Her eyes widened. “So I did.”
“I really did enjoy doing this for you. It was a challenge finding all of the restaurants that were willing to ship food via air. It takes home delivery to a whole new level.”
“It does. But...” She took another bite of tiramisu. “Mmm...it was so worth it.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
“Approve? I’m floored. This is the best birthday present ever.”
“You misunderstand. This isn’t your present.”
“It’s not?” She sent him a puzzled look.
“No. This is just your party. I have something special for your gift.”
“I don’t know how you could plan anything more special than this. You’ve already done too much.”
“Seeing you smile made it worth it.”
And then they set to work savoring all the delicacies. Trey couldn’t take his eyes off Sage. She practically glowed with happiness.
Tonight there were no worries about his father or the magazine or trying to be someone he wasn’t. Tonight he was Trey, Sage’s escort. And his only concern was to keep that smile on her face for as long as possible.
Sage pushed away her plate. “I am stuffed.”
“Then we’ll have to dance off some of those calories.”
“Dance?” Her eyes opened wide. “I don’t think I can move. The seams on my dress might split.”
“I highly doubt it. You didn’t eat that much. And you have to make room for these.” Just then Maria arrived with a platter of cookies. “These were flown in from LA.”
Sage gave the tray a once-over and then her mouth lifted into a big smile. “Are those Louise’s double chocolate cookies?”
He nodded. “She wanted to do something special for your birthday.”
“I love those cookies.” She reached out for one.
“I thought you were stuffed.”
A guilty smile lit up her face. “I have a little room left.”
“Don’t worry. Maria will make sure you have plenty of leftovers.”
“Happy birthday, ma’am.” Maria left her a couple of cookies and then took the tray away.
Sage’s gaze met his. “Tonight is like a dream.”
“Enough of sitting out here. It’s time to go join your party.” He got to his feet and held his hand out to her. “And I think it’s time for your present.”
She placed her hand in his and got to her feet. She stood mere inches from him and lifted her chin until their gazes met. “Whatever it is, take it back. I just can’t accept anything else. This is a night that I will never, ever forget.”
In that moment, he was tempted to pull her closer. He ached to feel her soft curves nestled against him. He longed to taste her sweet lips again. If only he hadn’t messed things up.
Still, her entire mood tonight was so different—so relaxed. Would she let him kiss her? Or would she shove him aside?
The truth was he couldn’t take the risk. This was Sage’s night. He wouldn’t do anything to ruin it. He’d just have to push aside his desires and focus on keeping Sage happy. That was the important part.
“Trey?” Her voice was soft, like it was floating on the gentle sea breeze brushing their skin.