dried his hair.
“I’ll do that. I didn’t get to ask how you’ve been doing,” he replies.
“I’m doing, but you know how that goes. You have to pay to play. I’m looking forward to having a few days off this weekend, though.” I get him situated in the chair, then pull out my scissors and comb.
“Yeah, you have any plans?”
“Not unless you count watching Netflix, working in my yard, and drinking wine,” I remark.
“We’ll have to get together. My weekend is free.” I look around and notice the salon has somehow emptied out since Devon got here. Even my girls aren’t at their stations.