May 2003
Sage was studying the design of a brochure she was working on for Eden when she heard the door open and close. Thinking it was Malcolm returning, she didn't bother looking up. "Back already? Did you forget something?"
"No, I didn't forget to bring my manners this time."
Sage snatched her head up at the sound of the deep, masculine voice. Her eyes met those of Gabe Blackwell and visibly bristled when she remembered all the things he had said to her earlier that day. "What are you doing here, Gabe?"
"I came by to apologize for my behavior at lunch. I was completely out of line."
Sage was surprised with his apology. "You had no right to say those things," she said curtly, remembering his words.
"Yes, you're right. But when it comes to my men, I tend to get somewhat protective. I know the sacrifices a lot of them made coming here, and I want to make sure they spend as less time away from their families as possible. But I do think that what you're proposing is a good idea, and I would like to take a closer look at it to see how much time we’ll have to extend our stay here if any."
Sage lifted a brow. Why was he being so cooperative all of a sudden? A part of her also wondered is she could trust his motives. What if he had gone to John Landmark asking that she be replaced? She sighed deeply knowing that she had to stop questioning and dissecting everything. She was beginning to let her personal hang-ups flow into the business aspect of her life and that wasn’t healthy. Nor did it make good business sense to be one of those people who brought their personal problems to work. It was in her best interest to try and get along with Gabe Blackwell on a business level. She didn’t have to deal with him at all on a personal one.
“Could you at least explain to my why you questioned my work ethics and my trustworthiness as one of your business associates?” she asked.
He met the glare in her eyes. “Maybe for the same reason that you distrusted me because I’m a man, Sage. I think the best thing for us to do is to put aside whatever hang-ups and differences we have. And the only excuse I can present for my earlier behavior is that I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning," he said as a wry smile touched his lips. Especially when I opened my eyes and discovered it had all been a dream and you weren't in bed with me after all, he thought further.
Deciding to accept his apology, Sage allowed the corners of her mouth to lift into a smile. "The wrong side of the bed, uh?"
Sage's smile actually made Gabe feel better, less the heel. A slow reciprocating smile curved his lips. "Yes, the wrong side of the bed. Can you imagine such a thing?"
Sage grinned, remembering her mood swings a few months ago when any male had tried getting too close. She had been quick to lash out at them with her tongue, which had been so unlike her.
“Yes, I can imagine it since I’ve awaken on that same side a few times myself." After a brief few moments she said. "And I accept your apology."
Gabe's tensed body relaxed with her acceptance of his apology.
"Thanks, I appreciate it. And while I'm here I'd like to take a look at your proposal to see just how much work might have to go into it. I'll also need to make arrangements for you to speak with Parnell after the architect has revised their plans."
Sage relaxed, glad he was willing to work with her. "All right."
"Were you about to leave?" Gabe asked noticing the blinds had been pulled down and her coat and purse were placed across her desk.
"Yes, but that's okay. I'm eager to show you what I have. There's nothing waiting home for me but a can of soup and a sandwich anyway."
Gabe chuckled. "Sounds like you have more waiting at home for you than I do for me. Trust me when I say that my cupboards are bare." He paused and leaned against the wall. "After we finish up here, how about having dinner with me."
He held her stare and Sage felt a torrent of warm sensations seeping through her limbs. To associate with him other than for business was not a good idea. She knew it but a part of her felt some sort of pull toward him, and it didn’t help matters that an irresistible smile creased the corners of his mouth.
"Dinner?" she asked to make sure she'd heard him correctly.
"Yes, that thing we'll probably get deprived of if we go home since our options don't seem too bright." His smile widened. "Besides, today should be one to celebrate."
Sage lifted a brow. "Celebrate what?"
"No snow."
Sage couldn't help but laugh, and then against her better judgment, she said. "All right, you've convinced me that there's a reason to celebrate. I'd love to have dinner with you after we finish up here."
Gabe thought of the last time that she had laughed with him, nearly a month ago over a business dinner. He had liked the sound then, and he liked it now. He felt a ripple of uneasiness at the thought.
“Good, then let’s begin.”