Page 160 of Hidden Ties

“Yes, I saw it advertised and thought you would enjoy coming.”

Spotting an empty space, Kent parked.

Kent went to the trunk after getting out of the SUV, and when she opened her door, she saw he was holding a blanket and cooler.

“When did you get the cooler?”

“I bought it after my meeting and filled it with drinks and a couple of snacks. They should still be cold.” Closing the trunk, he laid a guiding hand on her back, exerting pressure to get her moving.

They trailed a large group that was walking from the parking lot, but Kent still refused to tell her what was going on.

“It’s a movie, isn’t it?”

“No.”

“A sports game?”

When they rounded a curve, a stage came within sight.

“I love concerts.” She practically bounced next to him. “Who’s singing?”

“Wait and see.” Kent pointed to a shady spot under a tree. “Let’s sit there. There isn’t anyone else nearby, and you should have a good view of the stage.”

She eagerly helped Kent spread the blanket. She took a beer from him, which he had taken from the cooler, and couldn’t help kissing him. “Any time you want me to take a day off, I’m in.”

Hearing the crowd draw silent, she looked toward the stage, and her hand went to grip his arm. “You brought me to a symphony.” Awestruck at the sweet gesture, she had to blink back tears of happiness. She wasn’t crying, but she came close.

Guilt hit her at how much she was enjoying herself, while Glory wasn’t even able to enjoy going out to a restaurant anymore.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She hadn’t told Kent that much about Glory; she wanted to wait until she felt the time was right.

“Do you still want to argue with me for giving you two presents in one night?” he teased.

Shaking herself her dejected thoughts about her sister off, she stared at his pleased boyish expression. Her bottom lip trembled. “No. How could I? Can you do me a favor?” The orchestra began playing, yet Sage couldn’t pull her eyes away from Kent.

“Sure. What do you need?”

Haunting notes filled the air. She recognized they were playingSwan Lakeimmediately.

“Whatever happens to us in the future, I need you to remember something.”

“What do you want me to remember?” His eyes grew as haunted as the music.

“I loved you first.”

THIRTY-THREE

“Iwon’t be able to share lunch with you today,” he told Sage as she stepped out of his SUV. Pressing on his key fob, he locked the car door as they walked toward the elevator. At the same time, he switched off his emotional switch. “I have a busy day ahead. I’m sorry I won’t be able have lunch with you. I have court at two as well, so I won’t be able to give you a ride home, either.”

“That’s okay. The bus is easy to catch.”

He glanced at Sage as he pressed the button for her floor. Her happiness was unmistakable after their trip. Her emotions were an open book.

Clenching his jaw, he switched his gaze to the elevator panel, watching the floor levels light up one by one.

When her floor lit up, she turned toward him. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”