Stroke of Love (22 page)

THE NEXT MORNING, Sage got up before Kate and left quietly. He showered and dressed at his cabin and then went for a walk, cell phone in hand. The sun had yet to creep to the tops of the trees, but the air was already sticky with humidity. Dirt billowed around his feet as he walked. The dryness reminded him of how little it had rained in the past ten days and made him think of the villagers’ need for wells again.
Damn government.
He clutched his cell phone in his fist as he rounded the bend in the road, out of sight from the cabins. He preferred Skype so he could see the people he was speaking with, but getting anyone to Skype before the sun came up was not realistic. Besides, he’d paid for international cell phone coverage. Why not use it? The first call he made was to his brother Jack.

“Dude, really? It’s five thirty in the morning,” Jack’s gravelly whisper complained.

“Yeah, I know. Sorry. I need a favor.”

“Aren’t you in Belize?” Jack sounded more alert now.

Sage heard Jack push himself from the bed and waited until he heard the bedroom door close before speaking again. “I hope I didn’t wake Savannah.”

“I’m in a different room now. She’ll sleep. What’s up? You okay?”

Jack was nine years older than Sage, and although he’d been away at college and then married and in the military for all of Sage’s teen years, he’d come home to visit as often as he could and had made a point of keeping in touch with Sage and their other siblings. He’d always been protective and interested, asking about Sage’s grades, his girlfriends, his hobbies—that was, until Jack’s wife, Linda, died in an accident that Jack blamed himself for. The two years that followed were painful for the entire family, as Jack disappeared from their lives and found salvage in the Colorado Mountains. Until he met his fiancée, Savannah, and found love—and his way back to his family—once again. Since then, Jack had gone back to being the brother Sage knew and loved, and now Sage had no hesitation calling him at the ass crack of dawn for a favor. His only reservation was not talking to Kate about it first, but the idea had fallen into place in bits and pieces throughout the afternoon after talking to his father and Dex. And by the time Kate had fallen asleep last night, it had formed into a full-blown concept. He wanted information and he wanted it now.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Do you still keep in touch with your engineering buddy from school? What’s his name?”

“Craig. Yeah, why?” Jack yawned.

“He’s part of AMC Utilities, right?”

“I think so. Where’s this going, Sage? Cut to the chase. I went to bed about two hours ago.”

“My girlfriend, Kate, works for AIA, the nonprofit, and she’s been working to get wells brought in, but with a community of only a few hundred, the government is withholding funding.” Sage ran his hand through his hair and sighed.

“I heard you were in love.”

Sage smiled, despite wanting to get answers. “Mom or Dex?” he asked with a laugh. The Remington grapevine moved fast.

“Siena, actually. She texted me last night. It’s true?”

Sage stopped pacing and stretched his muscles.
Siena?
“Yeah, it’s true. Struck by the cupid. Hit in the heart and all that shit. Knocked the wind right out of me.”
And I love it
.

“Yeah, that’s how it happens.” Jack laughed. “Wanna tell me about her?”

“She’s smart and strong willed. Reminds me of Mom a little, the way she is with helping people, like you know she’d do anything to help someone, but don’t do something disrespectful because she’ll just as soon tell you what you did wrong.”

“Hot?”

“Jack...”

“Total dog but a sweet girl? That’s cool.”

“No, you ass. She’s the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen. Really. I look at her and I swear I’m like a high school kid with a hard-on.” The sun rose to the tips of the trees. Sage wiped a bead of sweat from the back of his neck. It was going to be a scorcher.

“Good because I’d hate to have to tell you that my fiancée is hotter than your girlfriend. I’m sure she is, but I’d hate to rub it in your face.”

“Ha-ha.” Sage missed seeing Jack, and just hearing his voice made him feel closer. “Listen, I need you to call Craig, if you don’t mind, and give him the info on where I am and ask him what it might cost to put in wells, or a community well.”

“Sure. No problem. What should I do with the info? Call you back? Email?”

“Actually, can you text? Internet is spotty, but this line seems to be working great.”

“I hate texting, but sure. When are you coming home?”

“Sunday. Thanks, Jack. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Siena was bummed that she didn’t get to Skype with you.”

“Tell her to text me. I haven’t been carrying my phone, but I will.”

“You don’t want me to do that. Spend time with Kate while you can. Just call Siena when you can so she doesn’t feel left out.” Jack yawned loudly.

“On that note, I’ll let you get back to sleep. Love you, Jack. Thanks a lot.”

Sage ended the call and left a message for his attorney asking what it would take to set up a nonprofit whose focus would be selling high-end art to fund the installation of wells in developing nations. He followed that call up with a call to his accountant, asking the same thing and requesting that she research the financial viability of such an organization. Maybe…just maybe, with his connections and Kate’s experience, and the experience of a few hired experts, they could bring this thing to fruition. Kate would never have to worry about her work being for naught again, Sage could fulfill his desire to do something more meaningful while continuing to sculpt and paint. Surely the company would need capital at first, and he’d be able to put the insane amount of money he made to good use. Such an endeavor would also give him and Kate a chance at a future together, where they could nurture the values and dreams they both held close to their hearts.

No matter how much he wanted to stay until Kate had to leave, he had a show coming up the weekend after he returned and he needed to be there. He hadn’t been kidding when he’d told Kate that he spent much of his time trying to figure out how to get the hell out of New York, and as he thought of how hamstrung he was by the upcoming show, it pissed him off. He wouldn’t cancel. Canceling shows was the kiss of death for an artist, and this show was featuring artistic families. He and his mother would be featured together. He had to be there.

But after the show.

Maybe then he and Kate would have more time together.

Goddamn show.
He didn’t want to leave Kate. Not for an hour. Not for a day. Not for…ever.

The thought pushed him closer to the edge of solidifying the decision that would be both wonderfully freeing and dangerously risky. Kate was worth it.

KATE WAS ON her way to the mess hall when she finally spotted Sage walking down the main road. Waking up to an empty bed was a sore reminder that Sage would be leaving in a few days. Sometimes he got up early to draw or paint, so she wasn’t alarmed when he wasn’t there, but when she hadn’t seen him at the school or in his cabin, she’d begun to wonder where he’d gone.

“There you are.” He looked handsome and sporty in his loose white T-shirt and shorts. His arms and legs were golden brown, his muscles even more defined than they’d been when he’d arrived. The heat tended to lessen everyone’s appetite. He could have walked right out of
Men’s Journal
.

He kissed her good morning. “Sorry I left so early, but I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Everything okay?” She eyed the phone in his hand.

He shoved his phone in his pocket. “Yeah, I called Jack, and I had to return a few calls.”

“I hate that you’re leaving so soon.”

“Me too, but you leave the week after me and you’re coming to New York to see me after that, right? You didn’t change your mind?” He held both her hands in his, his eyes full of hope.

“Yeah.”

“Uh-oh. That wasn’t a,
Yeah!
What’s wrong?”

“Leaving is hard, and without knowing about the wells, I feel like I’m leaving things undone.” She fanned her face. “Wow, it’s hot today.”

“Yeah, that it is.” He gathered her hair and held it up off her neck. “Better?”

“Yes.” She smiled up at him. “Thank you.”

“I’m really proud of you, Kate. No matter what happens, I’m sure the people here know how hard you’ve worked on their behalf.”

“Thanks. I know they do, but if we don’t get the wells, then it doesn’t really matter how hard I worked.”

“It always matters. If you ask my father, he’ll tell you that the only thing that matters is how hard you work.”

His eyes shifted away from her then, and she followed his gaze as it trailed Clayton and Cassidy walking around the side of the cabins.

“They seem like they’ve changed, huh?” Kate shook her head.

“I don’t know what to make of that guy.”

“See? Even you don’t trust celebrities,” she teased.

“No. I don’t really trust
him
, but I don’t lump all celebs together.” He took her face in his hands and rooted her to the ground with his serious gaze. “I know one thing, though, Kate. I’m falling hard for you.”

I can’t breathe.

He searched her eyes, and she knew she needed to respond, but words evaded her. She swallowed to keep air moving to her lungs.

He narrowed his eyes. “Did I say the wrong thing? Too fast?” He released her cheeks, and she grabbed his hands and brought them back to her face.

She pressed his palms to her cheeks and breathed deeply. She opened her mouth, but no words came. She swallowed again and managed, “So am I.”

He let out a loud breath and looked up at the sky clenching his jaw. “Jesus, woman. You just about gave me a heart attack.”

“I’m falling hard too. Really hard. It’s just…Our relationship is so unexpected.”

He lowered his forehead to hers.
God, I love that
.

“I wanted to extend my trip and stay until you had to leave, but I have to get ready for a show the weekend after I’m home. I totally forgot about it until this morning.” She heard the disappointment in his voice and felt it reverberate in her clenched stomach.

“We have another night. That’s better than not having it,” she said in an effort to keep herself from falling apart. How would she get along without him?

“What’s your plan for today?”

“I’m helping Caleb make the rounds at the clinic; then I’m going into the village for the meeting. I want to be there early.”

“I’m going to finish the mural today with the kids and then I’ll get cleaned up and come over.”

The mural
. “I can’t wait to see it. At least that’s one thing that’ll be complete before I leave. And it made the kids so happy to work with you. I’m really glad you pushed for it.”

“I’m really glad you were okay with us doing it.”

They walked over to the mess hall and found Luce reading a romance novel. She waved the book when they came in. “Living vicariously. Grab some food and save me from falling for some hunky hero I’ll never meet.”

Kate slid onto a chair with a plate of eggs and a cup of coffee. “I can’t believe you guys are leaving me. I’m gonna miss you so much.”

“Me too.” Luce set down her book. “Come see me when you’re home and we’ll hang out for a week before they ship you off again.”

Kate watched Sage crossing the room toward them, and the idea of shipping out again didn’t seem as exciting as it had before she’d met him. In fact, it felt downright awful.

Luce looked from Kate to Sage and leaned across the table. “Your whole world changed in two weeks, you lucky dog.”

“I feel lucky, but I’m also a little scared.”

Sage slid his hand across Kate’s shoulder as he walked behind her. She eyed Luce, hoping she wouldn’t ask about what she’d just said in front of Sage. Luce caught her glance and drew her brows together.

“Did I miss all the hunky hero talk?” He set a plate of eggs and Johnnycakes on the table and sat down beside Kate.

“We had only just begun.” Luce smiled at Kate as she pulled out her phone. “Check out these great pics.” She slid the phone to Kate.

Kate scrolled through the photos of Sage and the children in front of the mural. “They look so happy. And look at Sage, the proud teacher. I love these. Can you send me copies?”

“Good idea. I want copies too,” Sage said. “We don’t have any pictures together.” He dug his phone from his pocket and handed it to Luce. “Do the honors?” He slid his chair closer to Kate and they smiled for several pictures.

“Okay, smooch shot,” Luce said.

Kate happily obliged, pressing her lips to Sage’s—not expecting him to deepen the kiss in front of Luce and in the middle of the mess hall. When he pulled back, her cheeks were hot and he had a smartass grin plastered on his face.

“Sorry. Had to do it.”

She pushed him and caught a glimpse of Sylvia standing in the kitchen, puckering her lips in Kate’s direction. “Oh my God.” She laughed, but inside she cringed.

“Stop worrying about your reputation,” Luce said. “I can see your little brain working.
What will they think of me now?”
She waved her hand in front of her face. “You know what they’ll say?
About damn time
.”

Luce handed Sage his phone back and he scrolled through the pictures with Kate. “Thanks, Luce. I love these.”

“Send them to me,” Kate said.

“You know, I don’t even have your cell phone number. Or your email.” He leaned back in his chair and narrowed his eyes. “I’m beginning to think that maybe this really is a fling for you. No ties to bind us.”

“Yeah, right, and that’s why I want to come see you in New York.”

He handed her his phone. “Can you put your info in there for me? Just in case you don’t show up, so I can track you down and drag you back with me?”

“You’re going to see him in New York? That’s awesome. We can all get together.” Luce finished her coffee.

Sage ate quickly and rose to his feet. “I’ve gotta get to the school. We’re starting early so I can make it to the meeting this afternoon.” He kissed Kate. “Make sure Luce tells you what she wants to do with those pictures.”