Page 73 of Next Time We'll Fall

I just stare at him.

I give him a lopsided grin. “I guess we’re going on that date tonight after all.”

“Awesome.”

A wide smile crosses his face, and he hurries over to the passenger side and opens the door.

“Your carriage awaits, my lady.”

“Ooh, look at you, Prince Charming.”

“I try,” he says.

He waits until I slide in and buckle my seat belt before closing the door and getting into the driver’s seat.

“You look beautiful today,” he says.

Then I burst out laughing.

“Sorry. Should I not have said that?”

“It’s just weird. You don’t compliment me.”

“I’m sorry that I?—”

“Oh my gosh, Rafe, do not apologize for not complimenting me. You can be you just because we’re going on a date. Which, by the way … where are we going?”

“Where would you like to go?”

“I know you did not just ask me on a date and not have anything planned.” I fold my arms and glare at him.

“Gotcha,” he says with a grin. “I have something planned.”

“Ooh. What?”

“You’ll see.” He starts driving and turns on the radio.

I’m pleasantly surprised when I hear Ray LaMontagne’s voice.

“I love this song,” I say as “Empty” plays through the car.

“I know. He’s one of your favorites, right?”

“I didn’t even know you knew that.” I nod slowly.

“Well, you’ve talked about it with Mia so many times.” He grins. “You know, I do listen.”

“Ooh. Surprising.”

I watch as he pulls over and stops.

“Wait … what? Where are we?” I stare at the small cottage in front of us. “Is this someone’s house?”

He nods and gives me an impish smile.

“Oh my God. Don’t tell me you bought us a house. We haven’t even been on a date.”

“What are you talking about, Juniper?”