She hated that he could see through her and still got to her. “But that’s all it is for you, Ian. Sex, nothing more.”
“I care for you deeply, Sage.” And he did. He’d never felt this way about any other woman before, so the fact that he cared for her and her well-being was huge.
“But not enough to make a relationship between us work?”
“I’m not capable of anything more than what I’ve offered,” Ian responded.
“Then we have nothing left to say.” Sage walked over to the table to grab her briefcase and headed for the door.
“So that’s it?” Ian asked.
Sage sighed from the doorway before turning around. It broke her heart to walk away from the man she loved, but she had to for her own self-preservation. “I guess so. You’ll be receiving a final invoice from G.H.W.A. for my services.”
After she’d gone, Ian sat in the conference room for several long minutes. He hadn’t wanted to lose Sage, but there was no other way. She wanted a man capable of love and he just wasn’t that man. He couldn’t love anyone or anything. His father had ensured that by taking away the only woman he’d ever loved: his mother. A woman who’d walked away from her child without a second thought and in the process damaged him forever.
“Mr. Lawrence.” Peter Waggoner stopped in just as Ian was getting up to leave. “Sage told me the great news. The lawsuit has been rescinded.”
“Yes.” Ian nodded. “Appears it was a personal grudge.”
“Well, I’m glad to see that Ms. Anderson brought it to a speedy resolution.”
“She did and because of her, I’ve decided to give Lawrence Enterprises’ business to your firm.”
“That’s fine news, indeed.” Peter shook Ian’s hand enthusiastically.
“Sage is an excellent attorney, Mr. Waggoner. I suggest you do something about it, before another corporate mammoth takes her off your hands.”
“We definitely intend to rectify that,” Peter said. “I’ll have the papers drawn up and sent over to you.”
“Send the papers to my assistant Jeffrey and he’ll take care of the details.” From now on, he would let Jeffrey handle L.E. legal matters. Perhaps some distance would help him get the seductive temptress of an attorney out of his system for good.
“I did it!” Sage came bursting into Marissa’s office. “I got the lawsuit against Ian Lawrence dropped.”
“You did?” Marissa rose from her chair and rushed over to give Sage a congratulatory hug. “That’s wonderful, Sage.”
“I nailed that conniving son of a gun to the wall.” Sage gleefully rubbed her hands. “He didn’t know what hit him.”
“Well, tell me the details.” Marissa beckoned for Sage to sit down on her sofa. “How you do it?”
“I couldn’t have done it without Patrick Kelly,” Sage replied. “He’s one of the best private investigators in the business. He followed Lucas Johnson and discovered he was having an affair with Gia Smith.”
“Sounds juicy.”
“It gets even better,” Sage replied, taking a seat next to Marissa on the leather couch. “Apparently, Ian, Lucas and Gia were all friends and Lucas had a crush on Gia which was never returned.”
“Until now.”
Sage nodded. “Gia always wanted Ian and when he failed to pay her any attention, she struck up a relationship with Ian’s father. When Myles Lawrence died, she thought she’d finally get her chance, but Ian rebuffed her advances.”
“Leaving her a woman scorned.”
“You got it!” Sage pointed to Marissa. “That’s when she told Lucas that Ian seduced her and because of it, Lucas has wanted to get even with Ian ever since.”
“For trying to take the woman he loved.”
“Gia was overseas for years, but when she returned, they hatched this elaborate scheme and brought Bruce Hoffman into the mix. They didn’t have to convince him to act as a harasser. Bruce was all too willing because he, like Lucas, had a beef with Ian over a business investment.”
“Ian, I presume, is pressing charges?”
“Quite the opposite,” Sage returned. “He’s dropping the matter altogether, said he’s tired of all the drama.”
“Not many men would turn down the prospect of revenge.”
“That’s what makes him so unique,” Sage replied.
Marissa stared at Sage and said what she’d suspected for months. “You have feelings for Ian, don’t you, Sage?”
“I guess I didn’t hide it very well.”
“It’s only obvious to those who know you.”
“It doesn’t matter. There’s no more lawsuit, so I’m sure that’s the last I’ll see of Ian Lawrence.”
“But that’s not what you want?” Marissa pressed.
Sage shrugged. “Sometimes, you don’t always get what you want in life.” And this was one of those times. There was no future for her and Ian and she was just going to have to live with that. No matter how much it hurt.
“So Sage figured out that Lucas and Gia were behind this whole scam?” Jeffrey asked Ian later that evening. Ian nodded.
“I have to admit I’m impressed,” Jeffrey replied. “I thought she might get sidetracked by your personal relationship but clearly that wasn’t an issue for her. Sage is a professional.” Ian had made the right decision when he’d hired her firm as his corporate counsel. Not that Jeffery was shocked; Ian had been unhappy with the current counsel when they failed to end the lawsuit.
“That she is. Along with being beautiful and smart and sexy…” Ian stopped himself before he revealed too much.
Jeffrey smiled broadly. “Don’t stop singing the woman’s praises on my account.”
“I’m not saying anything I haven’t said before.”
“True.” It wasn’t what he’d said, but how he’d said it, Jeffrey thought. Ian had it bad for Sage but refused to admit his true feelings. “So what now?”
“What do you mean?”
“The case is over. Perhaps you can see each other again and really try to make a relationship work.”
“It was never really about the case and working together, though that did pose a threat,” Ian said. “The issue is, Sage wants a commitment that I’m not willing to make.”
“So you’re willing to lose her instead? If I may be so bold, I think you’re a fool, Ian. If you truly care about Sage, take the next step. Tell her she’s the one.”
“I can’t.” Ian turned away and Jeffrey could see him shutting down as he’d done hundreds of times before. Ian didn’t like talking about feelings, let alone revealing his true feelings to anyone, and it was a shame because Sage was his ideal match.
Chapter 16
“We have to applaud you, Sage, on your excellent work in bringing the Lawrence lawsuit to a swift resolution,” Peter Waggoner began in a special meeting with the partners on Monday morning. “You’ll be receiving a special bonus.”
Sage smiled. “Thank you, sir.”
“Not to mention the fact that because of you we’ve secured one of the largest accounts we’ve had in a long time,” Dale Hanson added.
Not just large, Sage thought to herself, a multimillion-dollar account.
“And because of your work, we’d like to extend the offer of partner to you in Greenberg, Hanson, Waggoner and Associates,” Elliott said. “Which would of course facilitate a name change to Greenberg, Hanson, Waggoner, Anderson and Associates.”
Sage beamed with pride. She had waited a long time for this. From orphan to partner—she had finally arrived. “I’m honored.”
“Does that mean you accept?” Elliott inquired.
“That depends,” Sage replied. “What’s the offer?” She’d swum with sharks the past six years and knew to look out for her best interests. She wasn’t about to become the first African-American and the first woman partner at the law firm for nothing.
“Ever the attorney.” Peter chuckled, but he couldn’t be prouder of the work Sage had done. “It means your quarter share of the firm’s profits in
addition to a company vehicle, admission to our country club, a generous expense account and a hefty salary increase.”
“Sounds fantastic. As long as I have the occasional weekend free, then sign me up.” Although she would share in the firm’s losses, she would also reap the benefits of the firm’s successes.
“We’re glad to have you on our team,” Elliott replied and offered her his hand. “Welcome to the big league.”
“Thank you, sir.” Sage shook his hand.
As soon as she got back to her desk, Sage did a conference call with her three favorite men: Quentin, Dante and Malik.
“What’s new, beautiful?” Malik asked. He was right in the middle of analyzing the center’s expenses. “We rarely hear from you in the middle of the day.”
“I have good news…” Sage paused.
“And?” the men said in unison.
“I made partner!”
“Congratulations!” Dante was the first to speak. “I knew you could do it, sweetheart.”
“That’s wonderful,” Quentin replied from the other end. “I’m really proud of you, Sage.”
Malik joined in. “Me, too, kid. You’re playing with the big boys now.”
“I sure am and I’m ready for it.”
“We have to celebrate,” Dante said. “How about a party this Saturday? You know the spot.”
“I would love it!” Sage responded.
“Bring your dancing shoes,” Dante replied, “Because we are going to get the party started.”
Ian sat in his empty penthouse drinking scotch, reliving moments with Sage. He remembered how her face lit up when she’d seen Rodeo Drive, or when they’d ate at Il Cielo or danced underneath the stars on the beach. She’d even taken to sailing although she wasn’t much good at it. None of that had mattered to Ian; he’d just wanted to be with her and he’d felt that way from the start.
He vividly remembered how she’d stared back with those dark brown eyes of hers while he stood wearing nothing but a towel and a smile. He also remembered how it had felt when he’d seen her in distress first at the penthouse and then at the fashion show. From day one, he’d felt a strong desire to protect her even though he hardly knew her.
Another part of his anatomy had taken over his brain and he’d been unable to stop himself. He’d hired her all in effort of seducing her and that he had. From the serenade, to the launch party, to Los Angeles, he’d come on full force. No holds barred and it had been well worth the wait. Sex with Sage had been incredible. Truth be told, it was the best he’d ever had. She’d been both fire and ice and it was a turn-on.
Ian swallowed another gulp of scotch. He’d heard that Sage had made partner and that Dante was throwing a party in her honor that very evening. He would love to attend to show his support and just how much he thought of her as an attorney. Of course, he hadn’t been invited, but when had that ever stopped him? He didn’t care how Sage’s brothers felt about him. She’d been a godsend for Lawrence Enterprises. She’d saved him millions, rid him of Bruce Hoffman and gave him back controlling interest in his company. She deserved to hear it from his lips. Leaning over, he dialed his driver for a ride to Dante’s.
Sage couldn’t wait to party. She’d worked long and hard to make partner. As she stood at her mirror glancing at the reflection staring back at her, Sage was pleased with what she saw. She’d treated herself to a trip to the salon, so her pixie cut was freshly trimmed and stylish. Followed by a trip to Bloomingdale’s for a hot new dress and some sexy stiletto sandals, a few drops of Dolce & Gabbana perfume behind each ear and pulse points, and Sage was ready to go.
She took a taxi to Dante’s. She arrived fashionably late to make an entrance and found a small crowd had begun to form. Dante had really gone all-out for her. A large banner said, Congratulations, Sage, on Making Partner, while a large buffet table of food was lavished with all her favorite tapas: empanadas, calamari, pot stickers and beef and chicken skewers.
Marissa was there as well as Malik and Peyton, Quentin and Avery, along with a few faces from the office and a few others Sage didn’t recognize.
“You know I’m so proud of you.” Malik pulled her aside and kissed her cheek. “We’ve come a long way from our NYU days.” Who would have ever thought when he and Sage had gone to college that they would become so successful? He’d received his master’s in business administration while she’d gone on to law school.
“I know,” Sage replied. “Who would have thought that two orphans would end up as a big-time director over several community centers and the first black woman partner at my law firm?”
“We’ve achieved quite a feat, Sage. We didn’t let circumstances dictate our future. We are captains of our own fate. Let’s toast to our success.” Malik reached over and grabbed two flutes of champagne off the bar.
“Hey, hey, hey.” Dante stopped them from toasting. “None of that. You guys can’t leave me and Q out. Hey, Q.” He motioned for Quentin to join them. “Come over here, man. We’re about to make the first toast.”
“I’m coming,” Quentin replied. “Excuse me, darling.” He brushed his lips across Avery’s. “We have to do our thing.”
“I understand.” Avery smiled. She didn’t ever want to come between the bond he shared with his family, but she did look forward to creating their own family and they would real soon when their little boy or girl made his or her debut.
When Quentin joined the group, Dante passed a flute his way and the four of them raised their glasses. “To Sage’s success.” They all clicked flutes and sipped champagne.
Sage couldn’t have asked for a better celebration. There was live music, courtesy of a local band that Malik knew, and great food, thanks to Dante.
“This is great,” Malik commented. “And because we’re all here. I’d like to announce that Peyton and I are getting hitched.”
“What?” Sage couldn’t believe her ears. First Quentin and now Malik was jumping the broom. What was the world coming to?
“You’re kidding!” Dante exclaimed.
“No, we are very serious,” Malik replied and Peyton showed off her emerald-cut diamond ring to Sage and Avery. “It’ll be a simple ceremony at the community center—not like these two.” He bumped Quentin’s hip.
“It shouldn’t come as a shock,” Peyton replied, circling her arms around Malik’s waist. “You all know how much I love this man.” She glanced up adoringly at him. Who would have ever thought she’d have a second chance at love?
“No, it doesn’t. And we couldn’t be happier for you.” Sage kissed Peyton’s cheek even though inside she felt a sharp pang of jealousy for what she would never have with Ian. Ian Lawrence was not the commitment kind. “Welcome to the family, although you’ve been one of us for a while now.”
“Wow, is this orphan family expanding or what?” Quentin asked, looking around the room. A couple of years ago, it was just the four musketeers and now their family was becoming larger as they all let love in. Quentin only hoped that one day Sage and Dante would find the same kind of happiness he and Malik had discovered.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go powder my nose.” Sage made a hasty retreat.
She was nearly to the ladies’ room when Quentin caught up with her. “Are you okay?” Sage looked distraught and ready to crumble any minute.
“No.” Sage tried to hold her anguish inside, but the tears started to fall in quick succession.
“Come on.” Quentin wrapped his arm around her. “Let’s go outside.” He led her through the double doors and into the cool night air. Once outside, Sage bent down to catch her breath.
“That’s it,” Quentin encouraged. “Take several deep breaths.” He didn’t want her having another asthma attack.
Sage took several long deep breaths and tried to collect herself. After she could stand upright, Quentin asked, “You were so happy a moment ago, what happened?”
“This…this…” She hiccupped. “This should be the happiest time of my life�
�� I’ve worked so…so hard to get here, but…”
“But something is missing,” Quentin finished.
Sage nodded and wiped a stray tear from her cheek with the back of her hand. “I love him, Q, and he should be here sharing this moment with me, but he doesn’t want me.”
“I’m sorry, Sage. Though I know that’s not what you want to hear.”
“Don’t, okay?” Sage raised her hand to stop him from speaking. She didn’t need to hear platitudes. “You warned me and I didn’t listen. You told me I was playing with fire, and I got burned.” Sage paced the sidewalk. “But you know what’s worst?”
“No, what’s that?”
“I feel like a fool for hoping, for wishing for something more than a casual affair. There’s nothing worse than loving someone who doesn’t love you back.”
“Come here, sweetheart.” Quentin pulled Sage toward him and wrapped her in the safety of his arms. “Listen, I know it hurts now.” He kissed the top of her head. “But maybe Ian Lawrence wasn’t the one for you. If he didn’t realize what a gem he has in you, then he’s the fool. You just have to hold out for someone who really loves you.”
“I hope it’s before I’m old and gray.” She cried into his chest.
Quentin reached out and brushed away her tears with his thumb. “You’ll find love someday, Sage. Someday the right man will come along who appreciates and loves you for who you are.
“Come back inside.” Quentin tugged her arm and brought her back into a room filled with people who loved her. She was thankful because it made her remember exactly how she’d gotten to where she was and she couldn’t have done it without them.
When the Bentley arrived at Dante’s, Ian stepped out full of fire and ready to go in and tell Sage how proud he was of her and exactly what she’d done for Lawrence Enterprises. He walked to the door ready to charge in, but no sooner than he put his hand on the handle, he got cold feet.
After the incident at the charity event, the men in Sage’s family would kill him on sight and he doubted Sage wanted to see him much either. So instead of going inside, Ian stayed outside peering into the window like an outsider. He could see Sage standing in the center of the room looking as beautiful as ever. If it had been up to him, he would have continued their relationship indefinitely, but Sage wanted a commitment. Unfortunately, he’d seen years ago what loving someone could do to you. For years, he’d watched his father pine after a woman who loved someone else. Heck, more than her own son. He’d seen firsthand what love could do. How love could turn a normally sane man crazy. Love was not in the cards for him. And so, he returned to his Bentley and said, “Take me home, please.”
If You So Desire Page 17
