The Ending I Want(21)

“How long will she be?” Liam asks Megan.

“About three hours, and then she’ll be done.”

Liam comes over to me. “I’ve got to go back to the office, but I’ll be back to pick you up in three hours.”

“Okay.”

My expression is stoic. I can’t bring myself to smile at him because I’m still annoyed that he brought me here.

He gives me a confused look. Then, he cups my face in his hands and leans down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips.

“See you soon,” he whispers.

Then, he’s leaving with Megan walking him to the door, and Jamie is ushering me to my seat.

“That man is sex on a stick,” Jamie says to me as I sit in the seat. “I hope you don’t mind me saying.”

“Not at all. He is sex on a stick.” I smile at the memory of Liam being inside me just an hour ago and all the dirty things he did to me in bed.

Jamie puts a gown around me and fastens it at the back of my neck. “He’s not just hot either. He’s a really good guy. He helped Megan buy this place, you know.”

Wow. He bought her this salon.

I have this sinking feeling in my stomach. He must really like her.

I can’t believe he brought me here. If they had something together and he liked her enough to buy her a salon…then he brings me here, to meet with the woman he’s currently f*cking…well, it’s just poor taste.

I suddenly feel bad for Megan, too.

“Wow. That was kind of him.”

“Yeah. Liam is a great guy. Sadly, he’s straight though, but you already knew that.” He gives me a conspiratorial wink. “Have you met Cam yet?”

“I haven’t.” I have no clue who Cam is.

“He’s Megan’s older brother. He and Liam are best friends. Known each other since school. Now, Cam is one fine male specimen. Straight as an arrow as well.” He frees my hair from the gown. “How did you meet Liam?”

I meet his eyes in the mirror. “On the flight here.”

“So, how long have you known him?”

I flick a glance at the clock. “Um…about…thirty-six hours.”

Jamie grins at me, causing a goofy smile to slide onto my lips. “You are my idol, girl.” He lifts his fist, fist-bumping me. “Right, I’m just going to mix up your color, and then I’ll be back. Then, you can tell me what the inside of Liam’s apartment looks like ’cause I’ve always wondered.”

He gives me a wink, and I’m guessing apartment is code for something else.

“Do you want a drink?” he asks, his hand on my shoulder.

“Coffee would be great.” I smile.




Three hours later, my hair is three inches shorter, and it’s pink.

And I have to say, I love it.

It looks really edgy and hot.

Liam hasn’t returned yet, and I’m at the counter, ready to pay.

“Taylor’s already paid for,” Megan tells the girl at the reception counter.

“I am?”

“Liam paid. Didn’t he tell you?”

“No. He didn’t.”

“Sounds like Liam.” Megan smiles softly. “Speak of the devil.”

I turn to see Liam coming through the door. Instead of feeling happy to see him, I just feel pissed off.

First, he brings me here. Then, he pays for my hair, like I’m his little woman.

I don’t know which I’m madder about.

“Wow, look at you…gorgeous.” He slips his fingers into my hair.

Ignoring his compliment, I turn abruptly, forcing his hand to fall away.

“Thank you,” I say to Megan. “And would you give this to Jamie and tell him thanks?” I push a twenty-pound note into her hand.

“Of course.” Megan smiles.

Moving away, I brush past Liam, leaving the salon.

“Hey”—Liam catches my arm as I’ve just exited the salon—“what’s wrong?”

I spin around to face him, a frown on my face. “You paid for my hair.” My tone is accusing.

Wariness enters his eyes. “I did.”

“And why did you do that?”

“Because I can.”

“Because you can.” I grit my teeth.

I am mad about the money, but really, I’m pissier about Megan. It’s stupid, I know, but it is what it is.

And his superior attitude is annoying me even more.

So, he’s going to get it about the money and not about the fact that he took me to his f*ck buddy’s hair salon.

“I can pay for my own hair, thank you very much. I’m not a f*cking charity case.”

He frowns, his dark brows drawing together. “I know you’re not a charity case. I just thought it would be a nice thing to do.”

“Well, I don’t want your nice.” I turn from him and start walking again.

He stops me and stands in front of me. Refusing to look at him, I stare past him.

“Is there something else going on here?” he asks.

“No.” Yes.

“So, you’re just mad because I paid for your hair?”

I grind my teeth together and bring my eyes to his. “Yes. I don’t like people to pay for me. I pay my own way in this world.”