“Believe what?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
“That I’ll do just about anything to make you smile like you are right now.” He kisses my knuckles before resting our hands back down on the table.
My answer comes easily as I stare into his eyes. “Yes. I am.”
22
BRADY
The front doorcloses with a soft click behind me as we walk into the apartment after dinner. I feel content. Happy. And Sage has been glowing, her eyes bright, her smile easy. Knowing I had something to do with that makes me want to puff up with pride. I can’t take my eyes off her as she walks in front of me.
I help her out of her coat, my fingers brushing her arm. Even that tiny amount of contact feels electric now that things are different between us. I have to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds to try and control my reaction.
“I don't know about you, but I’m stuffed,” I say, rubbing my stomach.
Sage laughs as she sits down to take off her shoes. “Same. This baby doesn't leave a lot of room for food, no matter how delicious it is.”
I crouch down in front of her and take over undoing the buckle on the low heels she’s wearing. “Let me.”
Her lips part, and her tongue darts out to moisten them as she nods.
Fuck me.
“We'll have to go back so you can try that chili shrimp bowl you were drooling over.”
My attempt to defuse the sexual tension works as Sage grimaces.
“Not until I can handle spice again, those jalapeño poppers smelled so good and so wrong, all at the same time.”
I chuckle as I stand once more. “Fair enough. Who knew our baby would be as wimpy as their dad when it comes to hot stuff.”
“I mean, they do say a woman's cravings often come from the father,” she teases, looking over her shoulder at me as she walks into the kitchen, her hips swaying ever so slightly. “Maybe the same is true for things the baby can't tolerate.”
“If so, then I’m sorry for ruining your enjoyment of burning your tastebuds,” I fire right back, earning a throaty laugh from Sage.
I follow her into the kitchen and reach for two water glasses, filling them from the tap before handing her one.
“So, did I pass the first date test?”
Tilting her head to one side, Sage taps her chin with a finger, fighting back a smile. “Hmm. Let’s see. High marks for location, ambience, food…”
“And the company was top-notch, right?” I interrupt.
“I mean, the company was nice to look at,” she starts teasingly. “But you did talk an awful lot about baseball.”
“Hey, you asked the question,” I protest.
With a tinkling laugh, Sage shakes her head. “I didn't know it would come with a TED Talk.”
“Listen, if you're serious about being with me, you need to know the basics of the game.”
“Good thing I have a live-in tutor,” she replies primly.
“Good thing,” I echo back with a smirk.
The energy shifts as we stare at each other, the space between us heating up and somehow growing even smaller. But then something changes on Sage's face. Her eyes flare wide as she drops her gaze and sips her water. I clear my throat and lean back against the counter.
“Are you excited about the ultrasound tomorrow?” I ask, changing the subject completely.
