Page 20 of The Hideout

“Oh, that’s a lovely offer, but I’m sure you want to spend some time without me around you. You’re already stuck with me every night of the week.”

Juliet chewed her lip, those eyes penetrating Paige. “I could think of worse people to be stuck with.”

Paige couldn’t help the grin that spread on her mouth. But she really wished she wasn’t blushing. Her cheeks would scorch her fingertips if she dared touch her skin. “Okay. If you’re sure?”

“Very sure.” Juliet lifted her coffee and motioned towards the water visible in the distance. “Have you been down to the dock yet?”

“No, I haven’t really had the time.” Paige fell into step with Juliet, her worn converse a stark contrast to Juliet’s heels. She didn’t know how Juliet managed them all day every day, but she was impressed. Paige could bear heels when she had to, if she was dressing up for a night out, but they stayed at home otherwise. “Can you recommend any restaurants down there? I’ve heard there are some lovely places around.”

“At the dock? Oh, you can’t go wrong with whatever place you choose. It’s all very good.”

Paige nodded slowly, bookmarking that response should she ever be in a position to ask Juliet out to dinner. “Great. I’ll have a look around one day.”

“Have you thought any more about those signature cocktails? I’d love to try them sometime.”

Paige had thought about them, but she was yet to get to work on them. “I haven’t tested any out yet, but I’m thinking of something bold yet smooth.”

“Who is this one based on? Because God knows it’s not me.”

“Actually, it is.” Paige side glanced at Juliet, surprised that Juliet didn’t see herself that way. “That’s how I see you, anyway.”

“Bold and smooth?” Juliet lifted a brow. “Paige, if you want to get into my pants, there’s much easier ways than lying to yourself…and me.”

Oh, Jesus. If only she could get into Juliet’s pants. “See! Bold!”

“Okay, I walked right into that one,” Juliet said, grinning. “But smooth? Really?”

Paige lifted a shoulder. “Sure. Why not?”

“I don’t think anyone has ever called me smooth before.”

“Then you’re clearly dating the wrong people.” Paige followed Juliet towards a bench that faced out towards the river. When they sat down, she turned to her boss. “Speaking of dating, have you heard anything from Rachel?”

“No. Not since she left my place last week. And we weren’t dating. For the record.”

Paige held up her hand. “Sorry. My bad. I just feel like you two had a lot of chemistry.”

“Me and Rachel? No. No way.”

Juliet could deny it until she was blue in the face, but Paige saw it with her own eyes. “You really don’t see it, do you? Anyone in the room can see it and feel it.”

“Before we go any further, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” Paige sipped her coffee, resting her ankle on her knee.

“You are into women, right?”

Paige laughed. Was it that obvious to everyone, or was Juliet just seeing how Paige looked at her? “I am, yes.”

“Okay. So, have you ever been with an escort?”

Ha! I wish! Even if only for the experience and to have some fun instead of being with James. “No.”

“Then you have no idea. No disrespect, but you really don’t.”

Paige turned her body towards Juliet, resting her head in her hand. “Explain it to me then.”

“Rachel is amazing—there’s no doubting that. She’s funny, and she’s sexy, and trust me…she knows her way around a woman’s body. But there’s just something missing there for me. It’s also awfully hard to know what’s real when I’m paying her a hefty sum just to sit and drink wine with me. Escorts are very good at their job. Rachel, in particular, is very good at her job. Because that’s what it is. A job, Paige.”

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