His Temptation, Her Secret

“Whatever it was, it worked. I have friends on the organizing committee, and they were impressed.”

“Well, then, thank you.” Sage wasn’t sure what else she could or should say.

“I’ve been authorized to bring a proposal to you.” Bernadette took a beat. “The board has advised me they’d like to nominate you as a trustee.”

Sage struggled to understand the statement. “For the Seaside Festival?”

Did it even have a board? Trustees?

“A trustee for Invo North Pacific.”

It took Sage a moment to find the words. “For the college? I’m not qualified to sit on a college board.”

Bernadette gave a light laugh. “If I had a dollar for every time somebody told me that. No, let me rephrase. If I had a dollar for every time a woman told me that. Don’t sell yourself short, Sage. They’re not looking for a particular skill set. They want community members with life experience who understand the culture of the Pacific Northwest.”

“Who can raise money.” Sage was beginning to understand. “You want Mrs. Bauer.”

Bernadette shook her head. “It’s a whole lot more than that. You didn’t just hand out a check for the festival. You inspired others to get on board with funding it. Then you managed all that money, spending it prudently. The Seaside Festival is Whiskey Bay’s marquee event, and you improved it immensely, and in a very short time.”

“Still…”

“Let me add this. Gender balance is an issue for Invo North Pacific, like it is for most college boards. We have less than twenty percent female trustees. I’ll be blunt. We need more.”

Again, Sage thought she understood. “I’ll be a token woman.”

Bernadette swiftly shook her head. There was a gleam of determination in her eyes. “There’ll be nothing token about it. From what I’ve heard, you are smart, energetic and determined. I have no doubt you can make a difference. And I can promise you this. It will be a rewarding and enriching experience.”

Sage found herself curious about Bernadette. “Is it hard for you? Being a woman at the head of a college?”

“You bet it’s hard. But it gets easier over time. And it’s important. And I am more than willing to do the work.”

“You’ve sold me,” Sage said.

It sounded challenging. It sounded meaningful. It was exactly the kind of contribution Sage wanted to make to her new community.

* * *

TJ couldn’t stop staring at Sage. The flicker of a hurricane lamp on the deck at Neo reflected off her creamy skin. Her hair was up, wisps brushing over her temples, highlighted by the flash of her dangling diamond earrings that matched the pendant necklace resting against her chest.

He’d given her the jewelry last night at a rollicking at-home birthday celebration with cake and presents and singing. The children had loved it. Sage had been uncertain about accepting the jewelry. He knew she was bothered by the expense. But he wasn’t bothered at all—exactly the opposite. She looked stunning in diamonds, and he was thrilled to give them to her.

The waiter had just popped open a bottle of champagne and filled their flutes. The breeze from the ocean was soft, the stars alight, the moon a thin crescent in the distance.

“Happy birthday,” TJ said as he raised his glass to hers.

“I don’t need two birthdays.” But she was smiling as she spoke, and she accepted his toast.

“You deserve two birthdays. You deserve more than that for all the ones I missed.”

She touched the necklace. “You don’t have to make up for lost time.”

He wanted to make up for lost time. He wanted it for Eli and, though he knew it didn’t make any sense, he wanted it for Sage too. Her life had been tough while she was alone. There were a thousand ways he could have made it easier.

He wished he could spend every second of the rest of his life with them both. But that was impossible. Reality was already crowding in.

“I have to go to New York,” he told her.

Her smile dimmed. “When?”

Guilt and disappointment rushed through him. “Tomorrow. It’s just for a couple of days.”

“Okay.”

“I don’t want to go.”

“It’s fine, TJ.” She smiled again.

He still wanted to explain. “There are times when the owner of the company has to show up and sign things in person.”

“That sounds important.”

“They’re closing a very big deal. It’s a huge accomplishment for the New York office, and they’ll appreciate the attention. Not to mention the client. The client will like the attention as well.”

“Can you tell me about it?”