Duke (Aces MC #2)

Chapter 1

Taylor

"That's it, all finished." I stepped back placing my hands on my hips looking at the salon, admiring my handy work. I thought about the blood, sweat and tears, that I'd put into this salon over the past eight weeks and I was proud of what I'd achieved.
"Taylor, where are these flowers going honey?" My aunt asked walking around the salon with a vase full of white lilies.

My aunt was a fantastic lady. She had given up everything to move to England forty years ago when she emigrated from the U.S with my uncle. They were the strongest, closet couple I'd ever met, up until my uncle's death earlier this year.
My aunt and uncle couldn't have their own children, so they had paid extra attention to me and my younger sister Sophia, from an early age. When my mother was diagnosed with postpartum depression six months after the birth of my sister, we came to live with my aunt and uncle in England. Dad was in no fit state to look after two young children and support my mother through her therapy so this solution worked well for everyone. My aunt and uncle treated us as if we were their own and we became very close.
Sophia and I moved back to the United States when I was in my early teens but I frequently visited them and started to fall in love with England and everything English. When Uncle Ron passed away, to my surprise I learnt that he'd left my sister and I, a large sum of money in his will. Ron had been saving money for Sophia and I for years and when I received this substantial sum, I decided to immigrate to England, to look after my ageing aunt and open the salon that I'd been so desperate to do.
Working as a hair stylist in New York for the past six years had run its course and it was time for me to spread my wings and become independent. This was the perfect time for me to do so and I was looking forward to the challenge and the next chapter of my life.

Although I had to rein in my aunt's creative flair, who loved anything tacky, I enjoyed spending time with her and she'd helped me to complete the refurbishment at the salon in time. I wanted to achieve a shabby chic feel to the salon, attracting a classier clientele, I hung purple drapes from the ceiling and added a huge chandelier as a centrepiece. The white leather sofas added to the welcoming feel of the reception area and I accessorised using different shades of purple. It looked more like a hotel reception area than a salon but reflected my personality perfectly.

"On the reception desk please Pam." I thought the flowers would look lovely positioned on the high reception desk, as they could be seen from the entrance.
My aunt placed the vase and let out a loud sigh looking at her watch, "It's getting late honey, let's call it a night and go and get some food."
My stomach had been rumbling for the past hour but I wanted to get the last of the jobs completed before I went home. I was looking forward to the grand opening but I was also apprehensive. What if no one turned up? I would be absolutely devastated. I had been canvassing hard over the past four weeks, advertising in the local newspaper, distributed leaflets and my aunt had informed her friends, although I didn't want all of my clients to be over the age of seventy!

I slowly walked around the salon, making sure everything electrical was turned off and made a mental note to bring in the new kettle tomorrow. The English loved a cup of tea!

We left the building, turning off the lights and bolting the door securely before crossing the street to where my car was parked.
I stood back looking at the salon, "I've finally done it Pam." I whispered.
"Uncle Ron would have been so proud of you honey." My aunt replied with a smile.
I wrapped my arms around Pam's shoulders, pulling her in for a hug as we stood admiring the shiny purple sign that read 'Elite Hair Styling'.
I let out a loud yawn, "Oh sorry Pam." I said covering my mouth quickly with my hand.
"Not a problem, let's get you home. You have a very busy day tomorrow."

The following day I arrived at the salon an hour early to make sure I was ready for the grand opening. My new assistant was starting this morning, Chanel was a lively local teenager and had impressed me at her interview so much so that I'd taken her on as an apprentice straight away. She would work in the salon learning her trade but would go to college one day a week to gain the relevant qualifications. She knew the locals and I was hoping her friendly personality would shine through and help to create a happy atmosphere.