by Juniper Bell
"You didn't scare me. But I don't want to have to hurt you."
Wow. Who was this girl? Whoever she was, I didn't doubt that she could do as she said. She had authority. "Why do you have this kitten?"
"What's his name?"
"Gonzo. Or Fluffster. Depends who you ask."
She relaxed her stance a tiny bit. "A friend asked me to take care of him."
"Is this friend named Lauren? I'm trying to find her."
"Why?"
A muscle ticked in my jaw. "Unfinished business."
Her enormous blue eyes took forever scanning up and down my face, looking for some confirmation of what I'd said.
"I don't know where she went," she finally said. "But I know where she didn't go."
"Where?"
"Morocco."
I was lost. Had no idea what she was talking about. "Excuse me?"
"Bliss got her a ticket to Morocco."
"Is that where Bliss went?"
"I think so. Lauren asked me to take care of this kitten and said she'd be in touch when she could."
"Who are you?"
"A friend."
"Did she leave any messages?" I felt pathetic, scrounging for crumbs.
"You're Rye. The mystery man." It wasn't a question, so I answered only with a nod. "You should watch her interview on TV."
I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to school my reaction. I knew what she'd said in the interview. I'd never forget a single word. But I didn't know how much of it was true, and how much was for the cameras. And it didn't tell me where to find her.
"I have to go," the girl said.
Panic raced through me. "Wait. How can I find you?" Right now, she was my only link to Lauren.
"It doesn't work that way. If Lauren wants me to contact you, I will. Good luck." In a surprise move, she squeezed my elbow. I was still recovering from my surprise when she ducked under my arm and jumped into a passing cab.
Interesting girl. But then again, why should I be surprised that Lauren had interesting friends? She was the most fascinating woman I'd ever known. And now, she could be anywhere in the world, except here. Or, apparently, Morocco.
I dropped to my knees right there on the pavement. I didn't care who saw me. I was completely drained from my long day of crisscrossing the country. What had I gained from my time in DC? I had no real answers about my father and our family finances. I'd never even seen Bliss. And Lauren had disappeared.
I needed to get myself to that little inn. Rest and recoup. I needed to watch her interview again and sift through it for truth and lies.
Did Lauren really love me? Did this desperation running through my veins mean I loved her?
I didn't know. But I did know one thing.
Whatever it took, wherever it took me … I had to get Lauren back.
Also by Juniper Bell
Get You Back ~ Part Two: Reunion
Get You Back ~ Part Three: Redemption
Wild Nights of Alaska Series
Go Wild ~ Book 1
Go Deep ~ Book 2
The Receptionist Series
Training the Receptionist
Restraining the Receptionist
Unleashing the Receptionist
Doll
Beautiful Obsession
The Extremist
Regency Erotic Romance
My Three Lords
My Three Masters
About the Author
Juniper Bell is a multi-published, bestselling author of erotic romance. She lives with her husband and stepdaughters in a cabin in Alaska. She wound up in the frozen north after leaving her career as a stressed-out Los Angeles TV writer. Luckily, her love for writing survived the move. When she’s not writing, she’s shoveling snow and dreaming about the day she moves to Hawaii.
Juniper Bell is the pen name of Jennifer Bernard, USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. To be notified of new Juniper Bell releases, sign up here. For news and updates about all JB books (Jennifer and Juniper), please join Jennifer’s mailing list.
You can find Jennifer/Juniper online at
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JenniferBernardBooks
JuniperBell.com
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