The Playboy (8 page)

Ironic, really. She had the perfect studio set up in the same place she’d strung her first necklace, one made of varying sized pasta beads. It was here that Aunt Crystal taught her patterning, among other things. A wave of nostalgia along with the distinct feeling of loss enveloped Kendall. She missed her aunt as much as she missed what might have been, the life she’d have had if Aunt Crystal had been able to keep her on.

Kendall shook her head. No need to delve into the past. Live for the moment and move on, advice imparted by Aunt Crystal and wisdom Kendall had always followed. If the memories were choking her here in the attic, she’d just leave them behind and take on the town instead. Bracing her hands on her hips, she turned and walked out, grabbed her car keys and hit the road.

The sun shone overhead as Kendall drove her repaired, beloved red car into town. Her Volkswagen Jetta had had an electrical problem but the repair could have been worse and cost an awful lot more. So while the fates were still smiling on her, Kendall decided her first stop would be the beauty parlor to have her hair fixed.

She walked into Luanne’s Locks, the place Raina had suggested the night before. The strong ammonia smell hit her immediately, clogging her lungs and bringing tears to her eyes. When she finally stopped tearing, she was able to look around. Pink wallpaper, burgundy chairs, and gleaming chrome and mirrors surrounded her. A glass case with hair products took up one wall at the front of the store, a perfect place for Kendall’s jewelry to enhance the display—if the owner agreed to a consignment deal.

Kendall had approached many proprietors in various cities to take in her designs, and she hoped the owner would be receptive here. No one sat at the reception desk, so she headed deeper inside and paused at the top of one step that divided the entry area from the working one. For a small place, the salon was crowded with women and the chatter sounded loud and friendly, giving her hope.

Kendall drew a deep breath and paused by the first station. “Excuse me. Can you direct me to the owner or receptionist?”

“That’d be me.” The stylist, a woman with a bouffant hairdo reminiscent of the fifties, turned to face her, teasing comb in hand. “How can I help you?”

Kendall smiled. “I’m Kendall Sutton and I’d like to make an appointment.”

The stylist didn’t have a chance to answer. A customer seated in her chair leaned over, speaking in a stage whisper to another woman with rollers in her hair at the neighboring station. “It’s Rick Chandler’s new girlfriend,” she said, exercising her lungs.

The information traveled from the two manicurists sitting a few paces away and in seconds silence descended in the shop as all eyes looked at Kendall and none appeared friendly. The hope she’d held for winning over the store owner evaporated along with her positive mood.

Kendall had spent a lifetime as the new girl. She’d entered many a schoolroom or situation knowing no one, set apart from the crowd, and had learned early in life that she’d never be around long enough to let the opinions of others matter. As long as she felt happy and secure, as long as she lived an honest life and could look at herself in the mirror, that’s what counted—more wisdom imparted by Aunt Crystal, and words Kendall took to heart and carried with her always. Wisdom that never failed to buoy her spirits.

Until now. A strange feeling of discomfort enveloped her. Odd for someone used to being the outsider.

“Her hair’s pink.” The statement sounded like a shout in the otherwise silent room.

As half a dozen wide-eyed, curious women continued to stare, Kendall clenched her hands into a fist to prevent herself from lifting a finger to the strands. Her stomach cramped and self-consciousness set in. Another unfamiliar sensation for someone who’d never before cared what others thought of her.

She forced a grin and ran what she hoped was a carefree hand through her hair. “That’s what I came here to have fixed.” Though these people rattled her, she refused to let the insecurity show.

“Everyone go back to your gossiping and quit staring at the girl.” From the back of the shop, an attractive redhead came into view and strode to where Kendall stood. “You ignore these people.” She shook her head in disgust. “I’m Pam. I’m co-owner of this place, and the lady standing next to me with her mouth hanging open is my mother, Luanne.” She jabbed her mother lightly with her elbow. “The other owner, and one who’s usually a lot more polite to her customers.”

“Forgive my poor manners.” Luanne held out her hand and Kendall shook it. “Everyone was talking about Rick’s new lady friend and then I looked up and there you were.” Luanne lifted a hand to her mouth. “I’ll shut up now.”

Pam shook her head. “Good idea, Mom.”

“It’s no problem, really. Besides I’m sure this pink hair attracted the most attention.”

Pam placed her hands on her hips and studied her. “You really don’t know.” She shrugged and leaned closer, whispering as she spoke. “Mom’s serious. It’s not your hair, it’s your status that’s got them talking. Do you have any idea how many of these women tried to land Rick Chandler for just one date and failed?”

“I’d heard rumors . . . ”

“Not rumors. Fact. I’m probably the only single woman in this shop right now who hasn’t made a play for the town’s favorite cop. I prefer light-haired men, but most women in this town aren’t so fussy. They just want the gold ring.” Pam waved her hand Kendall’s way. “Not that I think you’re after such a thing. I just met you. I wouldn’t know. But you get my point.”

Kendall nodded, dizzy from Pam’s speech. Used to big-city solitary living, Kendall wasn’t comfortable sharing intimate information with a stranger. But obviously nothing was too personal to discuss when in a small town. “Can I make an appointment for my hair?” Kendall asked, changing the subject.

Pam smiled. “Lucky for you, I’d taken the morning off to run errands and I got back here early. I’ll take care of it for you since—” She leaned closer again. “You don’t want my mom changing you from pink to blue. Mom specializes in the blue-haired set.”

Pam chuckled and Kendall found her light laughter infectious. “I’d appreciate your services.”

“Then come with me.”

Kendall followed Pam to the back room, doing her best to ignore the continuing stares, though she couldn’t help but feel some of the women were actually glaring behind her back.

Pam seated her in a salon chair and wrapped a black cloak around her neck, covering her from head to toe. “Ignore them, honey. This morning’s group of customers isn’t representative of our town as a whole, I promise.” Pam patted her on the shoulder. “Now, you want to go back to blond?”

Kendall nodded. “As close as possible.”

“Okay, we’re going to have to do some serious stripping before adding back some color.” Pam headed for a small closetlike area, talking as she worked. “You may still have red tones even when we’re through. Red’s the hardest color to take and the most difficult to get rid of—unless you don’t mind going green.”

Kendall’s eyes opened wide and Pam chuckled. “Just kidding. I only want you to understand what we’re up against. It may take a few tries over a few weeks until the new color sets and takes.”

Kendall doubted she’d be here that long but why get into that conversation with Pam. “Subtle red tones are fine. Anything more natural-looking than what I’ve got now,” Kendall assured her.

“Cut?” Pam poked her head out of the working closet. “I’ve been dying to try that Meg Ryan shag on someone but no one in town’s had the guts.”

Kendall glanced at her shoulder-length hair in the mirror. “I take it you want me to be your guinea pig?”

Pam grinned. “I’ll be your best friend,” she said in a singsong voice.

The chant was reminiscent of the childhood song Kendall had heard others use, but never about her. The happy lyric brought a lump to her throat and a longing for she wasn’t sure what. Kendall inhaled deeply. “Sure. Why not. Make me look like Meg.” She laughed, striving to shake off the unnerving feeling, the sense of loss that accompanied the knowledge that she’d never had a childhood best friend.

Once given permission, Pam squealed with delight. “You’ve got yourself a friend forever.”

That thought not only cheered Kendall but gave her something special she’d never had. “Back at you, Pam.”

For the next fifteen minutes, Pam chatted away while she worked and when she was through, Kendall had dye covering her entire head and a new friend in this town. But despite Pam’s warm demeanor, no one else in the salon attempted a friendly wave or even a hello. Kendall tried to tell herself it didn’t matter, but in her heart she knew it did.

In the four days she’d been in this town she’d come face-to-face with the things she’d never had in life— close friends and family. And for the first time, the loss hurt.

“Another twenty minutes and we’ll rinse you.” Pam set the timer and placed it on the counter. “Relax for a while, okay?”

Kendall did as she suggested and closed her eyes, ignoring the chatter around her, thinking instead of the best way to approach Pam about setting up her designs for display in the shop. Finally, all noises drifted far away and peace descended on her.

“Hi, honey.”

Without warning, a familiar male voice disturbed her rest. The seductive cologne excited her senses. She opened her eyes to find Rick, hands braced on either side of her chair, leaning over her.

“I love the hairdo.” He grinned.

Ignoring the burning flush Kendall felt certain rose to her cheeks, she shrugged. “You know what they say, the things women do in the name of beauty.”

“You are beautiful, even with that slop on your head. Not many women can say that.”

“Please.” She waved away his obvious exaggeration. “If any modeling agency saw me like this, I’d never have gotten my aunt’s bills paid.”

His sexy lips turned downward in a frown. “Some people don’t know their own worth.”

He stared into her eyes, almost willing her to believe until beneath his compelling gaze, she almost felt beautiful. The compliment warmed her, even as warning bells sounded in her head. “You flatter me, but I have a hunch you’re awfully good at that,” she said in an attempt to distance herself from her rampaging emotions and growing feelings for Rick Chandler.

“I’m good, period.” He grinned, letting her know he was kidding. “Which of my attributes are you talking about, specifically?”

She rolled her eyes. “Your ability to flatter all women, Officer Chandler.”

“You never mentioned that you have a short-term memory problem. As of a couple of days ago, there are no other women. Only you.” His hazel eyes danced with delight and he exuded charm even the most jaded female would be hard-pressed to resist.

“I remember.” She licked her dry lips. “So, do you make it a habit of stopping by the hair salon?” She sought to change the subject.

“Only when a certain red car is parked outside.” “You came to see me?”

He winked, then brushed a kiss over her lips, taking her completely off guard. “Course I did. You’re sitting in gossip central. What better way to get those tongues wagging?”

Her mouth tingled from his touch and the delicious hint of spearmint on his breath, but disappointment settled in her stomach. “Of course. That makes sense.” Play out the charade, Kendall thought. How could she have been stupid enough to forget for even one second?

Now that her attention was properly refocused, she realized silence had once again descended in Luanne’s as the gossips tried in vain to hear their whispered conversation.

“Smile.” He reached out and touched one corner of her mouth, pulling her unwilling lips upward. “We have an audience.”

She forced a grin, then reminded herself she had no reason to be upset or disappointed. They had a bargain. She didn’t want anything real with Rick Chandler any more than he wanted a relationship with her. But those sexual sparks wouldn’t be denied and Kendall’s gut told her they were both headed for trouble.

“Did you meet everyone here?” His hand swept around the shop in a grand gesture.

She shook her head. “As your . . . significant other, by reputation anyway, they didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat. Except for Pam. She’s wonderful.”

“Pam’s a sweetheart. But you’re telling me the rest of these women weren’t friendly?” He frowned. “I never intended for you to suffer because of our agreement.”

His serious expression did nothing to detract from his sex appeal, to Kendall’s unending dismay.

“Hey, everyone,” he called out, turning away from Kendall and toward the room at large.

“Rick . . .” She grabbed for his arm but missed.

“I want you all to meet Kendall Sutton. I know you all loved Crystal and you’ll extend your friendship and sympathies to her niece.”

Kendall noticed Rick didn’t ask anyone to do him a favor, but his meaning was implied. Too bad Kendall didn’t want friendships based on the fact that Rick asked people to be nice to her. Nor did she plan to stay here long enough for it to matter, she reminded herself.

He turned back to Kendall. “Mission accomplished.” He treated her to a flirty wink. “I’ll see
you
later.” Another kiss, this one thorough and mind-blowing and then he was gone.

But his impact remained. Long after he’d walked out the door, her head still spun and her heart beat furiously inside her chest. She let out a long, slow exhale, trying to regain equilibrium.

“That’s some guy you’ve got yourself.” Pam’s sigh echoed Kendall’s previous one.

She bit the inside of her cheek. “You can say that alright.”

“Ready to be washed?”

Kendall nodded. Once Pam had her settled in the sink, head tipped backward, lukewarm water rinsing down her scalp, Kendall realized she had her chance to talk potential business without anyone overhearing. “I have a proposition for you, Pam.”

“Hmm. Sounds intriguing.”

“Have you thought about setting up a jewelry or accessory area inside the store? Either where you walk in at the entrance or near the back wall?”

“No, but the concept sounds intriguing. What do you have in mind?”

“My designs. Wire jewelry and stones. I’m thinking if you let me leave some pieces here, we’ll see if they generate interest. If things sell, I’ll give you a percentage of the sale. It’s a win-win situation.” Kendall needed extra money badly right now. The cleaning supplies for the house alone put a dent in her wallet and her budget had been shot to hell and back.