He took a step back as he gave himself a mental shake. “I can’t take back your present.”
“Did you go and get it personalized?”
“Not exactly. But it was definitely chosen just for you.”
“Okay. You have me curious now. What did you get me?”
“Come this way.” He presented his arm to her.
She gave him a leery look as she complied. They walked into the house. He was suddenly having second thoughts about his surprise. Sage had said that she wanted to forget about the magazine—about the looming deadline with the QTR board. And his gift for her would be a reminder of all that.
But it was too late now. He already had all the wheels in motion. He could only hope she would like it.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” He waited a moment for silence to descend over the room. “Thank you all for coming. I hope you’ve gotten plenty to eat. If not, we have lots of extras. This evening is just getting started. There will be dancing in the other room and the bar is open. And it’s now time for the birthday girl to find out about her gift.”
Trey turned to Sage.
“All these wonderful people are friends and neighbors. They’ve come here tonight not only to wish you a happy birthday but also to present you with a gift.”
Sage stood there looking as though she was not quite sure what to make of what he was saying. He liked being able to leave her speechless. Perhaps he’d have to work on doing it more often.
“These friends are all renowned in their fields. Some are in entertainment. Some are in fundraising. Others are in research or fashion. They have a great many talents. Some live in Europe year-round. Others split their time between here and the States. And they’ve all agreed to give you an interview and heads-up for their upcoming social engagements.”
Sage’s mouth gaped as her gaze moved around the congested room. And then realizing that her mouth was hanging open, she forced her lips together. “Thank you all. I don’t know what to say. I am stunned and so grateful to all of you for making this the most amazing night of my life.”
Trey smiled. And the night was only getting started. He was looking forward to holding her in his arms and guiding her around the dance floor.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THIS HAD TO be a dream.
There was no way the evening had been real. Now that the guests were gone and the lights had been dimmed, Sage knew she should go to sleep, but she was too wound up.
The pieces needed to create a path to her future had fallen into place. Thanks to Trey. Those guests hadn’t just been random people. They were all remarkable, from actors to athletes to prizewinning authors to world movers and shakers. They all had diverse and intriguing stories to tell. And she planned to give their voices a platform from which the world could hear them.
“Come dance with me,” Trey coaxed.
“But we can’t. There isn’t even any music.”
“We don’t need music.” Trey took her in his arms.
Their bodies swayed together as though they were made for each other. Sage’s cheeks grew sore from smiling so much. She didn’t know it was possible to be this happy.
“This the most perfect birthday. Thank you.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“Enjoyed it doesn’t even come close to describing how I feel right now.”
A waiter went to pass them with a tray full of dishes. Trey stopped him and asked for two glasses of bubbly. They resumed dancing while the waiter sought out the requested bubbly.
Sage slipped off her heels and moved across the floor in her bare feet. Trey twirled her around and dipped her. It was like a scene right out of a black and white movie where she was the leading lady. Best of all, Trey was the leading man.
The waiter came to a stop next to them with a tray of bubbly. Trey took two flutes and handed her one.
He gazed into her eyes. “Here’s to the most beautiful birthday girl.”
“And here’s to the perfect date.”