Page 2 of Next Time We'll Fall

“Maybe,” I say, though I don’t really believe in love at first sight. Not since I was a teen anyway, but then I soon found out that true love was not a thing. I don’t even want to think about that right now.

“I might have died and gone to heaven,” her voice croaks. “He just smiled at me.”

Now, I’m not one who likes to be obvious, but even I can’t resist having a look at this surf god. I spin around quickly, and my heart immediately drops when I see who she’s talking about. I can’t help but roll my eyes and groan.

“That cannot be who you’re talking about,” I whisper to Cassia.

She doesn’t respond. Instead, she just stands there with a dreamy expression on her face.

“Isn’t he handsome?”

“Nope,” I say a little too loudly as Rafe walks over to our space.

Rafe is Mia’s older brother and the bane of my existence. He’s one of the most annoying men I’ve ever met in my life, and while on a scientific level, I can recognize that some foolish women may think he’s cute—I was foolish once—I don’t think of him now as anything more than an annoyance.

“Nope what?” Rafe says, sliding into the conversation with a bright, dazzling smile.

His cobalt-blue eyes are keen as he stares at me, and his dark, silky hair shines in the morning sun. He’s wearing a pair of board shorts and no shirt, and I can’t help but notice that hehas muscles and abs for days. Not that I care. He can spend every hour of his life at the gym if he wants.

“I’m Cassia.”

Iowa City Lady steps forward and offers him her hand like she’s some sort of damsel in distress, and I want to groan. She looks ridiculous, and he looks confused.

“Hello, Cassia …”

He looks over at me, and there’s a half smirk on his face, like he knows we were just talking about him. Like he knows he’s hot. Like he knows I simultaneously want to wipe that cocky smile off of his face and peel off his navy shorts at the same time. Which makes me hate myself. Because why on earth am I still lusting over my best friend’s brother when I know we will never have anything?

“Juniper, looking merry this morning.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I can’t help but snap, but when I see his wide smile, I regret it because I know he was hoping to get a reaction from me. Jerk.

“Merry, lovely, and bright.” He winks and then turns around and waves at Mia. “Hey, sis. Nice to see you at work for once.”

The comment is smooth, but I can see Mia rolling her eyes. Ever since she and Luke became serious, she’s not been working as much, and it seems to be bothering Rafe, even more than it bothers me. But I think it’s because he’s still upset that Mia and Luke pretended to date in order to attend his brother’s wedding together and Rafe was in the dark about the entire pretense. He says he’s happy for them now, but I can tell he’s still irritated by the lie.

Rafe Bishop considers himself an upstanding member of society and doesn’t like lies. I suppose that is one of the reasons why everyone in town seems to love him. That’s because, as the town vet, he often works for free. He believes every animal deserves care whether or not their owners can pay. I will admitthat I secretly admire him for that, though I do often wonder how he can continue to pay his bills. Because unlike Luke Haverbrook, Rafe’s family is not made up of billionaires—or even millionaires.

“And you’re looking dour.” I sniff as I gaze at him with the most disinterested look I can muster.

“Dour, eh? Am I an old maid in a historical English novel? Something by Dickens perhaps?”

The way his lips twist up at the side irritates me, but I can’t help but laugh slightly.

“What are you doing here, Rafe?”

“I came to see my sister.”

“Really?” Mia heads over to us with a stack of books and peers at him with curious brown eyes. “What have you come to lecture me about now?”

“Nothing.” He frowns at her and shakes his head, like he’s perplexed at her comment. “Just wanted to see how it was going before I went for a swim. Then I’m off to work,” he offers by way of explanation. “Your cousins arrive today as well, don’t they, Juniper?”

“Yes.” I nod and check my phone for the time. “I have to leave for the airport in about an hour. Sage and Rosie will not appreciate me being late.”

“Do you need a ride? I have a slow morning, so I can drive you if need be,” he offers—because Rafe, even though he irks me, is the perfect gentleman. Which, if I’m honest, is part of the problem.

One of these days, I just want him to be a rogue bad boy instead of always ensuring he is the picture of decorum and etiquette. I want him to look at me like a woman he wants to devour and not his little sister’s best friend who he needs to protect and keep sheltered. It’s annoying.

“If she doesn’t need the ride, I’ll take one.” Cassia giggles.