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Sage shifted and knelt on the floor in front of her. “Do you want me to go?”
“No.” She wanted him to turn back time. “I wanted to celebrate. To spend the night with you.”
He smiled, but it barely raised the corners of his mouth. “Whatever you want. Whatever you need.”
“I need you,” she whispered. She didn’t want to be alone. “Please stay.”
* * *
SAGE STARED AT Carolina’s bedroom ceiling as she slept curled into his shoulder. He wanted to comfort her. Wanted to hold her until the pain disappeared.
But she hadn’t been honest with him, or with the Fitzgeralds, or her best friend. How could she work side by side with her half sisters and not say something? How could she hide something this big?
If she’d loved him, why would she keep this secret? She’d promised to tell him the truth. So why hadn’t she?
She whimpered.
Brushing back her hair, he stroked her arm. Carolina’s stiff muscles melted under his fingers. At least he could give her this. Give her some comfort.
She’d become important to him so fast. Maybe too fast.
His stomach churned. Learning about her father like this was a…a betrayal of his values. Did her ability to keep secrets change the way he felt about her? Should it?
He stared and stared at the ceiling, but there weren’t any answers. Finally he closed his eyes. He needed sleep. Tomorrow they’d deal with Carolina’s drama.
* * *
CAROLINA SLEPT IN. At least she tried. Her eyes were crusty. Her body ached like she’d done fifteen rounds in a boxing ring.
And Sage wasn’t lying beside her.
He opened the bedroom door. “I thought you might like some coffee.”
“Thanks.” She pushed the pillows behind her and sat, then took the cup and inhaled. “When did you get up?”
“A while ago.” Sage tapped his fingers on his jeans.
“Do you need to go?”
“I wanted to get a workout in this morning before my doctor’s appointment.”
“On Saturday?” she asked.
“They have morning hours today.”
He wasn’t looking her in the eye.
She set down the mug and caught his hand. “Are we okay?”
He sighed. And locked his gaze with hers. “I love you, Carolina.”
She let out a shuddering breath. “But…?”
“I don’t understand you not telling anyone.” He sat on the bed. “At least me. You said you loved me.”
“I do love you.” Her voice shook. “Can’t you understand how deeply embedded this secret is in my…soul?”
He shook his head.
“My father was married when I was born. You were right. I’m a bastard.”
“I didn’t call you that.” He cupped her cheek. “It’s really on your mother, right?”
“I did what my mother asked. I never told anyone who my father was, just that he died.” She leaned into the comfort of his hand. “Wouldn’t you have done the same for your family?”
“My family wouldn’t ask that of me.” Sage’s green eyes were solemn and cool.
“Mamá asked it of me,” she choked out.
He pulled her into his chest, smoothing his hand up and down her back. “What are you going to do?”
“I… I don’t know. Abby and I signed a one-month contract.” Her breath shook as she exhaled. “I need to talk to her. I need this job. I love this job. Or I did.”
Her phone buzzed. It was a text message from Abby. Sage handed the phone to her.
Carolina’s hand shook as she opened the message. “She wants to meet at the restaurant. In an hour.”
“Do you want me to stay?” he asked.
Yes. But he had things to do. “I’m good.”
“Let me know what happens.” He brushed a kiss on her forehead. Not on her lips. And pushed up from the bed. “Call me.”
She nodded. Because if she talked, she would break.
She got ready to meet with her half sister, maybe for the last time. In deference to the gray nasty weather, she chose a dress and sweater.
In the kitchen, Ella asked, “Do you want me to come with you? Abby’s intimidating.”
“No.” She caught Ella’s hand. “I’m sorry if I ruined this job for you.”
“Don’t say that.” Ella frowned. “This isn’t your fault. You didn’t choose your parents.”
“But I chose to keep my mother’s secret.” And hadn’t that blown up in her face.
“I don’t blame you.” Ella pushed over a plate of muffins. “Eat something so you don’t fall over.”
Carolina checked the time. She had fifteen minutes before she had to face Abby. Enough time to put carbs in her roiling stomach.
