Page 17 of The Hideout

Rachel closed the door behind her, offering Paige one of those fake smiles again. “I wouldn’t bother. She’s very tired.” Rachel winked, linking her arm through Paige’s. “Walk with me.”

Um…okay.

Paige stopped outside her own door, throwing her thumb over her shoulder. She had no idea where Rachel was taking her, but she wasn’t going. “I’m only going to my place.”

“You…live here?” Rachel snarled, and then she scoffed. “Things are beginning to make sense.”

“Okay, well, I’ve only had one coffee this morning, so I’m not quite ready to decipher whatever you’re saying yet.” Paige turned and slid her key into the lock, smiling over her shoulder. “Take care, Rachel. See you around.”

Rachel walked away and turned the corner, heading for the lifts further down the building. As Paige stopped and frowned, she heard a throat clearing. She looked up, surprised to see Juliet standing at her door and beckoning Paige closer. But Paige hesitated for a moment. Because Juliet was wearing nothing but a short, silk ivory robe. Her bare legs—bare thighs—were too much this morning. Paige’s heart slammed hard as she swept her gaze up to where Juliet’s robe barely covered her breasts. This woman was incredible.

“Are you just going to stand there?” Juliet asked, folding her arms across her chest and making her cleavage even more prominent than it already was.

Fucking hell.

“Well?”

Paige took her key and walked back towards Juliet’s door. She was an adult. She could be an adult this morning. “Hi. Sorry for calling so early. I can come back later. It’s no problem.”

“You’re here now. Why come back?”

“Oh, just that Rachel implied you were…indisposed.”

Juliet looked over Paige’s shoulder, her brows drawn together. “I’m not. But if you’re happy to sit with me while I’m not even dressed, you’re welcome to come in.”

Heat crept through Paige as she kept her eyes on Juliet’s face. Don’t look down. Fuck, don’t look down. “Sure. If you’re okay with that?”

“Come on in.”

Paige foolishly lowered her eyes as Juliet turned her back and walked into her apartment. The robe finished just below her arse cheeks. Oh, shit! Paige’s eyes widened as her mouth salivated.

“So,” Juliet started as she spun around.

Paige knew in that moment she’d been caught staring. Admiring. Imagining. Oh, it was a good job Juliet couldn’t read minds right now. Because running through Paige’s was pure filth.

“Would you like me to change?” Juliet laughed, but it only had Paige even more aroused than she already was. “I realise it’s probably not what you expected.”

“Excuse me?” Paige shook all thoughts of a naked Juliet from her mind, trying to make sense of how the hell she’d come to be in this position.

“This. Me. A middle-aged woman practically naked in front of you. I can change. Just give me a few minutes.”

“No!” Paige practically yelled, pinching the bridge of her nose suddenly. “I love middle-aged women.” Oh, God. Why had she just said that? Paige wanted the walls to cave in and crush her. Immediately. She shook her head and bit her lip as she looked away. Jesus, take the wheel. Please! “W-what I meant to say was that this is your apartment, and I’m the one who showed up unannounced.”

A sexy smile spread on Juliet’s mouth. “Let me make this easier. What can I do for you, Paige?”

“I-I just wanted to thank you for lunch yesterday.” Paige had tried to take care of the bill, but Juliet had threatened to fire her on the spot if she dared take out any cash.

“You did. Twice. After lunch and last night at the bar.” Juliet motioned for Paige to join her on the couch. “Let me get you some coffee, and then you can tell me the actual reason you’re here.”

Juliet didn’t know the first thing about Paige, but she could read her. That unsettled her.

“Black coffee?”

Paige smiled. “Yes. Thank you. Is it okay to sit down?”

“Sure. Make yourself at home.”

Paige spied the bookmarked novel on the table close to the window, grinning at what Juliet was currently reading. “Enjoying the book?”

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