Page 23 of Next Time We'll Fall

“Yeah, that must be it,” she says. “Well, I’m going to go inside now.”

“Okay.” I nod. “Hey, and, Juniper?”

“Yes, Rafe?” She looks back at me with a question in her eyes.

“If you need to do any more research for this romance book, I’m your man.” I offer her a wide smile. “I’m willing to help in any way that you need.”

“I think I can categorically say that I won’t be in need of any help.” She gasps and pulls the shirt together. “Good night, Rafe.”

She hurries inside her apartment, and I stand there, feeling like the wind has just been knocked out of my sails.

Chapter 6

JUNIPER

My head feels light as I open my eyes, and the memories of the previous night hit me. My stomach clenches as I remember every vivid detail, and I roll over and scream into my pillow. Am I remembering everything correctly, or was it just a dream?

I look down and see that I’m still wearing Rafe’s shirt, and my heart drops. So, it wasn’t a dream then? I feel faint and shiver slightly.

“Oh Lord, what did I do?” I cry out.

The door immediately bursts open, and Sage almost falls into the room. I jump back because I’m not ready to have to deal with anyone in the real world right now. I still feel like I’m in part of a dream. A very sexy dream that I don’t want to awaken from.

“She’s awake, Rosie,” she calls out. Then I hear Rosie come running down the hallway, excited for the morning gossip.

Sage bounces onto my bed. “Morning, Vixen.”

“Who?”

“Electra?”

“Sage, what are you talking about?”

“I’m giving you your stripper name. What about Cherry?”

“Sage.” I glare at her, and she bursts out laughing. Like she thinks I’m awake enough to find her funny.

“Do you prefer Mercedes?”

“I can’t even afford a Mercedes.” Another glare her way.

“Lola. Barbie. Bambi.” She pauses and offers me a wicked smile. “Slutty would be too rude.”

“Sage, I am not a stripper, and I don’t want a stripper name.”

I look up as Rosie bursts into the room, wearing an oversize shirt. She hurries over and joins us on the bed, and I groan as I roll over to make room before she crushes me.

“Before you say anything, Rosie, I do not want a stripper name. I am not giving up the bookshop to become a stripper …” My voice trails off as they give each other a look and then glance at me. “What is it?”

“Nothing.” Rosie giggles loudly.

I frown as they exchange another knowing look, like they have some sort of big secret they can’t wait to reveal. I’d be more excited to learn about it if I didn’t think it was about me.

“Tell me what’s going on.”

“Is that your shirt?” Sage asks, pointing at the shirt she knows very well doesn’t belong to me.

“No,” I say stiffly.