Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
MONROE
It’s the day after making my request, and Shaw followed through. A stylist showed up, whom I learned works in Billings and is trained to work on delicate hair like mine. Mindy—it took a few minutes of her chattering to learn her name—was ecstatic to get her hands on my blonde locks.
For as long as I’ve been coloring it, I wasn’t shocked when she said it wouldn’t be possible to strip the bleach out. We'd have to dye over it. It’s not ideal, but as long as I’m no longer blonde, I don’t particularly care.
Shaw has been in his office doing paperwork, making phone calls, and god only knows what else, so it’s just been Mindy and me for hours. She talks as much as any of the stylists in the pageant world, too. Hairstyling is definitely her calling.
“I remember when you won the Miss California title; you were so beautiful.” Yep. Despite all the precautions, she absolutely knew who I was. Shaw made her sign a non-disclosure agreement as soon as she squealed her delight at being chosen. “Those other girls never stood a chance.”
“Thanks,” I mumble. I’m grateful to have her do my hair. She’s nice enough, but I’d rather pluck out my eyebrows than talk about pageant life.
“What brings you to Montana?” she asks.
My gaze flicks up to hers while she works on the front of my head, and I answer without thought, “Shaw.” I want it to be true. I think I’d travel anywhere to see him. Be near him. When I first arrived, the land lifted a weight off my shoulders, but from his first touch, Shaw breathed life into me.
“He is a fine specimen.” I blush at her comment. “If Hollywood only knew what they were missing with your little escapade.”
I have to bite my tongue before I beg her to keep her silence. She signed the NDA, but if she thinks there’s a secret to be told and money involved, people will do anything. Experience has taught me that.
Needing to change the subject, I ask her about Billings and what her favorite things to do in the state are. Her smile falters for a second, but she rolls with it and soon fills me in on the national parks, the wildlife. Mindy swears there is no prettier sunset than a Montana mountain one.
“Have you ever been horseback riding?” she asks, and I pause.
“No. The animals are huge. It’s almost terrifying.” The mere thought of it makes me want to run.
“Well, if you plan to keep a ranchman, you’ll need to learn. I bet you’d look gorgeous up on a sweet mare.” Her smile is vivacious as she wraps plastic around my head to keep the hair off my shoulders.
“Do you spend a lot of time with horses?” I admit to being intrigued. I’ve never been as close to nature or livestock as I am right now. What would the harm be in trying?
“Not anymore. My granddaddy used to own a ranch near Kalispell, but he sold it when he got too old. Oops, don’t let him know I said that.” She laughs, and I wonder how I would, given I don’t know the man. Then I realize I’m being too literal and feel foolish.
“I’ll take you.” We both spin around at Shaw’s deep drawl.
A slow smile spreads across his face, and it’s then I realize I must look silly.
“Dark, huh?” He saunters over, and I’m tempted to get off my chair and step back.
“I think I’ll like it.” He groans as his hands touch my thighs, fingers playing with the frayed edges of the rips in my denim jeans.
Biting my lip, I’m unsure how to respond. Our eyes lock in a hold I’m not sure I want to break, and the tension between us is as sharp as a wire's edge. I don’t want the moment to end.
“Phew. Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” Mindy comments, but I can’t look away from Shaw. “It’s definitely hot in here,” she whispers. “I’ll be back. Need to get some stuff from the car.”
Shaw growls deep in his chest. “Break that contract, and you’ll regret it,” he warns her as she walks away, phone in hand.
“Wouldn’t dream of it. Every girl needs a man who loves them like you do her.” My eyes widen at her parting words.
Shaw doesn’t love me.
He couldn’t.
My heart thuds so hard in protest that my chest aches. I want him to.
And that thought is scarier than anything I’ve ever known.