Blackstone Ranger Guardian - Alicia Montgomery Page 0,38

chief’s mate was more than happy to help when Damon called her down and explained the situation. “Ooh! Shopping trip,” she exclaimed, clapping her hands together.

“Anna Victoria,” Damon warned. “Don’t go overboard, now.”

She laughed. “I won’t, I promise. And I know just the place. Let me go get my keys, and we can head out.”

Soon, Krieger found himself in South Blackstone, one of the newer developments in town that had lots of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It was strange to spend time with Anna Victoria without Damon, but she seemed determined to get him some new clothes. She led him to a men’s boutique, which because they had just opened, was empty save for the salesperson inside who greeted them as they entered.

“I don’t have much time,” Krieger said as he glanced up at the clock hanging over the counter. It was already nine thirty-five. “Also, I don’t know where to start.” The rows of shirts, jackets, and pants around him looked … intimidating.

“We won’t take long.” Anna Victoria pushed him into the dressing room. “And I’ll take care of it, okay?”

Forty-five minutes later, they left the store with two bags, plus he was wearing a new outfit—white shirt, black leather jacket, and new jeans. “Are you sure this is okay?”

Anna Victoria’s smile was as wide as the ocean. “It’s more than okay. She’ll love it.”

It didn’t surprise him that she knew why he wanted to get some new clothes. “What about this?” He grabbed a handful of his unruly hair. “Should I cut it off?”

“No!” The female sounded like she was going to have a heart attack at the mere suggestion. “I mean … you just need a little grooming. C’mon, I know another place we should go to.”

Just a few shops down from the men’s boutique was a hair salon. He stopped short, seeing the pink and yellow decor from the outside. “I don’t think—”

“Don’t be a baby, Krieger,” Anna Victoria teased. “Trust me, okay? C’mon.”

The woman at the front desk introduced herself as Amy, the owner of the salon. From the way she and Anna Victoria chatted, it was obvious they were friends.

“His hair just needs a little TLC,” Anna Victoria explained. “Nothing fancy. He has to pick up his date in an hour.”

Amy raised a brow at him. “I’m digging the hipster mountain man look, but I bet that hair of yours has got more split ends than my relationship history,” she chuckled. “C’mon, honey, I’ll take good care of you.” She winked at him and led him to the washing basin in the back.

An hour later, Amy had given him a shampoo, trim, and blow-dry, plus also groomed his beard hair. She showed him how to put his hair up in a “man bun” which she said would “drive the ladies wild.” Frankly, it seemed strange to go through all that trouble to fix up his hair only to tie it up again in a messy bun, but he shrugged and left it up anyway.

“You look great,” Anna Victoria said as they walked out of the salon.

“Thanks … for everything,” he said gratefully. “I gotta go …”

“Of course.” She waved him away. “Now, go knock her socks off!”

Thankfully, he was only five minutes late by the time he pulled up in front of Angela’s house. He sprinted to the front door and rang the bell. The door opened seconds later.

“You’re”—Dutchy’s eyes widened comically as her gaze ran over him from head to toe—“late.”

“I’m sorry.” He didn’t miss the flash of heat in her eyes, and he knew he owed Anna Victoria. Big time. “I got held up.”

She cleared her throat. “Uh, you look … nice.”

“So do you.” Of course, Dutchy always looked amazing, whether she was wearing sweats like yesterday or his uniform shirt. Or nothing at all, he added silently. Today, however, she wore a pale blue sweater that matched her eyes, and her brilliant coppery hair fell in waves around her face and down her shoulders. “Beautiful, actually.”

“Th-thanks. Angela helped.” She gestured to her left arm which was still in a cast, but he was glad to see she no longer needed the sling today. “Should we go? Rosie was excited to hear we were coming.”

“Of course.”

He led her to the truck and opened the door for her, and soon they were pulling in front of Rosie’s Bakery and Cafe. As soon as they came in, Rosie’s face lit up from across the room where she was pouring coffee for a two-top. “I’ll