Page 57 of Hidden Desire

“See, my world isn’t all bad,” Stassi teased.

Sage snickered and nodded. “Like I said before, I had preconceived notions. I’m learning.” She took another sip of her coffee, and Stassi noticed how her eyes glowed. She was confident that Sage was working her way into loving everything Stassi loved.

When they were done with their muffins and coffees, they stood up and headed outside. “I thought we would head down this strip. There are some cool shops down here and I believe we could find the perfect outfits.”

“Works for me.” They settled into a stroll with Stassi seeking out Sage’s hand. They held hands and stopped at some of the shops, just checking out the window displays and seeing the various items the store sold. “Do you like to read?” Sage asked, stopping outside a bookstore.

“Magazines,” Stassi replied, laughing. “What about you?”

“I love to read classic novels.” Sage turned to the window and scanned her eyes through it. Her eyes lit up, and she pulled Stassi into the small bookstore. Stassi would have followed her anywhere and laughed as it was clear Sage had seen something that excited her. She rushed over to a table, dragging Stassi behind her. “My favorite story of all time.” She held up the book.

“Anne of Green Gables,” Stassi read.

“Do you know what this book is about?” Sage asked, inquisitively.

Stassi scrunched up her nose. “A girl named Anne?”

Sage laughed. “Geesh, you’re so smart.” She playfully rolled her eyes and turned to the display. The display was set up with a whole slew of books related to the series. “I would go, as a child, to the library and just sit in the section that had classic stories. Anne of Green Gables was the first book I read, and I loved it. Of course, I had to read every story in the series.” She tilted her head. “You really should get the book and read it.”

Stassi scoffed. “I’ll take your word for it.” She looked around and pointed to the magazines. “Now, that, that is a section.” She pulled Sage after her, and they went to the magazines.”

“You can take the girl out of the glamor but can’t take the glamor out of the girl.” Sage shook her head. “Fashion, fashion, and more fashion. Which is your favorite.” She motioned with her head towards the magazine. “That one has your picture on it, so I would say you’d start there.”

Stassi snickered. “You would think, but you’d be wrong.” She grabbed one of the other magazines and looked through it. I would lean toward this one. If I was the one buying it, that is.”

“I don’t know.” Sage reached out and took the magazine that had a picture of Stassi. “I would be more inclined to choose this one.” She quirked up her lips in a grin. “In fact, I haven’t seen this one. I think I’ll purchase it.”

Stassi leaned forward. “The thing about magazines is they’re small. You could literally peruse through it and not have to waste the money.” Stassi put the magazine she had back on the rack.”

Sage laughed. “True, you could, but then that loses the appeal when you want to read it again.” She grinned. “I think I’m definitely getting it.” Stassi considered that then turned and went back to the table with the Anne of Green Gables display. “You don’t have to,” Sage argued.

“I know I don’t, but I do need some culture in my life.” She shrugged. “Might as well start here.”

Sage held her fist to her mouth, pretending it was a microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, that’s where it all started. A woman fell in love with classical reading at a little bookstore in Pasadena. It can happen to anyone.”

Stassi shook her head and laughed. “We’ll just see if I truly fall in love with it.” She winked, and they went to the counter to pay for their purchases. They left the bookstore and continued down the walkway, checking out each store as they passed it. Sage had her hand back in Stassi’s, and the morning felt perfect.

As they walked across the street and went to the other side, they saw a vintage shop that looked like it had just what they were looking for. At least from the outside. They stepped inside and were hit with the air conditioning.

Sage grinned. “I could stay in here all day.”

Stassi had to agree. “The sun is getting hot.” Yet, she still enjoyed the peacefulness of being together and enjoying their day. There was no drama, no work, nothing but two people loving their time together.

They wandered around the small store, checking out rack after rack, not seeing anything that jumped out at them until Stassi saw a pantsuit that she believed would look perfect on Sage.

“What do you think?” Stassi asked. “Holding it up.”

“Is it my size?” Sage asked, peering at the tag and nodding. “Do you like it?”

“I think it would look great on you, but the question is, do you like it?” Stassi held it up and allowed Sage time to take it all in. “You could try it on and see what you think.”

“Let’s give it a whirl.” Sage grabbed it, and Stassi led the way to the back of the store, where the dressing room was hidden. She stood outside and waited, pacing some because she was nervous that Sage would think Stassi was trying to change her. Stassi truly didn’t care if Sage came dressed in a garbage bag, but Sage would look nice in the suit, if she wanted to add some flare, making it something new.

The door opened, and Sage stepped out and twirled around. “What do you think?” she asked.

Stassi smiled. “I think you look great. You could add a chain to it, if you’d want.” That would be something that would keep Sage’s own look. “Or…” Her words trailed off and she held up her hand and disappeared from the fitting room. She found the rack of ties and leafed through them, until she found a bolo tie that would look perfect to it. She hurried back and held it up in front of Sage. Sage turned to the mirror, and a smile deepened across her face. “Sexy,” Stassi commented.

Sage turned and leaned in for a kiss, causing Stassi’s toes to curl. “I love it,” Sage replied.

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