Page 83 of Next Time We'll Fall

I groan. “I did not say that.”

“Kind of. Maybe not in those words,” she says. “So, was it good?”

“It was amazing. Absolutely amazing. I just don’t know where it’s going, if it’s going anywhere. But he did say that he likes me, and I told him that I like him, and I guess we’re just going to see what happens.”

I stare at them.

“I’m still continuing with the reality show though because I’d like to make some money, and he seems to understand that it would be absolutely ridiculous for me to just stop based on one date … and, well, you know, us making love. Oh my gosh, I just made love with Rafe Bishop.” I stare at them. “Am I crazy?”

“You’re not crazy,” Sage says with a small smile. “I truly do think he likes you. He’s a man. Sometimes, men are stupid about their own feelings. They don’t even know what they’re feeling until they’re about to lose the girl.”

“Well, it’s not like he was about to lose me.”

“Yeah, you may know that, but he doesn’t,” she says.

“Oh my gosh, I definitely want to talk about this more, but I have to go. Production wanted us to be there early, and I’m running late. I’ll see you girls later.”

“Okay, and don’t worry. We’ll look after the bookstore for you.”

“Thank you so much.”

I rush out of the apartment and to my car and drive quickly over to the beach.

I park and run into the tent, where all the other girls are standing.

Lily sees me, waves, and comes over to me. “Morning, sunshine.”

“Morning. How are you?”

“Good. You missed out on so much fun last night. The girls and I were dancing all night long, and I really think you would have had a good time.”

“I know. Maybe next time.”

“So, how was your evening?” she asks.

“It was fine. Actually, I had a …” I pause as I see Jackie coming toward us. “I’ll tell you later,” I say.

Jackie stops right next to us and looks me up and down. “Hey, can I speak to you for a couple of moments, please, Juniper?”

“Oh, sure,” I say, looking at Lily in surprise.

Jackie walks me to the side of the tent. She’s frowning, and I can feel my heart racing.

“So, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“Okay.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

“What?” I stare at her in surprise. “No. Why would you ask me that?”

“You were seen last night, walking hand in hand with a man with dark hair.”

She studies my face intently.

“Now, I’m a grown up, and you’re an adult, and you do whatever you want to do in your own time, but I need to know if you’re actually in a relationship with someone because, obviously, that will change the story we have going.”

“I’m not in a relationship with anyone. I just …”