Page 49 of The Hideout

Not where Paige expected their night to go. “Um, on social media, yes.”

“Can you send it over to me?”

Paige rested against the back of the couch, her legs crossed at the ankles. If Juliet wanted a picture of James, she’d better have a good reason for it. “Because?”

“For the bar. I don’t know what he looks like, and I don’t want to accidentally give him access if I mistake him for a new client.”

Paige smiled. That made complete sense. And it wasn’t something she’d already thought of herself. She took her phone from her pocket, scrolling through her social media profile to find a recent one with James. Would over 12 months ago suffice? “Is this one clear enough?”

Juliet took Paige’s phone from her, studying the image. “Yes. Perfect. Would you mind if I airdrop it to myself?”

Paige held up her hands as she started to turn away. “Not at all. Do what you need to do.” She shed her jacket, rolling her head on her shoulders as she relaxed into Juliet’s space. “Last time I was here, I didn’t realise how good the view was at night. Preoccupied, you know?”

Juliet smirked. “Trust me, I paid for these views. It doesn’t come cheap.”

Paige approached the window, sighing when she shoved her hands in her pockets and watched the lights on the river. But then blackout blinds started to lower down each and every window in Juliet’s apartment, disappointing Paige. “Hey! I was enjoying that.”

“I’m sure I can help you enjoy yourself far more if you come over here, Paige.”

Yeah, Juliet definitely could. Paige eyed Juliet across the open space, her skin tingling when Juliet pinned her with her own stare. “God, you’re fucking gorgeous.”

“Right back at you,” Juliet said, holding out a hand and encouraging Paige closer. “Maybe we should take this into the bedroom.”

“No maybe about it.”

As Juliet turned and guided Paige towards the bedroom, her phone pinged in her hand. Juliet looked down at it, visibly swallowing.

“Is…everything okay?”

“Y-yes.” She offered Paige a non-convincing smile and cleared her throat. “Could you give me a few minutes? I’ll be right back.”

“Yeah. Of course. I’m the one gate-crashing your night.”

“You are my night.” Juliet held Paige by the waist, kissing her. Her tongue dragged along Paige’s bottom lip, her body trembling. “Won’t be a second. Get comfy…and naked.”

Paige’s smile spread impossibly wide as she watched Juliet walk away.

Of all the cities Paige had visited, this was the only city where she’d wanted to stay. Perhaps it was the company, maybe the people, but Paige knew without a doubt that she had to figure out life at home so she could be truly happy here. Juliet meant far too much to her for someone to come along and take it all away.

Paige turned around and admired Juliet’s bedroom. It was bright white, spacious, with a huge bed that looked out onto the river.

“And you’re sure it was him?”

Paige frowned, stepping back towards the door. She shouldn’t listen to Juliet’s private conversations, but Paige was constantly on edge, so it was hard not to.

“Let me get another picture, and I’ll send that over, too. I know you’re sure, I understand that, but I need you to be absolutely certain. If he shows up here, I don’t know what he’s capable of!” Juliet whisper yelled, but Paige heard every word. “Don’t leave your spot all night. I’ll pay you double.”

She ended the call, cleared her throat, and turned back to the bedroom. But Paige was already watching her, a startled look now on Juliet’s features.

“Sorry about that. Old client.”

Paige nodded slowly. “I’d like to think you’re an honest woman, Juliet. Actually, I’m counting on that. Please don’t lie to me.”

“I…I’m not.”

“So you’re telling me that was an old client on the phone? One who sounds a lot like they’re in trouble?”

“It was an old client. And no, they’re not in trouble. They…keep an eye on things for me when I ask them to.”

---