Page 16 of The Way Love Heals

“Mm-hmm. We’ll see.”

“We will. I’ll let you get back to reading, and I wrote down that y’all will have the money turned in at next practice. Since everyone sent in sizes, I’m going to go ahead and order uniforms so they’ll be here on time.”

“Okay, perfect. Thanks, Nyle.”

“You’re welcome, Pretty Lady.”

We ended the call, and I bit down on my bottom lip. Being Nyle’s friend was going to be a trying task for me, but he was a hard person to deny. Not only was he fine, but his personality was captivating me as well. If I didn’t play it safe, I was going to be in trouble.

The sound of me entering Hands of Gold had all heads turning toward the entrance. Immediately, whispers filled the room as I made my way to the receptionist’s desk. I could feel all eyes on me, but I ignored them. My sole reason for being there was to see my friend.

“Good morning, sir.” The young lady greeted me, rapidly blinking her eyelashes. “How may we help you?”

“Is Brittish here?”

“Uh, she is.” She directed her attention toward the computer and informed me, “She’s not taking any clients today.”

“Oh, I’m not a client. Just tell her a friend is here to see her.”

Skeptically, she looked me over, and I didn’t miss what seemed to be a subtle eye roll. She held her finger up and walked toward the back. I took that time to observe the place. It was nice as hell, decorated in gold and white, two of the most majestic colors. The ceiling was covered in sheer, white material that loosely hung with gold stars hanging from them. Low music and lights gave the place a comforting vibe. I could see why women frequented there to relax.

After doing some digging on Brittish, her business popped up. I was intrigued, so I’d read up on Hands of Gold, and the reviews were good as hell. Brittish was doing the damn thing. I loved seeing other people being successful doing what they loved.

Brittish’s inviting scent greeted me before she came strutting from the back, dressed in an all-white body suit that clung to her curvy frame. She looked beautiful with her hair pulled up into a messy bun with a few free strands framing her full face. Gold jewelry set the look off, and I assumed she was matching the ambiance of the room.

Our eyes connected, and Brittish slightly swayed her head as she approached me. She leaned against the desk and looked me up and down.

“Nyle, what are you doing here?”

“I can’t come check in on a friend?” I asked, smirking. “You look pretty as hell, Brittish. And your place is dope. I love the calming aura it has.”

“Thank you. I had to make sure it fit the services we offer. You know, you could’ve called or texted before you stopped by.”

“Nah. That would’ve ruined the shock factor. You got time for me?”

Brittish straightened her posture with her hand on her hip. She didn’t answer right away. Carefully, she studied me as she bit down on her bottom lip. I could see that was a habit of hers, one I would happily take over for her. See, Brittish had lips so plump and soft that I was surprised they didn’t melt away whenever we kissed. She had the type of lips that some women paid for, the type of lips a man like me would go crazy over.

It was taking everything in me not to ask for permission to kiss her in front of everyone sitting in the waiting area, but we didn’t need any more attention than we were already receiving.

“Follow me,” was all Brittish said before turning around and leading me toward the back.

The way her ass jiggled with each step she took was mesmerizing. She wore heels, so I figured it added extra to the recoil. Being around Brittish was dangerous for me, but I enjoyed the thrill. I enjoyed the thoughts of her love faces replaying in my mind, knowing she probably felt the same and was playing hard to get again.

“What can I do for you, Nyle?” Brittish stopped in the middle of the hallway and crossed her arms.

“You tell me. I was just coming by to kick it with you for a minute since I’m free today. You want to go grab some lunch or something?”

Brittish stepped into my personal space and brought her hands to my face. I closed my eyes and told my inner self it was fine. The type of touch she provided was one I would enjoy. She closely studied my face before taking my hand in hers and leading me into one of the rooms.

“Lie down,” she instructed while going over to a drawer and pulling out an apron.

“Do I need to stay dressed or . . .” Brittish threw the apron at me, and I chuckled. Tossing it back, I did as she asked. “What you about to do to me?”

“Give you a much-needed facial.”

“Damn. What you trying to say?”

She snickered and didn’t respond, so I watched her work the room. There were a few things she grabbed that I was familiar with because of Brielle. I’d seen her do skin-care routines all my life. The only thing I did was use witch hazel.