Page 6 of Next Time We'll Fall
“What can I say? I’m here in Coconut Beach, my absolute favorite island in the world.” She beams. “And I get to hang out with my sister and my favorite cousin in the world.”
“What do you want from me, hon?” I burst out laughing and give her a discerning look. I’m smart enough to know that when someone is being that effusive, they usually want something.
“What, I can’t shower you with compliments?”
“You can, but I feel like another ask or wish is coming.”
“Not at all. I’ve missed you. Sage has as well. Anyway, first round’s on me. Is your friend Mia coming? I would love to talk to her.”
“Talk to her about what?”
“She wants to ask her about how she got a billionaire,” Sage adds.
I just stare at Rosie in exasperation. I love my cousins, but they’re very one-track-minded when it comes to men and money. Did they seriously think they would be able to catch billionaires just because Mia had fallen in love with one? I’m not sure Mia would have even snagged one if he hadn’t been her best friend. Not that we’d ever talked about being with rich men. We both just wanted to find love. Neither one of us had any real expectations of them being rich.
“You do realize that Mia is dating Luke, her best friend, who you both have met multiple times. Not some random she targeted from the Forbes 500 list or anything.”
“I remember him. He’s a cutie.” Sage nods, and then a small smile crosses her face. “I wouldn’t mind giving him a?—”
“He’s Mia’s.” I glare at her.
“I know. I would never go after your best friend’s man.” She pauses, and she and Rosie wink at each other. She does a little spin and a twirl. “Even though every man in the world finds it hard to resist me.”
“Ego much, Sage?”
“What? Anyway, how are you? How’s your love life?”
“There is no love life to speak of right now,” I admit, “but I’m doing okay. Work is going how work normally goes. I’m hoping that it picks up soon because business is not great right now.”
“Oh no.” Rosie leans forward. “Do you need a billionaire as well? Is there anything we can do to help?”
“Maybe we can all brainstorm and think of some ways for me to bring in new business sometime this week because I do need to increase revenue.” I frown as I realize they are no longer listening to me and staring at someone behind me. From the way they are playing with their hair, I’m guessing it’s a man.
“Well, if it isn’t little Sage and Rosie.” The voice is masculine, teasing, and arrogant, and I know immediately who it is.
I let out a loud groan, not even bothering to stifle my annoyance when I hear Rafe’s voice.
“It’s Rafe!” Rosie says, lighting up. “Hi!”
“Hi, Rosie. Good to see you.” Rafe joins us, and I try not to look at him, but of course, I can’t ignore him, as he stands far too close to me. “And you as well, Juniper.”
“Hello, Rafe,” I say, trying not to give him the stink eye. He aggravates me just by breathing.
“Well, you look happy to see me.” He grins. “Never seen you look happier.”
“Yeah. I’m sooo happy to see you. Don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t shown up tonight. I might have cried myself to sleep. Can you see the relief in my eyes?”
“I can tell you’re close to tears.” He smirks. “Been missing me since I last saw you? I bet you’ve been counting down the hours.”
“I must have been counting for hours and hours. But no need anymore because here you are … in the flesh. I can hardly believe it.”
“Believe it, my dear. No need to miss me any longer.”
He reaches over and rubs my shoulder, and I almost jump back from the shock I received when he touched me. Rafe Bishop has an electric touch, and I hate that my body reacts to him so acutely.
“I’ve been gone, but now I’m back.”
“Been gone where? And why would you think I cared or noticed?” I just stare at him. “And, no, of course I didn’t missyou.” My voice is sharp, and it sounds like I am being super defensive.
