Page 75 of Next Time We'll Fall

“I was hopeful you’d say yes.” He grins.

He reaches out and grabs my hand, and I let him take it. He squeezes it softly.

“I’m sure you have a billion questions.”

“Well, what do you mean by that?”

“I know you, Juniper. I’m sure there are a thousand thoughts rushing through your brain.”

“Okay. Well, tell me two of them if you’re so smart.”

“One of them is,What made him decide to finally ask me out on a date?”

“Okay, I’ll give you that.” I laugh.

“And I’m sure the second one is,When is this man going to kiss me again?”

“That may be true as well.” I roll my eyes, but I smile at him.

“And maybe the third one is …What comes after the kiss?”

He stares at me, and I blush.

“What do you mean by that?”

He leans forward, and I feel his lips brush against my neck.

He whispers in my ear, “I’m sure you’re wondering, just like I am, when we’re finally going to?—”

Before he can finish his sentence, the door opens, and a cute old lady stands there.

“Ah, Dr. Bishop! So glad you’re here. Sabrina and the pups are waiting for you.”

I try not to moan out loud and instead give her a wide smile. I wanted him to finish the sentence. I wanted to know what he was thinking. He offers me a wink as we step inside, and all I can think is that this is the beginning of something amazing.

And then my brain trips up thinking of the fact that I’m on a reality dating TV show. That could help me win a shit tonof money. Money that I need. And maybe I’d meet a Prince Charming that would sweep me off of my feet as well.

I don’t know what to do.

Should I just call it off?

But an inner voice inside of me says,No.

One date does not equal changing my life’s plans.

One date does not mean anything.

Maybe we’ll find we don’t even like each other.

Or maybe we’ll find that we’ve been the right person for each other all along.

That’s my dream.

That’s my hope.

But I know better than to allow dreams to take over my life.

I have to see if Rafe really is the man I hope he is.