Page 81 of Sheltered

It was safe to say I’d grown accustomed to a particular lifestyle over the years. And while there were moments when I longed for more, when I dreamed about what it could be like, there was no question I hadn’t anticipated it would ever be like what it had become from the moment I met Blaze.

It seemed an impossibility that one person could have such an impact, and yet, that was precisely what had happened with him. He’d changed my whole life for the better. And considering I hadn’t ever believed I was living a bad life, I thought it said a lot about the kind of man Blaze was.

No longer being in my twenties, I had foolishly thought if I ever stood the chance of finding someone to spend my life with, I’d probably have to settle. I’d convinced myself it wouldn’t be possible to find someone who’d give me even half of what Blaze had given me.

And now, more than a month after meeting him, I knew just how lucky I was that Blaze happened to be at the pub that night.

I loved him like I never knew was possible to love a man.

And there wasn’t a doubt in my mind about just how much he loved me.

Blaze was the best thing that had ever happened to me. He was the reason I hadn’t wiped the smile off my face in weeks.

Nearly another week had gone by.

It was now late afternoon on Friday, days after we’d had sex with one another for the first time, and I was beyond excited to still be at work.

I had one more appointment for the day, and while I would have loved for the person who had just walked through the door to be Blaze, it wasn’t.

It was Olive, coming in for a root touch up.

She was my last scheduled appointment today, and I was thrilled, because I could finally fill her in on all things Blaze and me. And I knew she was going to be eager to hear it all.

I had waited until today to share the news with Olive about my relationship with Blaze. Even though I could have easily called her to fill her in, I wanted to be able to share it in person and get her reaction.

When the door closed behind her, she grinned at me. “Hey, Harlow. How’s it going?”

“Wonderful. It’s been a busy day today, though,” I returned as she moved in my direction. “What’s going on with you?”

“Not much. Work has been a little crazy for me, too. I’m so glad I had this appointment today, because I’ve been dying to catch up with you,” she said.

After she sat down in the chair, I replied, “Same here. But first, let’s talk about this hair. Am I doing the same thing, or are you looking to switch it up and do something fun for summer? The first official day is fast approaching.”

Olive laughed. “As if you don’t already know the answer to that. If there’s one area of my life where I’ve been more reserved like you, it’s always been with my hair. When have I ever done anything drastic?”

“Fair point,” I noted. “But I have to say that I’m a changed woman. No more reserved Harlow.”

Her eyes narrowed on me in the mirror. “What does that mean?”

I pressed my lips together and fought against a grin.

Realization dawned in Olive’s features, her brows shooting up in surprise. “Did you and Blaze finally do the deed?”

Biting my lip, I slowly nodded my head.

“What? Oh my gosh. Tell me how it happened!” she demanded.

I had every intention of sharing how it all went down, but I figured a little of suspense would make it that much more exciting for her. “I will. I promise. But I need to go and mix your color first.”

Without waiting for a response, I spun around and moved toward the back of my salon to mix the color for Olive’s hair. By the time I made it there and glanced back at her, I couldn’t help but laugh at the look of astonishment on her face.

Sure, I’d discussed where things had gotten to for me when it came Blaze, but I don’t think Olive truly believed just how caught up he and I had gotten in one another.

By the time I’d made it back to where my best friend was sitting and waiting for me, I could see she had at least a dozen questions running through her mind.

“Okay, okay. What do you want to know?” I asked.

“When did it happen?”