It didn’t.
I got out and dried off. As I wrapped a towel around my waist, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I leaned in to get a better look at my thick, overgrown beard and immediately thought of Cat and what she’d said about my needing to shave the damn thing. At the time, I thought the kid was crazy, but now? Maybe it was time for a change.
I ran my hand over it, gave it a firm tug, and before I had a chance to think about what I was doing, I grabbed my shaving trimmers from below the sink and plugged it in. I wasn’t ready to let it go completely, so I put on the number four guard and got to work.
Once I was done, I quickly realized it wasn’t the change I was going for, so I went for the three. That shit didn’t work for me either, so I ended up breaking out the two guard. By the time I was done, I barely recognized myself. I ran my hand over my thick five o’clock shadow and had to admit, Cat was right. The longer beard had made me look older.
I left the bathroom and walked over to my dresser. I’d just pulled out some fresh clothes when there was a knock at my door. “Give me a minute.”
After I put on my boxer briefs and jeans, I opened the door to find Country standing in the hallway. Before I could ask him what he wanted, he inhaled a stunned breath and asked, “Oh damn, what the hell happened?”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Your face!” He brought his hand up and moved it in a circular motion around his mouth. “What the fuck happened to your face?”
“Nothing happened, numb-nuts!” I barked. “I shaved.”
“Yeah, I can see that.” He looked absolutely distraught. “But why, Prez? That beard was your trademark.”
“My what?”
“Your trademark,” he repeated. “You know. The thing that makes you ... you.”
“I don’t need a fucking beard to make me, me. It’s just a fucking beard.”
“I know, I know.” Country almost looked like a pouting child as he muttered, “But I liked your beard.”
“Did you need something, or are you just here to bust my balls?”
“I came by to let you know I was heading back to the Manor.”
“Figured you would’ve headed on home after your shift last night.”
“Well, Lynch and I had one too many after closing, so I figured it was best to just hang back here.” Before I had a chance to give him a hard time, he continued, “Just came by to see if there was anything you needed from me before I take off.”
“Get with Hawk. He’s planning on heading that way later today to talk some things over with Kiersten.”
“Oh?” Concern marked his face. “Everything all right?”
“Yeah, everything’s fine. Just gonna talk to her about that project she’s wanting to start up this spring.”
“Good deal.” Country tilted his head to the side and gave me another once over before saying, “You know, the new look’s growing on me. You’re looking pretty fine there, Prez.”
“Get the fuck out of here, Country.”
“Catch ya later.” When he turned to leave, something in the corner caught his attention, and he whipped back around. He stepped back over to my doorway and peered inside the room, then pointed over to my trash can. “Hold up ... Is that what I think it is?”
“What now?”
“Is that the dirty Santa gift I gave you?”
“Yeah, as a matter of fact, it is.”
“You trashed it?” he asked, sounding utterly offended. “I put a lot of thought into that gift, and you just tossed it.”
I reached down and grabbed the box out of the garbage, then shoved it into his chest. “If it means that much to you, then you take it. I’m sure you can put it to good use.”
“Me? Ah, now, I may not be packing to the level you are, but I do just fine. I won’t be needing any male enhancements any time soon.”
“Then, give it to someone who does, or toss the fucking thing in the dumpster,” I ordered. “I’m tired of looking at the damn thing.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I’m positive.”
Country slipped the box under his arm, then turned and headed down the hall. I immediately shut the door and finished getting dressed. Once I’d put on my boots, I put on my cut, grabbed what was left of my coffee, and headed back to my office. I’d just stepped out of my room when Lynch and Widow appeared in the hallway, and Lynch’s mouth immediately dropped open.
“Holy shit, Country wasn’t kiddin’. You really did shave it off.”
“Did you need something?”
“Nope. Just wanted to see the look.”
The words had barely left his mouth when Rafe and Hawk slipped up behind Widow, and like Lynch, they looked equally surprised by the loss of my beard. Rafe was all smiles as he said, “Damn, Prez. Looking good. You’re gonna have to beat off the ladies with a stick.”