Page 26 of Shadows Redeemed
Blinking, Sage realized they had arrived at a quaint café tucked away in the French Quarter. The aroma of fresh beignets and chicory coffee wafted through the air as they stepped out of the car.
“Thanks for this.” She forced a smile onto her face. “I think I needed a distraction.”
Marissa linked arms with her as they entered the café. “Honey, you look like you need more than just a distraction. By the pinched strain on your face the past couple of hours, I’d say you need a friendly ear and some good advice.”
They settled into a corner booth, ordering their usual from a couple of years ago—a café au lait and beignets for Marissa, and a strong black coffee for Sage. Blaze was the fancy coffee drinker in their group, not her, and she was more than happy to let him keep that title.
As they waited for their order, Marissa leaned forward, her eyes filled with concern. “All right, spill it. What’s got you so wound up? And don’t tell me it’s just the case. I know you better than that. We’ve been friends too long.”
Sage sighed, running a hand through her hair. “It’s… complicated.”
“Does this complication have a name? Perhaps one that rhymes with… ‘darker’?” Marissa cocked a brow, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.
Heat rushed to Sage’s cheeks. Was she that transparent? “I… It’s not what you think.”
“Oh, honey. It’s exactly what I think. The question is, what are you going to do about it?”
Their order arrived, providing Sage with a momentary reprieve. She took a long sip of her coffee, savoring the bitter warmth as she gathered her thoughts.
She took a deep breath as she wrapped her hands around her mug. “Parker and I…” She glanced up at Marissa, shifting slightly in her seat. “We slept together last night.” She blew out another breath, wondering why the hell it embarrassed her to say that. Never had she hidden her love of hopping into beds and having a little fun. Sex had been a recreational sport for her, but now… Now, it just felt… different.
Marissa’s eyes widened as a grin spread across her face, but otherwise, she didn’t seem entirely surprised. “And?”
“And… I don’t know. It’s complicated.” Frustration colored her tone. “He’s Jacob’s brother, and you know how things turned out with Jacob. He should be off-limits. And yet…”
“And yet, you’re falling for him,” Marissa finished softly.
Sage’s silence was answer enough.
Marissa reached across the table, squeezing Sage’s hand. “Oh, sweetie. When did life get so messy?”
A wry chuckle escaped Sage’s lips. “Isn’t it always messy? I thought I was done with all this drama. I’ve worked so hard to build my business, then working for G.S.I., to be taken seriously. And to avoid all attachments at all costs. And now…”
“And now you’re worried you’re going to get hurt again.”
Sage nodded, grateful for Marissa’s perceptiveness and saying it for her. “It’s not just that. I… I care about him. More than I should. And it scares me.”
Marissa’s expression softened. “Why does it scare you?”
“Because…” She paused, searching for the right words. “Because I’ve never felt this way before. Not even with…”
“His brother?”
Sage nodded, a lump forming in her throat. “And I almost lost myself with Jacob. He was a wildfire, ready to scorch the earth, burning us both up in the process. Parker… Parker feels safe. Comfortable.”
“Maybe that’s what you need for a change? There’s nothing wrong with it. Dane is safe.” A wicked grin slid across her lips. “Of course, he can also be a little devil at times, but I feel secure in those moments with him.” She leaned forward, clasping her hands together. “Maybe this is your heart telling you it’s time to take a chance again. A real chance.”
While she liked what she heard, she wondered if she was ready to settle down, give up her wildness, the thrill of the unknown, the rush of taking risks… Those nights excited her more than anything else ever had. But Parker…
“Do you remember when we first met?” Marissa asked, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips. “You were this fiery, unstoppable force. Nothing could stand in your way.”
Sage laughed softly. “I had just left Jacob and was more than reckless back then trying to make a name for myself.”
“Please, you were alive. Don’t get me wrong. I’m proud of everything you’ve accomplished. It’s why I begged your help tracking Alex Rassiter down. But sometimes I wonder if you’ve lost a bit of that spark along the way in your attempt to numb yourself to possible hurt again.”
Sage pondered Marissa’s words, realizing there was truth in them. She had worked so hard to prove herself, to be the consummate professional ever since Jacob had fooled her so perfectly, that perhaps she had locked away a part of herself in the process. Maybe her carefree exploits were a shield. She loved them one night and was gone by morning, never risking anything, especially her heart. The only repeat in the past few years had been Ryan Anderson, and that was because he lived in Charleston. There was no way for things to get serious. Besides, he was just as big of a player as she was.
She took a sip of her coffee, processing everything. As she set the cup back on the table, she bobbed her head. “So, what are you saying? That I should throw caution to the wind and pursue this… whatever this is… with Parker?”
