Chapter 3
THREE
Daisy
I spend the hour it takes Ledger to go back to the motel and get his things cleaning up.
I shove dirty clothes into my hamper and throw clutter into the closet.
The kitchen is a disaster from when Alexi and I drunkenly made nachos and ice cream sundaes last night.
I toss dishes haphazardly into the dishwasher, add detergent, and hit start, praying I remember to unload it before he sees this disaster.
The living room has blankets and pillows stacked on the couches and chairs. I toss them into my bedroom and close the door.
I hear his truck pull into the driveway and look around anxiously to make sure I’ve got everything—a moot point since he’s already been here, but I want him to feel comfortable here.
I tell myself it’s because he’s the perfect roommate and I need his rent money.
But the truth is that a spark ignited inside me as soon as I saw Ledger, and the more that we talked, the stronger that spark grew until it became an inferno.
But there’s no way that a guy like him would be interested in me. I mean, he’s so handsome and put together. He’s cool and poised, where I’m awkward and messy. We’re opposites in every way. Ledger could have anyone he wanted, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing he would see me that way.
“Hey,” I greet as I open the front door. “Do you need a hand with anything?”
“No, I’ve got it. I only have one suitcase and a backpack.”
“You travel light,” I tease.
“I’m only here for two weeks, so I didn’t bring much.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t stay with your sister,” I say as I close the door.
“Not when Koa is here. They can be…noisy.”
My cheeks heat with a blush as I realize what he means. “Oh, yeah, that could be awkward.”
“Very,” he agrees.
“Ah, here’s your room,” I say, rushing to open the bedroom door across from mine. “I have extra sheets and blankets. I’ll let you choose which ones you want.”
He sets his bags down on the bed. “That would be great, thanks.”
“Do you need anything else?” I ask, wringing my hands in front of me.
“Not right now. I’ll unpack, then head over to meet Koa and Lula. You can join us if you want,” he offers.
“Oh, that’s okay.”
I stand in the doorway, shifting from foot to foot. “Well, I’ll let you get settled. I need to run to the salon, but I’ll leave the spare key for you on the kitchen table.”
“Thanks.”
I nod and bolt out of there. It takes me a moment to find the spare key. Then I gather my things and head out the door.
I make the short drive to A Cut Above and park in the back. I need to do inventory and get ready for my appointments tomorrow. Heading inside, I try to forget about my new handsome roommate. It doesn’t work.
What is he doing while I count out hair dyes for inventory? What would’ve happened if I’d gone out with him and his friends instead of coming here?
I daydream about the two of us hanging out and growing closer as I prep my materials for my appointments tomorrow.
I’m fantasizing about the two of us going out to eat together, just the two of us, when Alexi knocks on the front window.
“Hey,” I greet as I open the door. “Want a trim?”
“No, I’m good for a few more weeks. Thanks, though.”
“Sure.”
“How’s it going? I’m surprised you’re here and not at home with your sexy new roommate.”
“Ha!” I laugh. “No, he was headed out, and I had stuff to do here.”
She flops down onto one of the chairs. “How did it go after I left?”
“It was good. I offered him the room, and he accepted. He’s getting settled, but he doesn’t have much with him right now, so it shouldn’t take long.”
“How long is he here for?”
“He said two weeks, but he’s been here for a few days at least, so…maybe another week or so?”
“And then what?”
I shrug as I fold towels. “Then he goes back to base, I guess.”
“And when will he be back in Wolf Valley?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t think to ask him. I’m not sure he even knows.”
“Well, find out! We have to make plans.”
I frown. “Plans for what?”
“For him to become your prince in camouflage, silly!”
“Oh, my god,” I groan.
Alexi laughs. “I’m serious!”
“He’s just my roommate,” I tell her, not sure if I’m reminding her or myself.
“Oh, please! He was totally into you! He couldn’t tear his eyes off you. Why do you think I left you two alone?”
“I thought you had to go to work!”
“No, I mean, I did, but not that abruptly.”
“You crafty little—”
“I know, I know. No need to thank me.”
“You’re ridiculous.” I laugh.
“I’m being serious! He’s totally into you!”
My heart races, but my brain tells me to ignore her.
“We’ll see what happens in the next week then,” I sigh, folding the last towel and adding it to the stack.
Alexi nods, and I take a seat across from her. She sneezes, and I pass her a Kleenex as I lean back in my chair.
“Are you getting sick?” I ask her with concern.
“I hope not,” she grumbles.
Alexi hates going to the doctor, and I mean, she hates it. The last time she was sick, I had to drag her kicking and screaming to the ER. I’m pretty sure it looked like I was trying to give a cat a bath when I was pushing her into the exam room.
“Take some vitamin C and get some rest,” I advise. “I’ll stop by later with some soup or something if you want.”
“Thanks. I’ve been feeling kind of run down but thought it was the change in weather or work.”
“It could be. Try to take it easy for a few days.”
“Yeah. I’m going home to take a nap.”
“Okay, call me if you need anything and I’ll run to the store.”
“Thanks. Love you.” She blows me a kiss as she leaves.
I lock up after her and look around the salon. Everything is in place, so I grab my things and head out too.
As I drive home, I try not to think about Ledger, but it’s no use. I need to get it together. I can’t keep daydreaming about my new roommate.
No matter how easy it is to imagine him becoming so much more.