The Book of Rook

Chapter 18

PHOENIX

I'm such an idiot. Seeing that woman all over Rook made my heart feel as if it were ripped out of my chest and thrown into a furnace, turned to ash.

I had spent the whole day giddy like a lovesick teenager. When Angel asked me what was wrong, I kept tight lipped, but the smile wouldn't leave my face.

She did feel it necessary to lecture me about falling for Rook, which I chose to ignore. Stupid me. Hindsight and all that bullshit.

When Bishop showed up and invited us to dinner, I agreed since going back to the empty penthouse didn't seem like a fun option. You can never go wrong hanging out with my cousin and her best friend Bishop. Those two are so funny when they are together. I appreciated some of the stories she told me about Rook. I want to get to know him. Every aspect about him.

Bishop mentioned going to this restaurant she and Rook like. Of course I would love to see it and maybe ask Rook out on a date and surprise him when I bring him to this restaurant. It's a new generation so a girl doesn't have to wait for a guy to ask her out.

When I walked into the restaurant, my eyes studied the crowd since it was such a lovely place and I've never been. Seeing Rook and his date made me blink twice because I couldn't believe my eyes. It was confirmed when Angel asked Bishop if that was Rook. We all looked at him as his eyes met mine. I'll never forget the way his blue eyes widened in surprise. Yep, you got caught motherfucker. I was so pissed and humiliated that I just turned and left. Running down the street until I hailed a cab to take me home. No, not home. His penthouse. I should have gone to Angel's place but I had given back her key.

Once I arrived, I ran upstairs to take a hot shower while I cried. Men suck. All the same. Why did I think the most eligible bachelor playboy would fall for me and change his ways? I'm such a royal idiot. To prove how much of an idiot I am, I open the door to my bedroom when he knocks, so he can explain. See, idiot. Him touching me brought out my inner hellcat. I wanted to drown in his arms but after hurting me the way he did, I wanted to hurt him back. I think I did with my elbow to his stomach. He totally deserved that.

It took all my strength to shut the door in his face. What did he want from me? To say it was ok and invite him into my bed. Fuck no. I have my pride. No more mind blowing sex which muddled my senses in the first place. Feelings complicate things. Sex just complicates it even more. I'll continue this farce until he gets his promotion and then I'll go my merry way. So why does that thought put a pain in my chest?

It's been two days since the misunderstanding. We're now sitting on his private jet headed to Vegas. We haven't spoken since I closed the door in his face. He was utterly surprised when he got on the jet to see me already sitting in my seat.

He takes the seat across from me as I look out the window. I can feel his presence, smell his cologne; but I choose to ignore him.

"I appreciate you showing up. I didn't think you would," he says in a soft voice.

I give him a side eye. "Unlike some people, I keep my word when it's given," I lash out as he winces.

"I kept my word, Phoenix. I didn't purposefully make the date. I was blind sided," he says angrily.

"Did you stay for the entire meal or did you leave immediately?" I ask him as I give him my full attention and fold my hands on my lap. His nostrils flare as he takes a deep breath. I already know the answer to my question. "So yes, Mr. Raines, it WAS a date."