He opened the door to find Sage in a long, slinky silver dress. She was standing with her bare back to him. It was quite a tempting sight. And then there was the way the dress hugged her hips. It was perfect on her.
She turned to him. “You’re just in time.”
“I am?” He swallowed hard as he took in the front of the dress with its dipping neckline. The back was good but the front was amazing. “I mean, I am. You are a knockout.”
She smiled but the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thank you. Are you sure this dress works? I could change into something else.” She moved to the wardrobe and swung open the doors. “What color would you like to see me in?”
“Slow down. That dress really suits you. Every guy at the gala will want to dance with you.” He walked up to her and pulled her into his arms. “But you’ll have to let them know that your dance card is full.”
“It is?”
He nodded. “Yes, it is. I intend to spend the evening with you in my arms.”
He leaned forward and kissed her. Her lips were so soft and so willing. It would be so easy to just skip the event and stay in for the evening. In fact, the idea quite appealed to him.
But then Sage pulled back. “We can’t be late.”
“Sure we can.” He tried to pull her back to him but she was too fast for him.
She moved to the dresser and picked up a necklace. She held it out to him. “I can’t seem to get this on. Could you do it for me?”
“Sure.” When he went to take it from her, he noticed a slight tremor in her hands. “Is something wrong?”
She glanced away. “No.”
He put the necklace on her and then, putting his hand on her shoulder, propelled her around to face him. “I know there’s something wrong.”
“Why would something be wrong? It’s going to be a perfect night as I’m with the perfect man.”
“You’re jumpy and not acting like yourself. What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.” She said it too quickly and avoided his gaze.
“Sage—”
Chime. Chime.
He turned to the hallway and then back to her. “I wonder who that could be.”
She turned to the mirror and put on her earrings. “Why don’t you go see? I’ll be right there as soon as I grab my heels.”
There was an uneasy feeling churning in the pit of his stomach. He had that feeling before, right before a hacker had decimated his software prototype. He shook off the feeling. He assured himself that nothing was going to go wrong tonight. The worst was behind them. Sage knew the truth about him.
And she was probably just nervous about getting all dressed up and mingling with the rich and famous. It could be a lot of pressure, trying to figure out what to say and how to act.
He assured himself that he was reading too much into Sage’s actions as he walked down the steps. Maria had already answered the door. He could hear her speaking, but he couldn’t make out the other voice.
When he reached the bottom step, he paused. There was no one in the foyer. Maria must have showed their guest into the living room.
Maria exited the room and nearly ran into him. Her face was white like she’d seen a ghost. “Monsieur, I was coming to get you. I wasn’t sure what to do. I hope I didn’t do the wrong thing.”
“Calm down, Maria. Did someone hurt you?”
She shook her head but her eyes were filled with worry. “It’s you I’m worried about.”
“Me? But I’m fine.” And then he realized she was referring to the presence of their guest. “I’ve got this. You can go.”
“Are...are you sure?”