Page 26 of Hidden Desire

“Follow me,” Sage whispered.

Stassi didn’t hesitate to follow her into the hall. “I won’t be able to stay long. They have me cross-training and I didn’t think I’d even get a lunch, but…” Before she could finish, Sage pressed her against the wall and kissed her. She held onto Stassi’s waist, pinning her up against the wall, both their hearts colliding as one.

“Damn,” Stassi replied, breathlessly gasping.

“You were the one to kiss me Friday, so I wanted to initiate this one. I was afraid I wouldn’t see you and frankly that couldn’t wait.” She brushed her thumb against Stassi’s lip and Stassi stared at her. “But you were saying you couldn’t stay.”

Stassi nodded. “Sadly,” Stassi whispered before grabbing hold of Sage’s necklace and pulling her to her, drawing her into another kiss. Sage relaxed against her, feeling the heat heavy in her core. If things didn’t continue to progress, Sage would feel this hole that only Stassi could fill. She was desperate for her touch.

Stassi

Stassi stood against the counter, her eyes locked on her phone. She was ecstatic to find the luxury coffee cart making its rounds near the ER. Since she barely had a chance to grab her sandwich and head back to the department, a quick stop at the cart would allow her the chance to partake in a latte. Something similar to what she would find in her coffee shop, but with a slight difference. She didn’t have to make the drive twenty miles away.

There was one slight problem, though, the woman behind the counter seemed way overworked and the latte didn’t provide a quick fix. If she stared at her phone, she could hopefully ignore the fact that she would be late getting back to the desk. As she perused through the website on her phone, she caught a glimpse of an elegant suit, one that would match the speck of gold in her eyes. She could practically feel the way she’d feel if she wore that while out with Sage. A smile peeked on her lips. And if Sage and she shared kisses as she did a few minutes earlier, she would be glad to take her suit off.

“Your coffee. That will be $10.50.” Stassi grabbed a ten and five out of her pocket and pushed it towards the barista.

“Keep the change.” She took a sip and heaved a sigh. Not bad for hospital coffee. It certainly beat the regular Joe she was accustomed to getting there, and she would have to remind herself this cart was readily available. She glanced down at her phone as she headed towards the ER doors. The outfit was a bit out of her price range. Well, most glamorous attire was, now. But soon her dad would have her back on her feet, living the luxury lifestyle that she had grown familiar with. She hit the buy now button and pocketed her phone.

She had sent him an email telling him of the conditions at the hospital, only to get ghosted by her own father. She tried to convince herself that he was simply busy, but it was quickly becoming more difficult to believe. There were only so many calls that could go ignored.

As she reached the desk to return to her training, her phone started vibrating. She dug in her pocket and saw her agent, Kelly’s, name flashing on the screen. She glanced around; not one person was there to see that she was taking the call. She shrugged and answered.

“Hey Kel, what’s it been a month?”

“Too long,” she replied. “Just wanted to give you a call because I’ve got a job for you. Stassi arched an eyebrow. Words that she hadn’t heard or expected to hear. She had every thought that she would tell Kelly that she wasn’t able to take on any jobs until things settled down in her life. But now, her old life was thrust back in her face. Yet, there was a slight tug that crippled her. She had to be realistic. There wasn’t much chance that she could have a full-time job and model on the side. Most modeling projects took weeks, maybe even months. It would require a certain amount of dedication, and this could disrupt everything. Yet, there was a sense of excitement, and she hadn’t even heard what it all was about.

“I’m listening.” She glanced around, hoping that she would still be alone. Sure enough, the corridor was empty.

“I need you for a print campaign with Seasons Boutique. It won’t be a long project. It’s taking place next Saturday and I imagine you’ll be in and out in a few hours, but the pay is great and if it goes well, they’ll expect you to be available for more projects. Are you up for it?”

This was promising and right off, Stassi didn’t have to be set into a heavy schedule. Besides, she didn’t work Saturdays, unless there was an emergency and if she had this setup, she would be able to get out of being called in. The extra income would help to pay off the outfit she ordered, as well. Things were looking up.

“Yep. Sounds great.”

“Perfect. I’ll send you the details in the coming days. Talk soon.” She disconnected the call and Stassi couldn’t erase the grin.

“Stassi!”

Stassi spun on her heel, prepared to get yelled at about being on her phone. “Yes?” The words came out tense, but not as tense as her racing heart.

“Just got a call and you’re needed upstairs in Therapy. You did well today and if needed, I expect we’ll give you a call in, if you’re good with that?”

“Of course. Anything to help out.” Stassi grinned and then grabbed her purse and headed to the elevator. The ER wasn’t her ideal department. She actually preferred working in Therapy. Maybe because there was always the chance that she would catch a glimpse of Sage, and nothing enticed her more. When she got off the elevator, she was hit with how quiet it was.

She headed to the front desk, where Cami was leaning back in her chair and swiveling from side to side. She caught a small yawn from her, before their eyes met. Cami laughed. “You caught me.”

Stassi gave a smile. “Did you want lunch? Is that why you called me up here?”

Cami frowned. “I hadn’t. If I had, it would have been to keep me company.” Cami released a laugh. “Two patients canceled and we’re not due for another one for at least an hour.” She scrunched up her nose. “Makes for a long and boring shift.”

Stassi frowned. “Well, if it wasn’t you, then…” Her words trailed off when she spotted Sage headed their way. Was it possible?

“Sorry to tear you away from the ER,” Sage began. “But I have some filing that’s a mess and thought you could take a look at it. Won’t take too much of your time. Possibly thirty minutes or so.”

Stassi was a tad disappointed. To be summoned by Sage was nothing short of amazing, but to be summoned for work, she was disheartened. “Of course. Show me the way.”

“Gladly.” Sage turned and escorted Stassi back down the hallway, bypassing the filing room. She pushed open one of the exam rooms and motioned for Stassi to enter.

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