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

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