CHAPTER ELEVEN
“Hi, I’m Lena. I’m Nirvana’s beautician.”
Jessa paused as she looked at the woman standing on her doorstep. “I’m sorry. I didn’t schedule an appointment—”
“You didn’t. I’m sorry. I wanted to stop and volunteer. I know this must seem crazy, but I love your music. I’m such a big fan.” The brunette beamed.
“That’s very sweet of you. Sure. If you have the time I could use some fixin’ up.” Jessa had hoped she’d take a stroll on the land, accidentally-on-purposely run into Jace. Since they came home yesterday and were dropped off by a cab, she hadn’t seen hide nor hair of the cowboy. She wasn’t sure if he’d been put through the wringer by Chase or not, but she certainly hoped he wasn’t avoiding her again.
Once she was seated and Lena was taking out her tools from her bag, Jessa relaxed allowing the beautician to work. “How long have you worked here at Nirvana?”
“Only a few months, but I love it here. I get to meet lots of people and the views, wow, they’re amazing.”
“Wyoming is a beautiful state.”
“Well, it is, but I was referring to the scenes along the lines of Wrangler bottoms and callused hands.” She giggled as she brushed Jessa’s hair.
“I agree. I’ve heard rumors that romance is in the air here.” She’d doubted the validity of the rumor, but things were certainly heating up between she and Jace.
The brush paused. “We’re not supposed to get up close and personal with guests, but…” she bent close and lowered her voice as if someone might overhear, “it happens all the time. In fact, here’s a new one. I’ve heard that two of the staff members have gotten quite cozy.” She laid the brush down and picked up a comb and scissors. “Your hair is so pretty.”
“Thank you. Regarding office romance, it happens everywhere. I know many singers who sneak around. They usually don’t last too long though.”
“I’m happy for Moon…oh crap! I didn’t mean to say her name.” Lena’s cheeks turned red. “Me and my big mouth.”
“Moon? I’ve met her. She seems very nice.”
“I’m sure you won’t tell anyone, but from what I hear, she and one of the hands has a hot thing going on.”
Jessa smiled. She had her own secret rendezvous going on. “Can you blame her? I’ve never seen so much testosterone walking in Wranglers in all my life. It’s almost too much for a girl to handle. I bet she and Doc Parker have a thing going on.”
“Really?”
“I do.” She thought it was best to keep to herself that she’d spotted Doc and Moon standing pretty close in the barn.
“Wow. I thought she and Jace were an item. I know I heard through the grapevine that she had her sights set on him.” Caught off guard, Jessa turned her chin around just as Lena squeezed the scissors. A thick lock of hair floated to the floor as the beautician’s eyes widened. “Oh shit! Shit! Shit! I’m so sorry, Jessa.” If possible, her cheeks turned brighter red.
Jessa didn’t pay any attention to the woman’s worry because she was still stuck on the rumor that Moon and Jace were an item. “Do you think it’s true? You know, about Moon and Jace?” She could barely breathe. Her internal claws popped out. What was she feeling? Jealousy? Anger?
Lena shrugged, still holding Jessa’s lopped-off hair in disbelief. “I-I don’t really know. I remember Moon had said she had a crush on him…b-but I could be wrong. Your hair though. Your beautiful hair.”
Gaining a grip, Jessa looked down at her chopped hair. She slumped her shoulders. The loss of hair didn’t even compare to her curiosity over Jace and Moon. Was it possible they had an affair? “Well, Lena, I don’t think you have a choice but to cut my hair. I was looking for a change anyway.” Not this much of a change, but the woman was mortified and Jessa didn’t want to make her feel any worse.
“I’m so sorry.” Tears filled her eyes.
“Don’t fret about it. It’s only hair.” But as far as Jace was concerned, it appeared she had some questions to ask.
*****
Jace stood at the open door of the barn watching Jessa play her guitar from the makeshift stage. She seemed completely lost in the song as her slender fingers thrummed the strings. Her expression connected with the words and she was beautiful. Her playing was stunning. Almost as stunning as she was. They’d grown close over the last week and he wasn’t positive that he was okay with her leaving soon.
No. He wasn’t. Not one bit.
But what could he do? She was a powerhouse music star and he was…well, a cowboy who didn’t have his own plot of land.
Leaning against the entrance, he listened to the words of the melody. He followed the plump curves of her lips, down the smooth line of her neck to the hollow where he had a strong desire to kiss. Her hair was shorter by at least six inches. He liked it. Hell, was there anything about her he didn’t like? Her eyes were glowing in the soft light, reminding him of sapphires. Everyone in the barn seemed to disappear as he lost himself in her beauty. He liked feeling this way. He liked feeling excited about seeing someone.
Pushing from the doorframe, he strolled to a shadowed spot so he could stare at her without being noticed. He was mesmerized by her slender fingers moving along the guitar strings, skillful and deftly, the same fingers that had touched parts of his body so expertly. Sweat beaded on his forehead at the thought and he adjusted his hat lower on his forehead as if he could hide the emotions flowing through him. He glanced up and Jessa was now staring at him with unreadable clear eyes.
This woman amazed him. She was a star, and yet he could easily imagine that she was just like him, some country boy. He guessed he was playing with fire. Here at Nirvana it was easy to live in a bubble. She lived in another world and he had no place there. He liked his peace and quiet.
Yet, for the time being, he couldn’t resist the blonde bombshell if his life depended on it. In such a short amount of time she’d twisted and turned him. She wasn’t the same person she was back in high school, or maybe she was and he was getting to know the real Jessa. After all, she had a right to reject him if that’s what was best for her. He would have been more heartbroken if she’d said yes just to humor him.
“Hey, what are you doing?” Cole asked.
Jace hadn’t heard the cowboy approach him. “Just making sure we have enough bales of hay set out for seating. Looks like we do.” Jace shifted his boots.
“What do you think is going on with those two?”
Following Cole’s glance, Jace saw Moon and Cam sitting along the wall, their shoulders brushing. “Hell if I know.” It wasn’t like it was any of his business. “I’ve got to go. I promised I’d help out with something.” He needed to get as far away from Jessa before someone witnessed the change in him.