Page 55 of Hidden Desire

Her words were so unemotional. It was a text message. You’re reading too much into them. But Sage couldn’t let that rest. She dialed Stassi’s number, and Stassi answered after the first ring.

“You should be getting some rest. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”

“I’m confused. I thought you’d be here. You didn’t mention anything about not coming back to my apartment, and I guess I sort of got used to you being here.” Sage laughed. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, everything is fine. But my apartment was feeling neglected.” Stassi giggled, lightheartedly. “We’ll see each other soon. I’m certain of that.”

Sage looked down at the magazine in her hand, Stassi’s picture staring back at her. She tossed it down on the coffee table and tried to relax on the couch. “So? What are you wearing?”

Stassi laughed loudly. “Are you trying to talk dirty? I’m not letting it happen. It’s after one, and you really should be getting your rest. Six o’clock will come around awfully soon, you know.”

Sage groaned. “You’re killing me. I could really go for some phone sex since you’re not here. It will be just the thing to relax me.” Sage quirked up her lips. If only Stassi was truly there, though.

“A t-shirt,” Stassi replied.

“Nice. Wearing anything under it?”

“A thong,” Stassi giggled. “But that’s not fair. You can mentally picture me, while I’m clueless about what you’re wearing.” Sage stood up and went down the hallway to her bedroom. “Are you there?”

“Baby, I’m here. Just wanted to get comfortable.” With one hand she shed herself of her scrubs, so they were lying in a pile. Just my bra and panties.” She fell back into the bed and waited. “I want to tear your thong off with my teeth.”

“Damn, you’re good at this.” Stassi laughed. “And then what?” Her voice turned sensual.

“Are they off?” Sage asked, clenching her teeth as her core throbbed.

“They are,” Stassi replied, her tone just as clenched. Sage stretched out in bed, closing her eyes to picture Stassi on top of her. She wanted Stassi to always be by her side, but she didn’t know how physically attached she had become, and it was a part of her that she craved.

Stassi

Saturday morning, Stassi woke up to her phone ringing. She stretched out in bed and grimaced. She wished Sage had been in her bed, but the past couple of nights, she settled for phone sex. One would wonder why she avoided going to her house, but the truth was the closer they got, the more the guilt started to crowd her.

She reached across and grabbed her cell phone, spotting Dad Immediately. Maybe this was a good sign. “Hello?”

“So, did you hear about the gala?” he asked.

“We got emails at work. You know me, always up for a good party. That hasn’t changed.” She stayed quiet for a few minutes, thinking about the fundraiser. While she was excited, the other employees didn’t quite seem to have the same appeal of the idea. “Was it your idea?”

“Yep,” he proudly stated. “I took your advice and decided we needed to do something. This could really get the cash flow back to the hospital. It’s what the hospital needs.”

“True. And I’m glad that you’re trying, but Dad, you have to realize the staff had their hours cut. Overtime isn’t paid. And now the hospital wants us to pay $70 for a ticket?” She laughed. “Talk about irony.”

He huffed. “You know, Stassi. It takes money to make money, and I’m doing the best I can. The staff should be grateful for that. They’re getting a discounted ticket. If they were someone on the street, they would have to pay more than double that. And I can assure you the tickets are already going fast, so people are willing to pay. Can’t you be thankful?”

Stassi frowned. He seemed to get defensive immediately. This wasn’t something she ever had to fear with him. “I’m thankful, Dad. And I hope it works, but I’m speaking from my heart about the rest of the staff. They are good people, and many don’t have the money to feed their families, let alone spend money on a gala.

“I’ll take that into consideration. Maybe I can get vouchers out there for those that are less fortunate and would like to still come and show their support.”

“You mean it?”

This would at least show that he hadn’t lost all compassion. Hope had filled her up inside. “I’ll put some things together and see what we can do. I have to run. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Bye, Dad. And thank you!”

She heaved a sigh. At least he was trying. Once this was resolved, she could talk to Sage and explain why she didn’t tell her about her dad sooner. Sage would understand—she’d just have to. They would possibly even laugh about how scared Stassi was to tell her. All because her father had a hand in what was happening at the hospital, and she didn’t want Sage to know that she was one of those Hewitts.

She pulled up Sage’s contact info and called her. The phone rang three times before Sage answered. “Good morning, Beautiful.”

“Good morning! Are you off today? You are, right?”

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