Page 21 of You Keep On Giving

The anticipation of spending another night with York is overwhelming all of my senses. I do my best to fake a yawn before rising from my seat. “I think I’m going to turn in for the night. I’ll see you all in the morning.” I kiss Bea on the cheek as I pass and offer a small wave to the rest of her family before I leave the room, heading downstairs to my room.

Not to sleep but to wait for York to join me.

19

YORK

Ihave to actively focus on keeping my leg from shaking in frustration. Or maybe it’s anticipation. I’m sure I’m just being neurotic but I don’t think my family has ever stayed up this late after Thanksgiving dinner. Mother is going on about a friend that recently moved into a retirement community and how much they have been enjoying it.

I should be listening, I’d never say it to her face, but Mother is getting older and it wouldn’t be the worst idea if she was considering moving into a community like that. Of course, then that would put Sage’s job at risk…maybe I could convince her to come and be my personal chef.

Or take some type of job, any job, here in Colorado.

I know she’s not originally from Arizona but I’m not sure how tied down she is to the state outside of working for my mother. Who am I kidding? Sage probably has too many connections to count with reasons for her to stay in the state if something was ever to happen to her employment with my mother. She’s just so sweet, I can’t imagine any other reality.

I doubt I have enough to offer her any interest past this week and if that’s the case, I want to soak up every possible moment I can with her. Why won’t my freaking family go to bed?

“Mother, would you like me to help you to your room?” I know I’m playing with fire here but everything in me is screaming to get downstairs as quickly as possible.

“I know I’m old but I’m not immobile, my darling.”

“You know that’s not what I was implying…”

“Reese, my love, are you ready to call it? You need to get your rest, I heard Sage agreed to go on a walk with you tomorrow.” Mother shoots a smart smirk to my brother, his cheeks turning a light pink that has me scowling.

She did what?

“Don’t you start with that, Ma. It’s just a walk. Figured after everything she’s been subjected to these past couple of days, getting out of the house for a few hours would do her some good.”

A few hours?

Mother echoes my thoughts, “A few hours? That sounds like a little bit more than a small walk.” I’m not too fond of the way this conversation is going or her tone. “I’m excited to hear about it later tomorrow. For now, walk me to my room.”

Finally.

I stand and place a kiss on Mother’s cheek as she walks past, giving a quick nod to Reese. I walk towards my office and close the door. I’m not sure how long to wait but I know I won’t be able to hold off for much longer. An unnecessary possessiveness swirls in my gut.

It’s ridiculous. Sage isn’t the kind of person to do something like sleep with me, and re-invite me into her bed, then take a romantic walk with my brother two days later. I’m sure of it. Mother wouldn’t have that type of person in her life for as long as Sage has been.

Reese has no idea what’s going on between us. This might be the sign that we need to consider not being as quiet as we had originally intended. I know I don’t want her going back home without letting my family know. The need to get to Sage is pounding through my pulse and I can’t find a reason to not rush downstairs to get Sage in my arms.

I don’t know how to be quiet as I rush downstairs but I somehow manage it. Sage is standing in the game room, pacing back and forth. I don’t like the look of worry on her face.

“Oh, honey. None of that.” I step towards her with open arms and my good girl doesn’t hesitate to walk into me, her arms wrapping around my waist. Her head tips up and I can see conflict shining in her pretty green eyes.

“I missed you.” Her whispered confession makes my heart stutter and I have no choice, I have to kiss her. Sage opens up to me and our tongues tangle, I can’t stop myself from sipping from her sweet lips. Her hands fist the back of my shirt and pull me closer, removing any space between us. I groan, pressing my erection into her soft body.

20

SAGE

Ireally need to talk to York, tell him about how Reese invited me on a walk that I think means more to him than I intended when I accepted. Waiting for York to come downstairs is twisting my insides into a ball of nerves and of course, when he does finally show up, it’s super obvious to him.

York pulls me against him, his strong arms wrapping around me and my anxiety all but disappears, or is at least overshadowed by how much I missed being away from him. How much my body enjoys being against his. Our mouths fit together like two puzzle pieces.

Reluctantly, I pull my lips for his, “I need to tell you a few things.” My hands are still twisted in his t-shirt, I’m afraid to let him go. “First, we didn’t talk about it yesterday but I’m on birth control and I haven’t been with anyone for a long time, all clear.” A flash of shock crosses York’s face and for a moment fear shoots through me.

“Me too. Shit, sorry, that never even crossed my mind. I’m a dirt bag.” His expression is pained, arms moving up my body to cradle my face, he rests his forehead against mine. “I can get you a copy of my results if yo⁠—”