Page 30 of Next Time We'll Fall

I shake my head. “So, are you here because Rosie and Sage wanted to go, or are you here because you want a date?”

I don’t know why I care about her answer, but for some reason, I really do.

“It’s none of your business why I’m here.”

“Okay, so I’m taking it, you’re feeling lonely.”

“I’m not feeling lonely. Is that why you’re here?”

“I mean, would I say no to a pretty woman in my bed, keeping me warm?”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re just a pig.”

“No, I’ve slept with pigs as a vet, of course, which is my job, which you know.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“And I’m telling you that they don’t actually keep you as warm as you would think.”

“Okay.”

I’m about to continue talking when a slender redhead walks up to me and taps me on the shoulder.

“Dr. Rafe, is that you?”

I stare at her for a couple of seconds, trying to recognize her.

“It’s me, Cindy.”

“Cindy?”

“You know, you looked after my dog, Trixie, the little Chihuahua, a couple of weeks ago. She accidentally got into my M&M’s, and we had to induce vomiting.”

“Oh yeah. How’s Trixie doing?”

“Oh, she’s so much better, thanks to you, Dr. Rafe,” she almost purrs at me. “I really did want to say thank you in my own special way.”

She runs her fingers down the side of my arm, and I can tell she’s flirting with me.

I look to the side, and I notice Juniper is now looking furiously at Cindy, and I can’t help but smile to myself.

She’s a little bit jealous.

Maybe I can work with that.

“So, you’re here, looking for a date tonight, Cindy?”

“Oh, no,” she says softly. “I’m not looking for anyone other than you.”

At that, Juniper bursts out laughing, and I just give her a smug look.

Chapter 8

JUNIPER

I am not going to let that man get into my head. I am not going to let that man get into my head.I keep repeating it to myself as I sit and wait for my next date to approach the table.

I can see Cindy still talking to Rafe, and it’s irritating the heck out of me.