Anna's Courage (Rose Island Book 1) by Kristin Noel Fischer Read Free Book Online Page B

impossible to hear or think straight when she’s freaking out like that.”
    “Wall-baby appointment,” Bianca repeated, laughing again as she reached into a drawer and found several hair bows.
    “Anyway . . .” Nick turned back to me. “Gabby’s appointment is up in Houston, and since there’s no school on Monday, I’m going to take Hailey with me. She’s been talking about visiting the pet store.”
    “Bubba’s Pets,” I said. “Travis loves that place.”
    “Yes, that’s why I stopped by the salon. I was hoping you’d let Travis come with us.”
    Panic fired in my brain, and I let out a deep breath. “I don’t know. It’s kind of far away, and last time, they had this venomous snake named Cuddles. Not for sale, just on display . . .”
    Nick looked offended and confused. “Could he come with us if I promise not to let him touch the venomous snake? It’d be good for Hailey to have a friend along. She’s having a hard time. Her teachers say she’s doing fine in school, but when she comes home, she sinks into a horrible depression. I thought Travis could lift her spirits.”
    I nodded, wanting to say yes for Hailey’s sake but nervous about letting Travis leave the island without me. Rose Island offered a safe and idyllic life not found elsewhere. What if Travis wandered off and became lost? What if Nick had a car accident? What if someone tried to harm them?
    Nick must’ve sensed my fear because he took a step back and raised his hands. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to push. I’m just trying to help Hailey, but the bottom line is I can’t fix the fact she lost her parents. I can’t force her to be happy.”
    Guilt washed over me. The rational part of me knew I was being ridiculous. Hadn’t I told Travis that Hailey needed a friend like him?
    Plus, with Travis gone for the day, I could pick up a few more appointments and make a little extra money for Christmas. My parents were coming for the holiday, and I wanted to take some time off in December.
    “Ta-da!” Bianca disrupted the tension by swirling the chair around, causing Gabby to giggle. The baby reached a tentative hand to her head and touched the bows.
    “Doesn’t she look beautiful?” Bianca asked.
    Both Nick and I nodded.
    Bianca lifted the baby into her arms and addressed Nick. “Now, we’re going to show off Gabby’s new hairstyle at the bank while you stay here and convince Anna you’re not going to kidnap her son.”
    “I’m not worried about that,” I insisted.
    “No, but I’m sure that crazy mind of yours has come up with all sorts of worst-case scenarios. Talk to the man about Monday or give him a haircut. Either way, Gabby and I will be back.”
    With a wink, she headed out the door. Nick glanced nervously around the salon, taking in everything but me. His eyes landed on the wooden sign hanging above the sinks on the back wall.
    “The higher the hair, the closer to heaven.” Grinning, he ran a hand over his head. “I was thinking about getting my hair cut, but maybe I shouldn’t go any shorter.”
    I returned his smile. “It does seem a little long for the military. Are you leading a rebellion or something?”
    His expression faltered. “I was waiting in the barber shop on post when my father called about Ethan and Ivana.”
    I winced. “I’m sorry.”
    “It’s fine.”
    “I’d be happy to cut your hair,” I offered.
    He surprised me by agreeing and taking a seat at my station.
    Smiling apologetically, I held up two bibs. “Our men’s selection is rather slim today. You have your choice between pink polka dots and daisies.”
    “How about I hold onto my man card and forgo a gown?”
    “Okay.” I stood behind the chair and locked eyes with him in the mirror before running a hand through his dark hair. Usually, there was nothing sensual about touching a man’s hair, but this felt different. Special. Almost intimate.
    Suddenly, I was struck by an insane longing to lean over and kiss the back of his