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

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…

    S omehow, 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