Red Phoenix's Passion is for Lovers Collection (Boxed Set)

  Tesse was afraid she was going to break down in the library, so she silently gathered her things and told him to follow her. She snuck Luke into her dorm room where they could have privacy. Luckily, her roommate was still in class.

  She sat on her small bed and stared up at him. “It’s been so long and so much has happened since you left. I feel like I hardly know you, Luke.”

  He flinched, but his voice remained even. “I can understand that and I am not here to change your life. You seem happy and that makes me glad.”

  His deep voice filled her ears like a favorite song. Every fiber of her being wanted to touch him, to feel him, to be one with him again. However, the pain and uncertainty of the last three years acted as a giant barrier between them. She didn’t how to overcome it. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am, knowing that you and your mom are safe.” Then she added reproachfully, “I have worried about you every day since you left.”

  “I’m sorry, Tesse.”

  “I understand why you couldn’t contact me, but it…” She looked away, forcing the last few words out of her mouth. “It still really hurts.”

  Luke was next to her in an instant, wrapping her in his tight embrace. “I never meant to cause you pain.”

  Tesse let out a sob as she laid her head on his shoulder, painfully aware of his familiar smell and the comforting warmth of his body. All the emotions she had kept bottled inside for years strained to be released, but she resisted, afraid that if she let them out, they would be a torrent that would overwhelm her. She pulled away from Luke and scooted to the other side of the bed.

  Too much time had passed—she was pursuing a different dream now. Tesse was a drama major and he was a medical missionary. Their lives were polar opposites.

  “Do you want me to leave?” he asked quietly.

  “No.” They sat there for several minutes in awkward silence. She didn’t know what to say, but she couldn’t bear for him to leave her.

  “It’s really good to see you again,” he finally stated.

  “It’s great to see that you are alive and well. I hardly believe it.” She reached out her hand and touched him, convincing herself that it wasn’t a dream. He glanced down at her small hand on his shoulder and then looked into her eyes. The love she saw radiating from them made her heart skip a beat.

  “So, who is your boyfriend?” Luke ventured with guarded interest.

  The heat traveled to her face. “Oh, that’s Jerrod.”

  “Can I ask how long you two have been going out?”

  “No.” The question angered her. It wasn’t any of his business! Luke had left her behind. “But you should know that we’ve been friends for two years. Jerrod’s been a rock I can count on.” Tesse instantly regretted the personal dig as soon as it escaped her mouth. It wasn’t fair to Luke and she knew it.

  He rubbed his hands on his jeans. His face was expressionless, but Tesse could tell she’d hurt him. “I’m glad to hear it. I’m glad he’s been there for you.”

  Her roommate came bursting through the door, startling them both. “Whoa! Who’s this?” Susan asked in surprise. When she got a good look at Luke’s scars, she quickly averted her eyes.

  Tesse popped off the bed to introduce him. “This is my friend, Luke.”

  “The Luke?”

  Luke held out his left hand, the uninjured one, to shake Susan’s. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. And your name is?”

  Susan tried to shake it with her right hand, then got confused and laughed nervously. She mumbled, “It’s Susan Freedman. Ah… I have a lot of homework to do. Excuse me.” She retreated to her desk and put her headphones on.

  Tesse was embarrassed for Luke, but realized people probably acted weird like that without meaning to. “Don’t worry, she’s really nice. I think we just freaked her by being here. I don’t usually bring boys to our room.”

  Luke nodded his head. “Well, I probably better go.” He looked at her longingly. “You look good, Tesse. It’s been great catching up.”

  He turned to leave, but Tesse cried out, “Am I going to see you again?”

  Luke’s lopsided smile made her tremble inside. “Only if you want to.”

  “I couldn’t bear if I didn’t. Do you want to get together for lunch tomorrow?”

  “Okay. When and where?”

  “Noon at the student cafeteria. I’ll bring Jerrod so you can meet him.”

  “Sure… Yeah, that would be great. Meet you in the cafeteria then.” Luke left before she could give him a hug goodbye.

  It felt like the oxygen left the room when he exited. Tesse sat down on her bed, her body weak and shaky, as if she was physically in shock.

  Susan put her headphones down. “So, that was the infamous Luke. What does he want?”

  “He came to make sure I was okay.”

  “What does Jerrod think of him?”

  “He doesn’t know Luke is here. I just met him in the library after three years… It’s hard to wrap my head around.”

  “Man, those scars are bad, aren’t they? He’s lucky to be alive.”

  “Yeah, he is and he knows it. I just found out he’s been living in Africa helping care for the sick.”

  “Wow! A doctor, huh?”

  Tesse smiled when she replied, “Not quite, more of a nurse, but I’m proud of him.”

  Susan asked quietly, “Do you still love him, Tesse?”

  “Our lives have taken such different paths.” She glanced at her roommate, riddled with guilt. “I don’t know how I feel about the two of us now.”

  “Well, you better not let it get to you. The opening is in a week and I heard through the grapevine that Mr. Reagan was hard on you today. If you want, I can leave so you can get some rest.”

  “Nah, Jerrod’s taking me out for dinner.” Tesse glanced at the clock and jumped off the bed. “Oh nuts! I’d better get back to the library. He’s supposed to be there in five minutes. See ya, Susan!” Tesse flew out the door to meet him.

  She didn’t bring up the Luke thing until they were eating dessert. It took her that much time to build up her courage. “Jerrod, you’ll never guess who I saw today.”

  He smiled, resting his chin on his hand. “Who?”

  “My old boyfriend.”

  Jerrod sat up and frowned. “Are you talking about Luke?” Tesse could hear the tension in his voice.

  “Yep, after three years he finally showed up.”

  “How? Where?”

  “In the library, shortly after you left.”

  “What does he want?” The veins pulsed in his neck. He was clearly troubled.

  “Luke came by to make sure I’m all right. I told him you and I would meet him for lunch tomorrow. Is that okay?”

  “Sure…”

  Funny, that was Luke’s exact response.

  “I told him about us.”

  “And what did you tell him?”

  She bumped her shoulder against his and laughed. “That we’re a couple, silly.”

  He visibly relaxed. “Good. Well, it’ll be interesting to finally meet Luke after hearing so much about him.”

  “I know you’ll like him.”

  When Jerrod dropped her off at her dorm later that evening, he gave her a possessive kiss. The butterflies in her stomach left no doubt that they shared serious chemistry together. “Be sure to get some rest tonight, Tesse. I don’t want Mr. Reagan all over your ass tomorrow.”

  Tesse gave him a thumbs up. “I’ll do my best.”

  “I have to say that the timing of Luke’s visit couldn’t have been worse with the musical coming up.”

  She shrugged. “Not necessarily. Knowing he’s safe is a huge relief, bigger than you know. It’s worth this awkwardness.”

  “I’m glad you feel that way.” Jerrod leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Go to sleep, sweet Christine, your Phantom will be visiting you in your dreams.”

  Of course, Jerrod was talking about himself, but Tesse could only think of Luke.

  My
Phantom has come back for me.

  7 Days & Counting…

  Somehow, Tesse did get a good night’s sleep and woke up feeling excited and energized the next morning. She wondered if seeing Luke had something to do with it. Although lunch was bound to be uncomfortable, still it was her Luke she’d be sitting next to in a couple of hours.

  Rehearsal went exceedingly well, so well in fact that Mr. Reagan joked, “I guess I’ll cancel the prescription of sleeping pills. Much better, Miss Hayes.”

  Tesse was especially pleased when she noticed Luke watching her from high up in the auditorium seats. It gratified her that he could hear her true talent. She wanted to thank him for coming, but he left before rehearsal ended. At least she’d be able to talk to him at lunch.

  Jerrod and Tesse looked around for Luke in the cafeteria at noon, but couldn’t find him. Since he was not an easy person to miss, it had Tesse in a panic. Had he run out on her again? Her heart constricted at the thought and she held onto Jerrod for strength.

  “I’m sure he’s just late,” Jerrod assured her, squeezing her hand.

  Tesse nodded, unable to speak as her throat closed up. He left me again…

  “Let’s grab a table while we wait. Do you want me to get some food?”

  “No, please stay here. I’m not hungry.”

  Jerrod kissed her hand and sat down. “He’ll be here.”

  She felt nauseous and started rocking back and forth. If Luke didn’t show, she would never forgive him. Tesse laid her head on Jerrod’s shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re here. You’ve been my anchor these last two years.”

  “It’s been my pleasure, Sweet Cheeks.”

  She pulled away. “No, you are absolutely not allowed to use that as a pet name.”

  Jerrod laughed. “Picky woman. Aren’t you, Cuddle Cakes?” Tesse growled at him, but inside she was grateful. Jerrod’s teasing was definitely helping her cope.

  After ten minutes, Jerrod insisted on getting lunch. “You only have a limited time to eat and I am not letting you starve with the whole drama department depending on you.”

  Tesse reluctantly allowed him to leave her while she watched the doors nervously, begging Luke to show. It was reminiscent of the day she had waited for him in high school—the day he had disappeared and never come back.

  “Please, Luke. I need you,” she whispered under her breath.

  A girl beside her complained, “Oh my God, do you see that guy? He looks like he should be in a horror movie.”

  Tesse bristled at her words, but felt a flood of relief. Luke is here!

  She stood up and looked around until she spotted him with a huge present in his hands. When he saw Tesse waving, Luke changed direction and started towards her.

  She couldn’t wait and ran to meet him. “You came!”

  “Sorry I’m late. I didn’t realize how hard it would be to find this gift my mom insisted I get for you. Took much longer than I thought it would. Is Jerrod still here?”

  Tesse guided him to the table. “Yes, he’s getting us some food, but I don’t think he was getting you anything. We weren’t sure you were coming.”

  Luke was visibly upset. “Tesse, I would never stand you up on purpose—ever.”

  She felt bad for doubting him. “I guess I just spook easily these days.”

  Jerrod came up with a large salad for Tesse and a hamburger for himself. He held out his hand and Luke automatically offered his left hand. Jerrod didn’t take it, not put off by his injury. Luke changed to his right and Jerrod shook it with vigor and acceptance.

  “It’s good to finally meet you, Luke. Tesse has often talked of you.”

  “Good to meet you as well,” Luke answered warmly, sitting down on the other side of Tess.

  “Would you like me to get you something to eat?” Jerrod offered.

  “Nah, I really just came to see you guys. But don’t let me stop you from eating.”

  Jerrod sat down and took a large bite of his hamburger. Tesse glanced at the clock and saw that they only had twenty minutes before their next class. “Unfortunately, we’re going to have to rush this because you’re so late. I’m sorry, Luke.”

  “If that’s the case, then you better open this now,” he told her, pushing the large gift in her direction.

  Tesse grinned. She loved surprises and she couldn’t begin to guess what it was. “Any hints?” she asked before she tore into it.

  “My mom wanted you to have one, because she worries about you.”

  The information didn’t help, but knowing that Rachael wanted her to have it made it precious—whatever it was. Tesse ripped at the paper and then started laughing when she saw the picture on the box. “A bread maker!”

  “Yeah, Mom worries that you’re not getting enough to eat in college. Plus, she figures the smell of fresh bread would make your dorm room the most popular on campus.”

  Tesse giggled and then had to fight back the tears. Even though she’d only known Luke’s mom a short time, she felt a deep connection to her. “Luke, please tell Rachael how much I miss her.” She wrapped her arms around the box. “I will cherish my bread maker and think of her every time I use it.”

  “I’ll let her know. She’ll be pleased you like it.”

  Her heart burst with love for the woman. “Is Rachael planning to come back to the states?”

  “No, Africa is in her blood now. She can’t imagine leaving.”

  Tesse pouted. “I’m sorry to hear that, but only because I would love to see her again.”

  “You could come to Africa for a visit,” said Luke with a wink.

  Jerrod spoke up. “Yeah, wouldn’t that be a hoot. I can just imagine Tesse tromping through lion country. She’d make the perfect morsel. Wouldn’t you, Pookie?”

  Luke laughed at Jerrod’s strange comment. “Well, Tesse does have a beautiful voice. I bet she could tame the savage beast with just a song.”

  Tesse shook her head and started eating her salad to avoid having to say anything to either of them. But Jerrod was going to pay for calling her ‘Pookie’.

  “So, Jerrod what are you majoring in?” Luke asked.

  Jerrod held up his finger while he finished chewing his bite. “I’m going into journalism. My aspiration is to be a reporter covering news around the world. The people back home need to know what’s really going on.”

  “That’s an impressive goal,” Luke praised.

  “Yes, well, someone needs to do it. People in America are hungry for real reporting and I’m just the man for the job. Jerrod Lockton, serious news reporter extraordinaire.”

  Tesse looked up from her salad and said in a sweet voice, “You’re just so cute when you talk about reporting, Schmoopie.” He stared at her as if she was crazy and Luke chuckled. Tesse went back to eating her salad. Two can play at this game, Pookie.

  Jerrod ignored her remark and poked a fry in Luke’s direction, “So, what about you? What are you studying?”

  “Actually, I’m headed off to the University College London to study medicine. I received a scholarship recently.”

  “A doctor, huh? Impressive.”

  Luke shrugged. “I don’t know about it being impressive, but it’s what I want to do.”

  Tesse was blown away. “Wow, Luke. I’m really proud of you.” She squeezed his nearest hand.

  He smiled at her sadly. “Tess, the scholarship hinges on me going back to Africa to help the people there.”

  Tesse immediately withdrew from him, shocked by the news. “You’re not planning to come back to the States?”

  “No, just like my mom, I love the people there.” He took her hand back and squeezed it tenderly. “Tesse, you told me once to make the most of my life. Well, helping kids desperate for medical care is my calling. It’s what makes me whole.”

  She smiled, but inside she was devastated. Africa is so far away…

  Jerrod interrupted her thoughts. “Tesse, you better head out. You only got six minutes until class. I’ll put your gift in the
dorm for you.”

  “Thanks.” Tesse turned to Luke. She didn’t want him to go. Her lips quivered when she forced herself to mouth the words, “Goodbye, Luke.”

  He kept a brave face. “It’s been a real pleasure seeing you again, Tesse.” He turned to Jerrod and added, “It was nice meeting you as well.”

  Tesse moved over to Luke and gave him a hug. “This wasn’t enough time,” she protested. She closed her eyes and sighed as she pressed her head against his chest. The entire room became silent as she listened to his heartbeat.

  “If you want, we could meet for dinner tonight,” Luke offered. His voice rumbled pleasantly through his chest.

  Tesse looked up at him, his lips so close to hers. So close. “I’ll be rehearsing late every night this week. Lunch is really the only time I have free.”

  His blue eyes sparkled. “I’ll meet you for lunch tomorrow then—and I won’t be late.”

  Tesse kissed him on the cheek. Luke’s scar was unyielding and familiar to her lips. “Okay, until tomorrow.”

  Jerrod stood up, directing his words to Tesse. “Break a leg tonight.”

  “It’s just practice, silly.”

  “Still, I want Mr. Reagan singing your praises.” Jerrod leaned in for a kiss. Tesse felt strange with Luke standing there. She gave Jerrod a quick peck on the lips, but could feel Luke tense beside her.

  Tesse grabbed her backpack and announced, “I’d better be off!” She threw them both a kiss as she headed out the door. She was beyond grateful that today wasn’t her final goodbye to Luke.

  It pleased Tesse when he came to the auditorium later that night to watch her again. Knowing he was there took the rehearsal to an entirely different level. She felt alive and a part of the storyline. When Tess sang to the Phantom, she imagined she was singing to Luke.

  Mr. Reagan noticed the extra emotion she poured into her role and commented. “I don’t know what you did between yesterday and today, but I approve. Now that you’ve raised the bar so high, I won’t accept anything less.”