Free The Mighty Quinns: Thom by Kate Hoffmann Page B

pressure.”
    “No, it will be fine,” Malin said. “We’ll post a picture of your new haircut this afternoon, and the mysterious blonde will be forgotten in no time.”
    Thom wrapped his arm around her neck and pulled her into a fierce hug. “You’re the boss, boss. But, just so you know, I have no intention of forgetting the mysterious blonde.”

4
    “I WANT YOU to open your mind to new experiences,” Malin said as she pulled into the alley behind the salon and day spa. “Forget about what men are supposed to look like and just enjoy yourself.”
    “They’re going to cut my hair,” Thom said. “I think I can handle that. Just as long as they don’t put all that crap in my hair after they’re done. What do they call that stuff? Product. No product.”
    “Open mind,” she repeated.
    “So I’m just supposed to let you have your way with me?”
    “I let you have your way with me,” she said, glancing over at him as she brought her car to a stop. “Fair is fair.”
    “So, if I do what you say this afternoon, you’ll do what I say tonight?”
    “Don’t push your luck,” Malin said.
    “I always do.”
    She got out of the car and waited for him at the back door of the salon. She’d arranged for the full slate of beauty services for him, but she’d decided to hold off on telling him the rest of the plan until she was sure he could handle a makeover.
    Malin’s friend Amy met them at the back door and brought them into a private area in the rear of the salon, which was set up for clients who preferred a purely private experience. Amy brought them over to a sofa and handed both Malin and Thom a spa menu. “What can we do for you today?” she asked.
    “I’m here for a haircut,” Thom said, holding the menu out to her. “Just a basic one.”
    Amy’s eyebrow shot up. “You don’t want to have a little fun? Wait right here.”
    “What does she mean by fun ?” Thom asked.
    “Why don’t you pamper yourself? Have a massage or a facial. You definitely need a pedicure. And as long as they’re working on your feet, they can do your hands. Your nails are a mess.”
    “I’m a guy,” Thom said. “I’m supposed to be a mess.”
    “But we’re working on a new you. A more together you. It’s important to look the part.”
    “No one is going to see my feet.”
    “It’s summer. You don’t wear flip flops?”
    Amy reappeared with a tray holding two champagne flutes and a carafe of mimosa. She poured a glass for each of them and smiled. “Now, what’s up first?”
    Thom downed the first mimosa, then refilled it and downed a second. “You’re in charge,” he said to Malin.
    She smiled. She’d expected him to put up more of a fight, and she was happy that he trusted her enough to go with her plans. Though she had to wonder what he’d try to take in return. A tiny shiver skittered through her body at the thought of them back in the privacy of his bedroom, and her mind began to form her own menu.
    “Let’s start with a manicure and pedicure,” she said. “Then we’ll do a facial and a shave and finish off with a haircut and style. And if he isn’t crazy by then, we’ll consider a massage at the end.”
    “How long are we staying?” Thom asked.
    “As long as it takes to get the last of the beast out of you,” Malin said.
    “I thought we were seeing some stylist, too.”
    “If we can fit it in, absolutely.”
    “Changing rooms are back there,” Amy said. “Grab a men’s robe and get comfortable.”
    Thom grinned and stood, then held out his hand to Malin. She glanced over at Amy, a blush warming her cheeks. “You don’t need me to help you change,” she murmured.
    “If I’m going through all this, you’re going to do it with me. Come on. Let’s get you into a fancy robe.”
    Reluctantly Malin followed Thom to the changing rooms. She hadn’t planned to indulge herself today, but if it made things easier with Thom, then all the better. Once he found out where they were headed