Page 18 of The American

He cared for Sage. As he considered how to shield her from harm, he started to realize how much. She was important to him. He was in earnest when he explained that in their quiet moments he would be sincere. He didn’t know where his feelings for Sage could take him, but for now, he had seen nothing that would make him want to backpedal. Except that they lived in different countries with no thought of giving up their homelands forever.

He texted his assistant. He had hired a new one for here in New York. Everything would be perfect. And draw attention, and give the press a lot of meat to mull over into the wee hours of the morning.

As the time to pick up Sage drew closer, he dressed with care, best casual suit, colored shirt, collar open, favorite cologne, unique, a Torren original. He shaved, but left a touch of scruff. Eyeing himself critically in the mirror, he grinned. Then he texted Sage. “Are you ready, beautiful?”

“Already pouring on the compliments?”

“This is private, so I’m being sincere, remember?”

“Thank you. I’m ready.”

His driver waited downstairs. He whistled to himself on the way to her apartment. She lived close to Times Square which was perfect for his plans.

He exited the stopped car and rang the bell. Her excited voice came over the speaker, “Be right down.”

The sight of her made him swallow twice before he dared speak. No sense sounding like an inexperienced teenager. But she was stunning. Her dress, red, hugged her curves. He wanted to placed his hands at her waist and pull her close. But he resisted. Instead, he leaned close and said, “Still private. This is just for you as well. I’ve never dated a more stunning woman.”

Her eyes widened and then she smiled up at him. “Thank you. I need to remind myself you really do have sincere moments in all this. You know, the more I consider tonight, the more I look forward to you proving how our farce won’t ruin my reputation.”

Pleased, he nodded. “And you have yet to see what’s in store.”

He called out a bit louder. “I hope you like Italian. Our first stop is supposed to be the best in all of Manhattan.”

“I love Italian.”

“Perfect.”

They climbed into the car and he closed the privacy window. “We can speak freely in here.”

She sat next to him, close, and he draped an arm over her shoulder. She wiggled into him to get comfortable. “I imagine we can always speak freely. It’s not like we have much to hide.”

“No, but I just wanted to tell you I’m more excited about this date than any other. Some of it is all for show, you’ll see my ploys to gain attention, but I hope you also see moments where we are meant to have a little fun.”

Her eyes sparkled. “I’m all about fun.”

“Then this night is made for you.”

They talked of the inconsequential details that old friends do. He felt completely at ease, and she seemed relaxed. In some ways, being on a fake date took all the pressure off. Then the car pulled to a stop in front of one of the oldest restaurants in New York. “Show time.”

The entry was lined with cameras and people clamoring for attention.

“What?” Sage’s mouth opened in shock.

He grabbed her hand before he opened the door. “Relax. Just have some fun with it.”

She swallowed and then nodded.

He opened the door and the shouts and the flashes of cameras bombarded their senses. “Perhaps I overdid it with the leaked intel.”

She laughed. “I’d say.” But she smiled and waved to everyone.

A nearby man shouted, “You know he’s cheating on you, right?”

She shook her head and waved her hand as if it were nothing.

“How do you like being played, Sage?”

She froze.

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