Perfect Fit - Brenda Jackson [59]
She turned away from the mirror and walked across the room to get her purse off the bed. Chances were that Gabe was used to more sophisticated women, but then she shrugged, reminding herself that the two of them were not actually going out on a real date. It was merely two friends sharing dinner. There was a difference. A big difference.
Then, why do I feel like butterflies are flying around in my stomach? she asked herself when she walked out of her bedroom. And why does the thought that Gabe’s coming to pick me up and may want to come inside for a short while after he brings me home bother me?
She sighed deeply. Mainly because this is all new to you, her mind responded promptly. You’re embarking on a new phase in your life and trying to learn to trust again.
“Yes, a new phase in my life,” Sage said aloud to herself. “And remember that this is a friendship dinner and nothing more.”
No sooner had she said the last word than the doorbell rang, and Sage suddenly forgot everything.
Taking a deep, calming breath, Sage slowly opened the door. Gabe stood just on the other side, looking so incredibly handsome that for a moment Sage felt her lips glue themselves together. She was totally speechless. She had seen him dressed in a suit many times, but never had she seen him wear a pair of tailored pleated slacks, a collarless shirt and sports coat. And everything was black. All black. She knew of no other brother who could wear the color better. She dragged her gaze up the full length of him, from the expensive-looking pair of shoes on his feet to the neatly trimmed hair on his head.
She then returned her gaze to his face and met his eyes. They were eyes that weren’t staring at her but at her dress. She cleared her throat. “Hi, you’re early.”
His gaze met hers with a dark, piercing look, one that almost left her breathless. “Am I?”
She nodded slowly. “Yes, but since you’re less than ten minutes early, you’re forgiven.”
He leaned against the doorjamb. A trace of humor shone in his eyes. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
She smiled. “You’re welcome. Come on in while I get my coat.”
She walked off, and Gabe stood unmoving for a moment when he saw how the back of her dress was designed. Her entire back was bare down to her waist. Amazing, he thought, entering the apartment and closing the door behind him. He quickly glanced around the living room, checking out the décor as he tried to get his mind off of her outfit, like that was actually possible.
Why are you here, Blackwell? a silent voice inside of him asked, not for the first time. His life had been going just like he wanted, so why was he allowing Sage Dunbar to become an addiction?
When she came out of a room with her coat thrown over her arm, he quickly cleared his mind and crossed the room to her. “Do you think this coat will be enough to keep you warm tonight?” he asked huskily as he helped her to slip her arms through the sleeves of the thick wool coat.
She looked up at him. “Yes, I think so. Besides, it’s only cold outside, and we will be eating inside, won’t we?” she asked, grinning.
Gabe took a deep breath and inhaled Sage’s scent. It was a fragrance that he’d never smelled before but definitely liked. Being close to her was nearly driving him insane. “Yes, we will.” He checked his watch. “I guess we’d better go.”
Sage nodded as he led her to the door. “You haven’t said where we’re going.”
He smiled down at her as they stepped into the hall, then closed and locked the door behind them. “It’s a surprise.”
And it was a surprise … in addition to being the most exquisite place Sage had ever had the privilege of dining. It was a quaint restaurant nestled in the mountains and adjacent to Chester Creek. A thirty-minute drive from her apartment, it had been a pleasant scenic route that bisected the city from east to west. Although the snow had stopped falling earlier, unmelted snow still covered the length of the creek.
“Tell me about Sage Dunbar.”
Sage lifted her head from studying the intricate design