Free Fierce Salon Episode 3: A New Adult Smexy Serial by Aspen Drake Page A

boyfriend might not like it but if it’s a gift, I wouldn’t be able to refuse your cream.”
    I shove her shoulder and laugh. “Behave while we’re gone!”
    “Nope. But you guys have fun and don’t behave too much. I want some stories to cream myself to!”
    “Please ignore her,” I say to Mason as I pull him out the front door. I shout back into the cottage with a laugh, “She’s a pig!”
    “She’s fun.” Mason puts his arm around my waist and guides me to his Jeep Cherokee. “You seem to be more relaxed around her.”
    I internally groan at the comment. Mason has only seen me at my worst or when I was nervous at the salon. He hasn’t seen the normal, happy Amy but I’m determined to have fun tonight and make sure he remembers me as more than the blubbering idiot that scared customers out of his bakery a week ago.
    ~**~
    The gallery is downtown in a chic new building. Mason explains that one of his employees has a few photos on display so he was guilted into attending. Guilt or not, the shrimp cocktail and bacon wrapped filet mignon are enough to keep me interested for hours.
    “What do you think of this piece?” Mason hands me a refill of the chardonnay I’ve been sampling all night as I stare at a painting.
    “It’s heartbreaking.” I didn’t expect tears so I’m not wearing waterproof mascara. I tilt my head back and look at the overhead lights for a second to will the moisture back down my sinuses. “I can’t imagine what these kids have to do to survive when their parents just toss them out.”
    He nods and rests his hand on my back. “Yeah. Makes me realize how good I had it. My teenage years weren’t perfect but at least I always had food and shelter.”
    The portrait of a young teenage boy with dirty clothes and a black eye standing on an urban street corner pretty much sums up the majority of the work on exhibit. The proceeds of the event will help gay and lesbian youth that have been kicked out of their homes and are struggling to survive on the streets.
    “I wish I could buy one.” I look around the room at the framed photos, sculptures and paintings that each portray the harsh reality these kids face every day. “I’m going to make a donation.”
    Mason squeezes my shoulder and pulls me into his chest. “Me too.”
    “Amy.” The deep voice behind me makes me jump out of Mason’s embrace and tug at the hem of my dress. When I turn around, Nate is inches from my back and giving me the intense stare he’s famous for. “How are you this evening?”
    “Nate. Hi.” I don’t know why I’m so nervous but he’s still pissed at me for the late night ride home so I have to tread lightly. “I didn’t know you would be here.”
    “How would you know my schedule?” He’s trying to be casual but there’s an edge to his voice that I’m becoming accustomed to. “It’s not like you’re following me, right?”
    “Huh?” I don’t understand the joke so I let it go. “Well, it was great seeing you.”
    I turn to Mason and gesture toward the gallery owner. “Let’s go ask who to make the check out to.”
    “Of course.” Mason takes my hand and leads me away.
    As soon as we’re out of earshot, I lean into Mason. “Thanks for saving me. I think my boss hates me.”
    Mason laughs and grabs a piece of bruschetta from a passing tray. “I don’t think that’s the problem.”
    I glance back at Nate and he’s still glaring at me. As usual. “Trust me. It is.”
    Rayna Bach is one of the foremost advocates of controversial and political art in the country. She is known for finding undiscovered talent with a social focus and getting rich do-gooders to donate to related charities. There’s a line of people waiting to speak to her so Mason excuses himself to visit the restroom while I stand in queue.
    “Is there some kind of etiquette I should know about before I get to her?” I ask the kid standing in line behind me. He looks like he’s only seventeen or eighteen but his