Page 9 of Next Time We'll Fall

“Do you and Juniper have something going on?” Preston asks, a curious glint in his eyes.

I watch as he studies my face, and I try not to sputter at his accusation. “Of course not. Are you crazy? She’s my sister’s best friend.”

He looks at me and shakes his head. “So? It’s not like they’re teenagers. They’re in their mid-twenties, right?”

“Well, yes, but I mean …”

“She’s not a kid anymore. If you wanted to date her?—”

“I don’t want to date her,” I cut him off. “I am in the role of her protector.”

“And does she know you’re her bodyguard, blocking off all her future Romeos?”

“I’m not her bodyguard. I’m just here to make sure she makes good decisions. Look, you’re a great guy, Preston. Juniper came into Mia’s life in high school, so I’ve seen her not always make the best decisions when it comes to dating and?—”

“So, I would be a bad decision?” Preston grins and hands me another beer. “I don’t know how I feel about that. I don’t hate it. Especially after my witch ex screwed me over, but I would never use Juniper or treat her poorly.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t,” I say quickly.

He bursts out laughing. “Uh-huh.”

“I’m just explaining why I’m so overprotective of her. I was the same way with Mia when she was dating Luke. I just want to make sure they don’t make bad decisions after bad decisions. That’s my role as big bro.”

“I think it’s admirable that you’re there for them, but she’s not your sister, and if you are interested in her, then you should go for it.”

“I’m not interested in her.” I can tell from the expression on his face that he doesn’t really believe me, but I don’t care.

My chest beats erratically at the thought that he would think I would be interested in Juniper like that. I enjoy teasing her, and, sure, she is cute, but I am not interested in her like that. Sure, she’s grown into a beautiful woman, and, sure, she is a spitfire, but she is off-limits. There was a time long ago when she expressed to me that she wanted me, but I shut her down very quickly. Well, after that kiss.

I try not to think about that electric kiss. It leads to extremely impure thoughts.

But I know it is inappropriate for me to date or mess around with my sister’s best friend, especially considering I am older than her and in a position of power over her.

I am the town vet. I am someone people look up to. I am someone they trust. What would they think of me if I started dating my little sister’s best friend? Especially if it didn’t work out. Especially if it was just a sex thing. Which, frankly, if I am being honest, has crossed my mind more than a number of times.

I shift slightly as I think about touching Juniper intimately. I shouldn’t let those thoughts cross my mind.

I look back over at the stage and watch as she sways her hips back and forth, her dark hair cascading down her back. She glances over at me, and for a few seconds, we just stare at each other. As she smiles before turning away, I can’t help but recognize that I do find her attractive. More than attractive. Sexy as hell.

She is a beautiful woman. Anyone can see that. But I am not going to allow myself to pursue her in any way. It wouldn’t be fair to her whatsoever.

“I think you’re staring at her really hard for someone who’s not interested in her in that way,” Preston says softly, almost catching me off guard.

I glance back at him and shrug. “I just want to make sure she’s safe and that she ends up with a good guy.”

“You don’t consider me a good guy?” Preston chuckles, and I can tell he wants to say something else, but I really don’t want to hear it.

“You’re a great guy, but I don’t think, emotionally, you’re ready for a relationship. Not after New York girl.”

“I admit, she did a number on me.” He lets out a long sigh. “She used me for my money.”

“Sorry, man.”

I really am sorry, but I clocked his ex right away for the user that she was. I was only sad that he’d had to experience the pain of her betrayal. It wasn’t every day that your ex stole your money and had a threesome in the back of your bar with two tourists. Especially when she kept telling him how much she loved him.

“It’s okay.” He shakes his head quickly. “I don’t want to talk ill of her. I don’t really know what her intentions were. She had a broken heart when she got here, and I don’t know if she intended on getting into this fake relationship with me just so she could steal my money or if that’s just what happened.”

“I’m sorry.” I reach over and squeeze his arm. “You deserve better than her. Anyone who will steal your savings and hook up in your bar and your bed with other men doesn’t deserve you.”