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“You do have the most gorgeous red hair, CeCe. But I want to know what you’re thinking. You are looking at me so seriously,” Alexis said.

“I was just thinking about how things have changed since we opened the new salon,” CeCe said.

“You mean between us?” Alexis asked.

CeCe nodded.

Alexis tilted her head. “Have they? What about your crush?”

“This may be the last birthday Cory sees.”

Alexis laughed. “You didn’t think I had a crush on you?”

“No! Why would you? I do your hair.”

“So? Why would you have one on me?”

CeCe chuckled. “Do I have to spell it out for you? Okay then. Successful doctor, sexy as hell, gorgeous eyes,” CeCe said, holding up fingers as she listed Alexis's attributes. “And a beautiful heart.”

CeCe watched as Alexis's cheeks began to pinken. “Are you blushing?”

“No one has ever told me I have a beautiful heart,” Alexis replied.

“Well, you do.”

“How do you know?”

“Do you not remember the conversations we’ve had over the last year?” CeCe asked.

“Yes, I remember.”

CeCe smiled. “Trust me, Doc. You’re an incredible woman. Own it.”

“My turn,” Alexis said. “CeCe Sloan, you are the most vivacious person I’ve ever met. You bring joy to anyone who is lucky enough to spend time with you. I’ve already told you how beautiful your hair is, but it’s your eyes that make my heart beat fast.”

“What? I make your heart beat fast?”

“You couldn't feel it a few minutes ago?” Alexis exclaimed.

CeCe smiled. “I was too busy trying to grab a breath.”

“Your crystal blue eyes make my heart smile when you look at me.”

“How funny. Your soft brown eyes make me feel warm all over. Now that I know how your arms feel around me, it’s like that,” CeCe explained. “It’s like you hug me with your entire body.”

“Wow. It seems we do things to each other.”

CeCe smiled and thought of lots of things she’d like to do to Alexis Reed.

They sipped their rest of their beers, simply gazing at one another and smiling.

Maybe it was a good thing to talk about what they’d been feeling. Now that it was in the open they could go back to stylist and client. Then why did CeCe want to lean over and kiss Alexis again?

“I’d better get going. That’s probably enough honesty for one night,” Alexis said, standing up and throwing her beer bottle away. “However, I don’t believe Cory Sloan is the sweetest sister.”

CeCe nodded. “She probably is. Behind that sometimes gruff exterior of hers is a total sweetheart,” CeCe said as they walked to the back door. “Thanks for protecting me tonight.”

“Anytime,” Alexis replied. She reached out and took CeCe in her arms before she could open the back door.