Page 26 of Angels & Whiskey

“Perfect.” She nodded.

I could feel green and brown eyes on me as I started to walk to the salon. “Ms. Jones,” Paul reached out to stop me. “We forgot to get your name at Starbucks, so it’s good you came by. They do have an incentive program here.”

I smiled. “Awesome, but really, it’s not needed.”

“Nonsense. You get one hundred dollar gift certificates for each of us.” Paul gestured between him and Gabe.

I perked up. Somehow I needed to turn the certificates into cash to save for my escape.

“It’s true,” Cassie affirmed. “As long as they sign a year contract.”

“We are.” My eyes shot to Gabe as he finally spoke. “Ms. …”

“Autumn. My name’s Autumn.”

“Autumn referred us,” Gabe spoke.

“I’m sorry, but I really need to get to my appointment. Can you do everything without me to get them signed up?” I asked.

“Of course,” Cassie confirmed.

“Start with Paul. I’m going to walk Autumn to her appointment,” Gabe insisted, stepping toward me.

I pulled my head back in shock. “You are?”

“Yes, ma’am. After you.” He motioned for me to start walking, but I hesitated before taking my first step.

“You don’t need to walk with me,” I protested.

“I need to ask you something.”

I held my breath. I had no idea what he wanted to ask me. I didn’t know the guy and I was wearing my wedding ring, so I’m sure he knew I was married. “Okay.”

“Please forgive me if this is overstepping, but I noticed the bruises on your arms and I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. I overheard your friend asking if you were okay, and you looked sad at Starbucks.”

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. “Yeah, I just ran into a wall when I was drinking.” I shrugged, trying to play off the lie.

He eyed me. “Both arms?”

I looked to my other arm. “What can I say? I’m a wobbly drunk.” I laughed. No one had ever seen the bruises before—or commented about them. I was always good about covering them up, but I’d completely forgotten about them as I’d dragged my sweaty body to Starbucks.

“Ma’am—”

“Autumn. Please.”

He smiled his intoxicating smile and I fought to suck in a breath. “Autumn. I know you don’t know me, but would you like to have coffee with me sometime?”

I would. I really fucking would.

I was tiredof being pushed around by Rich—literally.

I was tiredof being screamed at.

I was tiredof fearing that one slip of my tongue would cause more bruises.

I was tired—period.

But at the end of the day, I was still married to Rich. And even though I was insanely attracted to Mr. Green Eyes, I couldn’t do anything about it.