Sliding Into Second Read Online Free Page B

misunderstood.”
    “No, I didn’t,” Rosalie said. “I didn’t mean to overhear, but I thought it was so romantic that you went to my dad to ask for Sage’s hand. It was like a fairytale. I could see the two of you standing at the altar, the dress I would wear when I was the maid of honor, and your first dance. I could even hear the song in my head.”
    “You always had an active imagination.”
    “I couldn’t believe he said no. I was crushed for you and Sage. Every part of me wanted to run upstairs and tell her, get her to make Daddy stop, but my mother caught me outside the study door and told me to stay out of it. That my father knew best.”
    “I think your memories are convoluted,” he said, although she couldn’t have been more accurate in her recollection. Sage’s father was furious with Nic when she said she was leaving college to follow him. After Nic left the study that afternoon, he knew he had to make Sage stay behind. He often wondered if her father had appreciated the sacrifice. “How is Dr. Millan?”
    “He’s doing well. He and my mom are here in the city for a few days.”
    “That’s nice.” Sage’s father had never been very fond of him. Nic didn’t come from money. His parents weren’t educated like the Millans. If it weren’t for baseball, he probably wouldn’t have gone to college. Dr. Millan made it clear that afternoon what he expected of Nic. Sage would not be going on the road with him. Nic was young and so focused on his career, he didn’t have any fight in him. He had regretted that for years.
    “I know what I heard that day, but you never told Sage so I couldn’t—” He stood as Sage made her way into the lobby with some guy by her side. They looked very comfortable with one another, laughing and holding hands as they strolled into the bar area looking around. “Who is she with?”
    “Who?” Rosalie turned and stared at her sister. “No, she didn’t.”
    “Is she seeing someone? You didn’t mention that detail.”
    The guy who was holding Sage’s hand looked really happy to be with her. The man was tall and well-dressed, but appeared at least a decade or more older than her.
    “That’s Jason Arnet.”
    “The sportscaster?” Upon closer look, he recognized Jason. He was respected in the industry, and they had crossed paths quite a few times over the years. Nic had always admired Jason’s reporting style.
    “Yes, he and Sage have been in an on-again, off-again for years. More off than on, but they are very good friends.”
    “He’s like twenty years older than her.”
    “That’s why they’re usually off-again.” Rosalie waved them over. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know she was going to bring him tonight.”
    “No big deal.” He sipped his beer as Sage and Jason made their way over. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t jealous to see her with another guy, but he had to keep his temper in check. Sage hadn’t been his in a very long time. He had no right to stake a claim.
    Sage smiled at Nic, but she didn’t appear to be surprised that he was in New York. As she led Jason over to the bar area, she continued to hold Nic’s gaze.
    “Sorry we’re late.” Sage kissed Rosalie’s cheek. “Jason had to finish some things up at the station, so I waited for him.” Sage directed her attention to Nic. “Nicky, how lovely to see you again.”
    “Sage.” Nic stepped forward and politely kissed her cheek as he caught the invigorating scent of her peppermint scented shampoo. That smell had stayed with him for weeks after he experienced it in the parking lot of the stadium. “You don’t seem surprised to see me.”
    “Jason mentioned you were in town. When Rosalie called and asked me if I could meet her at this hotel, I figured it was a set-up.” Sage glared at her sister. “You should know better.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Rosalie finished her martini. “Hey, Jason. How’s it going?”
    “Pretty good.” Jason kissed