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“Hey, gorgeous. Can I help you?” a sultry voice said from behind Alexis.

A smile immediately curled Alexis's lips and she turned to see a playful look on CeCe’s face. “Yes, you can.”

“Right this way,” CeCe said, taking her hand and leading her to the back. “What’s wrong?”

“Why do you think something is wrong?”

CeCe smiled. “I can tell.”

“Are you finished for the day?”

“I have one more haircut and I’m done. What happened? Bad day?”

Alexis frowned. “Kind of.”

“Heather, I’ll be in the back,” CeCe said to her coworker. “Come on.” She once again took Alexis's hand and led them to the back room. Once inside she smiled at Alexis and held out her arms.

Alexis walked into her arms. This was the refuge she needed. CeCe held her for several moments.

“I’m sorry you’re having a bad day. You just made mine very happy,” CeCe said softly.

“I did?”

“Mmm, you did.” CeCe ran her hands up and down Alexis's back. “It makes me happy to see you.”

“I’m glad I could make you happy,” Alexis mumbled.

CeCe pulled her head back so she could see into Alexis's eyes. “This haircut will only take fifteen minutes and then I’m finished for the day. You can sit and watch me with a glass of wine,” CeCe said with an enticing nod of her head.

“You won’t drop your scissors or your comb?”

CeCe narrowed her gaze with a faux smirk. “I can’t promise anything. You know what you do to me.” Then she gave her a soft smile. “Please stay.”

Alexis nodded. “I don’t need wine. I’ll wait until you can join me.”

There was a knock at the door then Heather stuck her head in the room. “CeCe, Gabriel’s here.”

“Thanks, Heather.”

CeCe leaned in and softly pressed her lips to Alexis's. “I’m glad you came by.”

“Me, too,” Alexis said hoarsely.

Alexis followed CeCe out of the room. “Nora’s done for the day. You can sit over there or drag a chair over here by me,” CeCe said as they walked back into the salon.

Alexis noticed a man sitting and spinning around in CeCe’s chair.

“Hey, CeCe.” The man smiled. “How’s it going?”

“Hi, Gabriel.” She turned to Alexis and smiled. “This is my friend Alexis Reed. She’s going to hang out with us while I cut your hair.”

“Hi,” Gabriel said as he gave Alexis a long look.

“Hi,” Alexis said, pulling a chair over, but staying out of CeCe’s path.

“I’m sorry for staring, but you look familiar. Are you a doctor?” Gabriel asked.

“I am.”