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

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