“We don’t always like what’s good for us,” she said. “Especially at first.”

“If you’re in trouble, I swear I will never stop until I get to you,” he called softly. Sage could’ve pretended she was already gone, but she couldn’t leave without answering. “I know.”

“I have to go,” he said softly. “But you should take a few minutes to fix your hair; it’s a real mess. And your face is all flushed.” “Maybe I’m just not practiced in these sorts of things.” For a long moment, Ash said nothing. Then he whispered, “Neither am I.” His next words were forced out like a confession. “If I was any good at it, it was only because I’ve imagined it so often.”

“We don’t always like what’s good for us,” she said. “Especially at first.”