After Hours Bundle Read Online Free

either—he stepped in as if he owned the place.
    Shirlie beamed at The Man and got an instant case of the nervous babbles. “Hi, welcome to After Hours! I mean, I know it’s not after hours right now, it’s regular daytime business hours, but After Hours is the name of the salon and spa since we’re open 9:00 a.m. to midnight. Isn’t that fabulous? New marketing concept. Most people don’t have time to leave work and come during the day, so we get them to come at night.”
    â€œOh,” said The Man, “I’m not particular about when I come.” He grinned at Peg.
    She narrowed her eyes, but she couldn’t find a trace of innuendo or sarcasm in his voice.
    Shirlie’s blue eyes widened and she squirmed. “Uh, arrive at night. Make evening appointments. I didn’t mean, well, you know…” Shirlie blushed fire. “I didn’t mean anything by—I just meant—Oh, God, just shoot me. But by the way, I’m Shirlie!”
    Peg cringed for her.
    The Man blinked, bit back laughter and finally said politely, “Nice to meet you, Shirlie.”
    â€œYou have an appointment for a massage?” She scanned the book, looking very much as if she’d like to close her face in it and die.
    He shook his head and opened his mouth to speak, but the babbles took hold of her again. “You’re here to have your back waxed, then! Of course. Don’t be embarrassed—lots of men have your problem. We wax backs all the time. My brother has come here for that. No shame in it at all—”
    â€œActually,” The Man said, “I’m here to—”
    â€œYour bikini area, then?” Shirlie blurted.
    â€œGod, no!” He looked alarmed.
    Peggy decided that it was time she stepped in, to rescue both Shirlie and The Man from any more awkwardness. “What can we help you with?” she asked.
    â€œI was, uh…” He looked up at the ceiling tiles, of all places. And along the baseboards. He squinted into the back of the salon, gazing…under the sinks?
    Peggy didn’t know what to make of him. Then he stuck his foot in his mouth.
    â€œListen,” he said. “Do any straight guys come here?”
    Unbelievable. Peg couldn’t help it. She snorted.
    He looked at her sharply.
    She cleared her throat. “Sorry. Just getting over a cold. Yes, plenty of straight guys come here. Your masculinity is safe on our premises.”
    â€œAre you making fun of me?” he asked.
    Oh, hell. Yes, I was, and it was wrong, and it’s certainly not good business to do that. “No, no. Not at all.” She gave him her best smile. “We’re running a special right now on spa packages, and as the manager, I can offer you twenty-five percent off. Would you be interested in booking our Qu—uh, King package? It’s a combination of a sea salt body scrub and wrap, a hot stone massage and a warm mud bath. Very relaxing and rejuvenating—and men, straight men, get this package all the time.”
    â€œSounds great,” The Man said, looking uninterested and still inspecting everything but the decor, which usually riveted first-time visitors since it was so splashy and contemporary. Orchid, sea-foam green, yellow and pink walls surrounded übermod furniture and funky floor cloths.
    After dark, the spa’s lighting, music and atmosphere created almost a nightclub feel, where clients could have a cocktail or two while getting their nails or hair done. Part of Shirlie’s job was to mix drinks after 5:00 p.m.
    The idea was that the spa functioned as a relaxing, fun preparty spot where clients could start their evenings while being pampered and polished.
    â€œWould you like to book your package all at once,” Peg asked, “or in three separate treatments?”
    The Man hesitated for a moment. “Three separate treatments, please,” he said.
    â€œAll right.” Since Shirlie