Page 9 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

He studies my hand for a heartbeat and then slowly reaches out his own and shakes. His hand is much smaller than mine, but nice and warm.

He lets go far sooner than I want and takes a step back. “I’m Skylar. Thanks for the offer, Hal. Honestly, I’m kinda broke right now, so I was thinking about camping out on the beach. Do you know if that’s okay with the cops around here?”

A quiet ache stirs in my chest.

“It is, but it’s far too cold at night for that at this time of year. At least, not without proper gear. Do you have any?”

The way Skylar darts his gaze away answers my question.

The ache inside me intensifies. “You could stay with me, no charge. You can pay me back later.”

“Nah, man. I don’t like to take charity like that unless I’m fucking desperate. But again, thanks for the offer. I’m sure I’ll figure something out.”

My mind races, trying to find a solution. I can’t have him sleeping out in the cold night air unprotected.

Then inspiration strikes. “Oh! The library at the town’s night school is open twenty-four hours because of its diverse student population. Just tell them Hal sent you and that you need one of the private study rooms with a couch. You can sleep in there overnight.” I bite my bottom lip. “I could grab you a blanket from home. I have loads. Crocheting is kind of a hobby.”

His eyes search mine and he shakes his head slowly. “I feel like I’ve entered some kind of rose-colored dream world since I arrived in Mystic Hollow. Everyone’s been so generous that I… don’t know what to think about it all.”

“Mystic Hollow is full of good folks,” I hasten to reassure him. “We look out for our own.”

His lips quirk. “Even newbies like me?”

My heart flutters. “Absolutely.”

He nods. “Thanks for the tip—about the library, I mean. I’ve got a travel blanket in my duffle, so I’ll be all set.”

I want to take him home and feed him, but I don’t want to trample all over his pride.

“You’re welcome,” I say.

He runs a jittery hand through his hair. “Fuck, I could use a cigarette right now. It’s why I came in here even though I shouldn’t.”

What?!

This time I can’t hold back a worried little noise at his words. “Cigarettes are even worse for you than that bad shampoo you saved me from.”

He grimaces. “No shit, but kicking the nicotine habit is a bitch. It’s the cravings, you know?”

My brain jolts, and I realize I might be able to help. At least a little.

I pull a little baggie out of my shopping apron pocket and hold it toward him. “Try some of my homemade lozenges. They’re made with fresh local ingredients, including raw honey from the apple orchard in town. The stuff’s downright magical. It might even help with your cravings.”

He gives the bag a dubious look.

I take one out and start sucking on it. “See, totally safe. No dangerous or illegal ingredients, I promise.”

He hesitates for a long drawn-out pause but eventually takes the baggie. “Thanks, man. Right now I’ll try just about anything.”

He opens the bag, plucks out a lozenge, and pops it in his mouth.

I hold my breath as I study his face.

His eyes widen. “Wow, these are nice.”

I flush, warmth filling my chest. “Good. I hope they help. If you want more, just swing by the B&B. I can whip up a fresh batch for you anytime.”

For the first time, I see a faint flicker of a smile on his face. I nearly swoon on the spot. He’s already stunning, but even the glimmer of a smile makes him sparkle.