Page 30 of You Keep On Giving

A deep seductive hum, “We don’t have the time.” He stands, cradling my face in his hands and giving me a searing kiss before pulling me to standing. I want to protest, demand that he rip my leggings to shreds and ravish me until I forget my name, but I’m also anxious to get back to the hospital.

It’s only when we pull up to the hospital that I remember the conversation I need to have with York. Yesterday, while Reese and I waited for an update from the hospital, there was a representative from the catering company who showed up at the house, to respond to the incident with the stuffing that was filled with nuts.

The woman was intimidating as hell, even as she was begging for forgiveness. I brought her into the house, to discuss the whole situation. She was very pushy especially when I let it slip that I was the one to catch the mistake.

She wasn’t quite as scary after we chatted and I explained that it seemed to be the only contaminated dish that we’d been provided. The woman, Sara, promised to follow up in a few days after things have settled down with Bea. She gave me her card, letting me know if I was ever interested in something slightly more structured than being a personal chef, to give her a call.

I was too shocked at the time to do anything but take her card but now, thinking of everything happening with Bea and the possible change to my employment situation, maybe even moving to Colorado to help take care of Bea for a short time…it feels like fate.

Like this is where I’m supposed to be.

This is what’s supposed to happen.

The only question now is when to bring it up.

29

YORK

The day goes by quickly as we arrange accommodations for my mother. Despite it being a stressful situation, I’m happy to take over with making decisions as she’ll be staying in Colorado at least until she’s fully recovered. If she ever fully recovers.

I can’t let myself get overwhelmed, though. If Mother is staying, Sage is staying. I don’t believe any of her children are going to want Mother to move back to a state where none of us are living. I have the resources and the motivation to keep her here.

My lizard brain is convinced that wherever Mother goes, Sage will follow. At least long enough for her to fall in love with me as much as I’m coming to love her. My gaze finds Sage sitting next to my mother, their heads bent towards each other, whispering conspiratorially. Sage’s cheeks are a light pink and Mother has a mischievous glint in her eye.

I know that glint and while I know it can mean trouble, I’m reassured to see her returning to her scheming ways. I can only hope her scheming is going to work in my favor.

When we get home later that night, there’s no question about Sage joining me in bed. Desperation to be as close to her as possible is still thrumming in my veins, it’s subdued enough that I’m not going to pounce on her as soon as the bedroom door closes.

But I do wrap myself around her, her back to my front, as soon as we are alone. I’m just about to start peppering her tempting neck when Sage utters a sentence that stops all attempts to seduce her.

“York, we need to talk.”

My heart almost drops out of my ass at those five words but I do my best to not let it show on my face. To distract myself, I remove my glasses and clean off imaginary smudges. Sage doesn’t keep me on edge for long, thankfully.

She goes on to tell me about the catering representative who felt the need to personally visit to apologize for the side dish incident. God, that feels like months ago. On top of all of that, how the woman offered Sage a job. How she was considering taking the job, depending on what happens with Mother

“Well, that’s the long and short of it.” Sage lets out a little huff of air once she finishes telling me everything. She’s starts to chew on the corner of her lip, obviously nervous, and it’s so fucking cute I can’t stand it.

I’m silent as the excitement at what she’s told me mixes with the realization that I’m going to be able to keep this amazing woman in my life.

“Say something, please.”

Oh, my sweet Sage.

I don’t say anything, instead I raise my hands to cradle her sweet cheeks. My smile is wide as I press our mouths together, taking sweet sips of her lips. Once I’m momentarily satisfied, I pull back to rest our foreheads together.

“If that’s what you want, I support you one hundred percent. Maybe you’ll save them for any more possible lawsuits,” This pulls a little snort of laughter from my girl. “If you want to look for something different, I’ll support you in any way that you’ll let me.”

It’s Sage’s turn to hold me in silent suspense.

Suddenly, I’m splayed on the bed and Sage is straddling me. I reach out and grip her hips like I’ve been doing it all my life, needing to keep her as close as possible. I can’t stop my body from reacting to having Sage all up close and personal like this, my dick twitching with excitement.

“I love you.”

Her green eyes are sparkling with emotion, her little brows furrowed like she might be worried about my reaction to her declaration. That just won’t do. I run my hands up and down her hips, settling them just under her ass cheeks. My grip tightens to keep her close as I flip our positions.

The furrow is gone, replaced with surprise. I’m fully hard but I keep my hips pulled back, needing to make sure her full attention is focused on my words. My cock can wait a few minutes.