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“Get your hair done” He ran his gaze over the sleeked-back strands nestled at her nape “But not short, okay?”

He wasn’t sure why he added the last The length of her hair was none of his business If she wanted to go bald, other than their patients’ reactions, he had no right to say a word

“I probably wouldn’t have had ti”

He’d give her ti hi

“I’ll see your patients”

Her face flushing, she shook her head, eyeing hi a fever “That won’t be necessary”

But it was necessary

“Look, Faith, I’m a slave driver There’s no question of that” He raked his fingers through his hair, wondering why the spring air that had felt so good ht Your lunches are your own, even if I do monopolize them Go Get your hair done however you want Buy yourself a new dress”

“But—”

“Actually,” he withdrew his wallet from his back pocket “Take the rest of the afternoon off and buy yourself a dress for tonight, too On me”

Her face pale, she stared at the cash in his hand “I can’t take your money”

“Sure you can,” he teased “You do every pay period”

“That’s different” Her lips pursed “I’ve earned my paycheck This is different”

“Look, it’s my fault you need new clothes and to have your hair done It’s only fair I pay” He shoved the cash into her palered, hoanted to hold her hand for real, surprised him He forced his smile to stay in place despite his unhappiness with his ard fingers, despite his confusion over what the hell was going on with his reactions to Faith

“Go,” he ordered “Have fun, and I’ll pick you up from your place”