Page 50 of Hidden Desire

“Don’t want the food to burn,” she said. Sage straightened up and waited for Stassi to grab their plates of food, two glasses, and a bottle of wine, and bring it all to the table. She poured each of them a glass, then raised her glass as she took a seat. “I want to raise a toast.” Sage raised her glass and continued to wait. “I never knew what I needed in my life until I met you. And here’s to hoping that we continue to experience everything we need.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Sage tapped her glass, and they each took a sip. Over the top of her glass, Sage watched Stassi. Her heart yearned for the woman across from her. Even when stress attempted to drag her down a long and narrow winding road, she was reminded that Stassi was by her side.

They ate the meal, avoiding topics of the hospital and work, focusing more on their relationship and small talk like any other couple—the weather, TV shows, and movies that they had never seen but wished they had.

“Favorite food?” Stassi asked.

“Anything pasta,” Sage replied, taking a bite of her noodles with marinara. “Or rather anything that you make.”

Stassi blushed. “You know how to make a woman feel special.”

Sage grinned. “What about you, Stassi? Favorite food?”

Stassi scrunched up her nose in thought. “I’m not really all that picky of an eater and I like to try new things, so I guess I would say Chili. You’d be surprised how many spices you can add to chili, in order to change things up.”

“Chili is great on a cold fall night, out under the stars, cuddled up in front of a fire.”

Stassi arched an eyebrow. “You mean like camping? You like to camp?”

Sage nodded. “It’s a favorite pastime of mine. As a kid, I would go with my parents often. We would tent camp, and there was nothing but us and the wilderness. Do you camp?”

“I can’t say that I’ve ever been.” Stassi laughed. “My parents weren’t exactly the camping type as they would choose a five-star hotel over a campground any day.”

Sage considered that. She should have guessed that would be the response that came from Stassi, but just because it was yet another thing, they didn’t have in common didn’t mean it would drive a wedge between them. There was still too much pushing them together.

“It’s a shame, though. Camping can be a lot of fun, especially when you’re with the ones you’re closest to. You should try it sometime.”

Stassi smirked. “Well, maybe you’ll take me some time.”

Sage finished off the wine in her glass. There would be nothing more romantic than camping under the stars with Stassi there in a tent with her. She would gladly accept that challenge.

“Do you want seconds?” Stassi asked.

“I’m stuffed.” Sage stood up and reached for both plates. “The least I can do is take care of the dishes since you did all the cooking.” She put the dishes in the sink, just as Stassi reached for her hand. “The dishes won’t wash themselves,” Sage teased.

Stassi motioned with her head and pulled Sage along, out of the kitchen and to the living room. “First, I want to show you your surprise.”

Sage was giddy at the mention of it. She had nearly forgotten a surprise was mentioned, but now, it was the only thing she could think about. Stassi placed her hands on Sage’s shoulder and pushed her down to the couch.

“Are you giving me a lap dance?” Sage asked, wide-eyed and grinning.

Stassi laughed. “You wish!” She tossed her a wink, then turned away and reached behind the chair, pulling out a box that had a single bow wrapped around it.

“It’s not my birthday. It’s not Christmas. What holiday am I missing?”

Stassi snickered. “Do I have to give you gifts only on a special holiday? I personally think when you love someone you should be free to gift them something any time you want. Or am I wrong?” Stassi shrugged. “If I am, I don’t want to be right.” She laughed. “Open it, will ya?”

Sage grinned and tore into the box. She ripped off the bow, breaking it in the process. “Oops, doesn’t that mean we’re going to have a baby or something like that?”

Stassi laughed. “I think that’s only during a bridal shower. I don’t see any brides around here.”

Yet. Sage considered the word and nearly choked on it. Never did she think she would want to consider that, but many things made her want to plunge into something serious with Stassi. Heck, they were practically living together, as it was. Sure, Stassi would go home and check on her plants and apartment, but after a day or two away at her apartment, she would find her way back to Sage’s.

Sage lifted the lid off the box and pulled back the tissue paper. She stared at the pair of roller skates that were packed away in the box. She looked up and gawked at Stassi. Stassi clapped her hands together, gleefully squealing.

“What do you think?”

“I’m speechless.” Sage pulled them out and looked at the size. “And just my size.”

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