Sage's Story (The Town of Pearl 5)

“You jealous?”

Virgo looked at him and gave him an annoyed expression. “Listen, we dealt with enough problems back in Delite when the Dixie Chix got themselves into one situation after the next. Believe me when I tell you that the guy over there is interested in Sage.”

Quaid scrunched his nose and eyes then looked at Matt.

“She hasn’t acted like she likes him, Quaid. I doubt she would go for such an older guy,” Matt added.

“As young and beautiful as she is, she must have a trail of young guys trying to get a date with her,” Virgo added, as they saw Sage making her way toward them with a new round of drinks on a tray.

“She doesn’t date,” Quaid added quickly, and Virgo wondered why the hell not. Instantly he felt a bit concerned.

“Well, here we go. I’m going to set these down quickly and then head on back to the kitchen to grab your entrees.”

She placed them down and when she went to take the empties, Dale reached for the same glass. She froze and stared at him. Their hands touched, and something was up. The two of them held one another’s gazes and then she slowly pulled the glass from his hand and placed it onto the tray. When she looked to the right, she locked gazes with Virgo, and instantly he felt his chest tighten.

“We’ll be right here waiting on you, darling.”

Sage walked away and Virgo looked at Dale.

“What happened?”

“I’m fucking shocked.” Dale leaned back in his chair and took a drink of his Jack and coke.

Quaid chuckled then raised his glass and whispered.

“To finding the perfect woman for the four of us, although, I think we already have.” They clinked their glasses together, and Virgo looked toward the kitchen door waiting on Sage. She was young, she was very attractive, but he couldn’t help but wonder if like women before her, she would choose others instead of him or Dale.

Chapter 2

“So how are our prospects? Anything worthwhile in Pearl, or do you want to stick to Croton and Turbank, maybe even Keanter?” Rye Salters asked his partner. The man was so extreme, although no one would suspect it.

“I need some more time. However, I have a list of seven young women all between the ages our clients are after. They’re accessible, and naive, so nabbing them won’t be a problem. I’m sending it along now, and it’s encrypted so use the decoder after you print it out.”

“Being a bit overcautious, aren’t you?”

“We can never be too overcautious. This is not exactly legal, even if they do want to play along. Let me know when the jobs are done, and remember to tell those goons to be gentle and not draw attention to themselves. That situation in Boston nearly cost us a pretty two million.”

“Got it. I’ll text you later.”

Rye Salters sat at his desk in Dallas. He was setting up the decoder so he could see the potential prospects. He couldn’t help but feel excited. Hell, his dick was already getting hard. If he had his way, he’d nab one for himself from every batch. His partner sure as shit knew how to pick them. As the first picture came up, his eyes widened. “What a cute little redhead. Damn she is something else. A degree in accounting and financing. Shit, I’d do her.”

He scanned down lower after reading more about the redhead and moved on through the packet. “Who is this?” He smiled as he moved closer trying to get a better look. “Hot damn, looks like my buddy hooked me up again. How does he know me so well?” He trailed a finger along the screen and against her profile. “Little Miss Amanda, you and I are going to become very close, very quickly.”

* * * *

Sage picked up four-year old Laya after she tripped and fell. Her brothers, Frankie and William, were running toward their fathers, Kenny, Blake, Bryant, and Quinn.

“Come here, big guy, did you trip your sister?” Kenny asked very seriously and of course Frankie shook his head.

William made a comment. “She couldn’t keep up in those girly shoes Mommy made her wear.” The guys chuckled as Sage continued carrying Laya closer.

“I could catch up if I wanted to. Mommy would be mad at me if I got dirty already and we’ve only been here ten minutes.” Laya huffed as she gave her brothers dirty looks. Sage chuckled.

“You tell them, Laya.”

“How about we go find Mommy and see what Aunt Anna and the boys are doing?” Quinn asked as he reached his arms out. Sweet little Laya nearly leaped from Sage’s arms, and they all chuckled.

Sage watched them walk away, and smiled as she smoothed her hands down her skirt. She adjusted her camisole as she placed her hands on her hips.