Page 28 of Any Kind of Life
“Are you going to allow me the chance to speak?”
Paige scoffed. “I’m really not sure I want to know what you have to say. You’ve alluded to your reasons for being here already.”
Juliet cast her gaze on the carpet, knowing she had to get this right. “I’m here because I love you, and I want to be with you. I’m here because I realised this morning that I haven’t made enough time for you and this tour. And yes, maybe there is the slightest part of me that is wary, but I’m not wary of you. I’m wary of her.”
“I just find it hard to believe that you show up after reading whatever you have on social media.”
“Am I jealous of the things they say online? How you have sexual tension and chemistry…the way you supposedly look at one another…fucking right I am.” Juliet pinched the bridge of her nose, aware that one wrong word and Paige would probably ask her to leave this room. “But perhaps if I’d shown up for you more, then people would know that you’re already involved. People would know that this is nothing more than your job…but that we have a life together outside of this. You know when I search your name online, there’s not a single image of you and me together? Nothing. I don’t exist in this world you have now.”
Paige sniffled. “I’d never do anything to hurt you, Juliet.”
“I know you wouldn’t. I know exactly the person you are, Paige. And I only love you more and more each day. You’ve changed my life. You’ve given me life. Please don’t think I’m here to keep an eye on you. I’m here because I can’t stand the thought of not seeing you for another two weeks.”
Paige guided Juliet back to the bed, kicking off her shoes before she crawled onto it. Juliet followed, lying beside Paige, their hands entwined.
“I don’t post pictures of us because I want to protect you.”
Juliet frowned. Protect her from what?
“Not only do you already have someone out there who has threatened you, but I don’t want to see awful things being said about us on the internet. I’m quite happy not reading anything about me, but I know what you’re like. You can’t help yourself.”
Juliet offered the smallest laugh. Paige knew her better than she knew herself.
“I’m not wrong; you know I’m not.”
“No, you’re not. But I am a big girl, Paige. I can look after myself.”
Paige reached out and trailed her fingertip along Juliet’s eyebrow. “I know. But you protected me when I needed it, and it’s my turn to do the same for you.”
“I don’t need to be a huge part of this. If you’d rather keep me a secret, I understand. Just…remember what we have, okay?”
“You’re not a secret, babe.” Paige moved closer, wrapping her arm around Juliet’s waist. This was all she’d wanted since they got back to the hotel room. To feel Paige against her. Where it was safe. “I’m so proud to be with you. I hope you know that.”
“I know.” Juliet kissed Paige’s hair, pulling her closer again. Paige’s stomach growled; it was time for food. “Should we feed the monster, or did you want to stay like this for a while longer?”
Paige sighed, the tiredness evident in her voice. “I want to stay like this forever.” And then she suddenly lifted her head. “Hey, you didn’t tell me how you got a ticket.”
“Ah. I…got one from a resale site.” Juliet winced, knowing they both hated those places. But it had been the only way to surprise Paige. “Sorry, but I had no other choice.”
“I’m not even going to ask what that cost.”
Juliet laughed, soothing a palm up and down Paige’s back. “Probably best if you don’t.”
Chapter 10
“Good morning, beautiful.”
The hairs on the back of Juliet’s neck stood on end as Paige’s voice whispered in her ear. She grinned against the pillow, never wanting to leave the warmth of the bed.
“I woke up thinking about you. Then I realised you were here right beside me…”
Juliet’s smile spread wider, a shiver rolling through her when Paige stroked her fingertips up her back. “Mmm. Keep doing that.”
“I can think of other things to do…”
Unsurprisingly, heat shot through Juliet at those words. Paige’s soft, sultry voice always brought her to life in the morning. She remained in her position, gasping lightly when Paige’s hand moved lower and over the curve of her hip. Sensitive didn’t begin to describe how she felt this morning.
“I just want to spend every moment I can with you this morning. Touching you, tasting you,” Paige whispered, poking her tongue out and teasing Juliet’s earlobe. “I’ve missed hearing you moan my name.”