Page 17 of Any Kind of Life

“I mean, yeah…you’re right. But we all know couples we can offer memberships to, so it’s kinda going to be perfect. The Liverpool L Word.”

Juliet laughed at that. “Well, we’re already partly there since most of us have slept with someone else’s partner.”

Ouch. That stung. “Mm. Thankfully, I’m not one of those people.”

“And I’m also very thankful for that.” Juliet’s eyelids fluttered closed, another yawn making an appearance.

“Go to sleep, babe.” Paige wished she was wrapped up in Juliet’s arms tonight. “I’m not going anywhere, but please, go to sleep.”

A gentle smile played on Juliet’s lips as she pulled the cover up to her chin. “The first night that you’re home, you’re going to sing me to sleep.”

Oh, Paige would do that every night if Juliet needed it. “It’s a deal. Goodnight, babe.”

Chapter 6

“Oh, there’s no place like home.”

Paige dropped her holdall to the floor, the front door closing softly behind her. Juliet wasn’t home, she was having dinner with Hannah and Caz, but it gave Paige the perfect opportunity to shower and dress in something more comfortable before her girlfriend arrived. Hannah knew Paige was surprising Juliet tonight—encouraging Juliet into leaving the apartment had been a team effort—but the electricity pumping through Paige’s veins had her almost running out the door and to Hannah’s place now…rather than wait.

Just wait. It’ll all be worth it.

And it would be worth it. Seeing that sexy smile of Juliet’s had been all Paige thought about on her journey back to Liverpool. She knew Juliet had her schedule for the tour, but she wasn’t sure how often she checked it. This wasn’t just a quick flying visit. Paige had the next two days off. And once she returned to the tour, she was only forty minutes down the road in Manchester. What did that mean? It meant she had plenty of time over the next couple of days to dedicate all of her attention to Juliet.

She took her phone from the side of her holdall and brought up Juliet’s messages.

Hi, babe. How’s dinner going with the girls? x

Kicking off her trainers, Paige headed straight for the couch. She just wanted to rest for a moment, and then she would get the place ready for Juliet’s return.

Nice. I’ll probably leave soon. As much as I love Hannah and Caz, I’m not fond of being the third-wheel x

Paige laughed and shook her head. Juliet hated having dinner with couples when she was on her own. Paige did too, though.

I’m sure it’s not like that. Just enjoy yourself and I’ll talk to you later, okay? x

Paige watched as the delivered receipt turned to read. She lay down, enveloped by Juliet’s divine scent, and waited for a response.

Paige, could I ask you something? x

Of course, babe. What’s up? x

Juliet had been quiet over the last few days. Paige assumed it was the tour beginning to get to her, the time spent away, but if something else was on Juliet’s mind, Paige wanted to know. Because then she could put her mind to rest.

You have a break from the tour now. Unless I have the wrong schedule, last night was your last performance for a few days. I kind of hoped we could have spent those days together, but you haven’t suggested doing so.

Paige frowned. Okay, she hadn’t told Juliet she was coming home, but what exactly was it she wanted to ask?

Was there supposed to be a question in that message? x

She waited. And waited.

Then waited some more.

Do you not want to see me? x

Whoa. Paige hadn’t expected that to be what Juliet wanted to ask. She understood her girlfriend’s wariness, Juliet had been more than honest about her feelings leading up to the tour, but really? Did she really believe Paige didn’t want to see her?

Still, she didn’t want to ruin the surprise of being home.

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