Page 62 of Hidden Desire

Sage rolled her eyes and turned from him. She’d already given a tip and wasn’t going to give in to that peer pressure. She got back to the table and continued drinking her champagne. Stassi turned to her and gave a slight wave, then glanced back at the man Sage didn’t even know. She shook her head. If this was the real Stassi, then maybe she’d been fooled. After another thirty minutes of spending time alone, she got up from the table and stomped over to her. Stassi had just finished talking to a man, and it looked like she was on a quest to speak with someone else.

“Excuse me.” Sage tapped her on the shoulder, and Stassi twirled around and grinned. “So, thinking that maybe it’d be nice to get a dance or two in. Before this place is closed down, and you’ve spent the night with everybody else.”

Stassi stared. “I’m merely trying to help. The more networking, the more donations.”

Sage sighed. “Stassi, I know that’s what you’re used to, but this is all new to me and I was kind of hoping that we would get a chance to be a couple together, if you know what I mean.”

“I do, but the night will end before we know it, and we every chance to get the money into the hospital system that it so desperately needs.”

Sage shook her head and threw up her hands. “As you wish.” She turned and stomped back to her table. She sunk down in her chair and stared at the table. So much for a romantic evening. When she was stuck at a table in the middle of a crowded room, where no one much cared that she was alone, she couldn’t expect that it would go well.

“Would you care to dance?” She looked up, and Stassi held out her hand.

Sage quirked up an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Wouldn’t want to ruin your night of socializing.”

“I’m sorry,” Stassi replied. “I should have been more mindful, but I’m here now. Please, will you dance with me?”

Sage grinned and reached for Stassi’s hand. “I thought you’d never ask.”

They went out into the middle of the floor and began to sway to the slow song. The night quickly faded away, and Sage felt like nothing would hinder her present mood.

“I really do want to help the cause. I don’t feel like I can do nearly enough, and this is something that I can do.”

Sage nodded. “Let’s not talk.” She moved in and kissed Stassi. The world stopped, and they were the only two left in the room. The kiss deepened and a shadow fell over the two of them. Sage could forget, as long as there was a greater purpose and they were there together, in love, and not allowing the rest of the world to interfere.

“What’s the meaning of this?” The words came out and Sage quickly pulled from the kiss. Every eye in the ballroom went to Marcus and Wyatt. Sage’s jaw dropped as Trent stood there in front of the other two men in a full tuxedo. “Why are you dancing with my boyfriend?” Trent bellowed.

“Well, I thought so, too. But when you chose something over going out with me, I realized that maybe I was only kidding myself.” Marcus shrugged.

“Oh really? So you’re choosing someone else? I hope you two are very happy.” Trent spun on his heel and started to stomp off the dance floor.

“Trent!” Marcus called. He ran to him. It was practically in slow motion, as you would see in the movies. “This meant nothing.” He hesitated and looked over at Wyatt, all dressed up in his black suit and tie. “What are you doing here?”

Trent shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. “I suppose I felt bad not coming. Thought I’d surprise you. Turns out, it’s me that got the surprise.” Trent scoffed.

“This meant nothing,” Marcus insisted for the second time. “I was missing you and wishing that you were here. It was only a dance. You have to believe that.”

Trent nodded and looked past him. Wyatt had already removed himself from the situation, grabbing a seat in a far corner. Trent turned back to Marcus, “I love you, Marcus. I don’t want us to fight.”

“Neither do I.” Marcus quickly shook his head. “I love you, too.”

They embraced, kissing one another in front of everyone in that room. When they parted, Trent’s eyes narrowed. He then got down on one knee. “I can’t spend another day without you, Marcus. Will you marry me?” He surprised everyone by pulling out a ring and producing it. Marcus’ eyes widened, and he eagerly nodded.

“I’ll marry you, Trent. Yes!”

Trent slipped the ring on his finger, and the crowd erupted. Marcus turned, his face absolutely glowing. He then turned back to Trent, and they embraced. While everyone cheered them on, they kissed passionately, nothing able to tear them apart.

Sage touched her chest, tears stinging the backs of her eyes. That was what love was all about, and she loved that they all got to witness it.

Stassi

Stassi stretched out, a smile on her face as she nuzzled up against Sage in bed. “Good morning,” she mumbled. Her head was a little sore from the amount of Champagne she drank, but a lot was going on the previous night. When someone would offer her a glass, she couldn’t refuse. Luckily, Sage didn’t have as much and could make the drive back home.

“Good morning!” Sage whispered, kissing Stassi on the top of the head. “How’d you sleep?”

“Well, great, in fact.” Stassi heaved a sigh. “I can’t stop thinking about Trent and Marcus. That was such a beautiful display of love, don’t you think?”

“I would say so,” Sage softly agreed. “But…” Her words trailed off as she pulled herself up, the blanket falling down a bit, but still covering her. “Is that what you’d imagine?”

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