Phoenix Rising Issue #3 - S. R. Watson Page 0,34

candles in glass jars leads me to a romantic setup near the ocean but far enough away from the current. I’m speechless. A throw blankets the ground along with several large square pillows. More candlelit jars illuminate the space. A serving tray and picnic sit off to the side with wine and hidden food. The delectable smell is enough to make my stomach stir again.

“My, my. Somebody has been busy. What’s the occasion, princess?”

Her white cotton sundress looks so simple and girl next door. A single fishtail braid lays to one side over her shoulder. I can’t help but take in her understated beauty. Her eyes so gray, so clear in contrast to her raven locks. I don’t know why I pick this moment to study her, but I do. I know I should shut this whole thing down. The fucking was one thing, but we’re chartering dangerous territory—getting further and further away from neutral grounds. I need to focus on the goals at hand. The thing is, even knowing what the right thing is to do here, I can’t walk away. I can’t shit on her effort. Tonight, I’ll relent. Tomorrow, I’ll set things back on course. Melissa will be back tomorrow afternoon anyway.

“No occasion. Just felt like doing something nice.” She downplays her little ‘I want some dick’ setup, so I let her think she’s being obtuse.

“What’s that I smell?” I take a seat next to her, and her gorgeous, enigmatic face lights up.

“Pizza,” she explains enthusiastically. “But not just any pizza. Homemade pizza.”

“So you made this pizza?” I look at her suspiciously, continuing to give her a hard time.

“You sure have a lot of questions. Yes, I made it. Homemade pizza is the best. You’ll see.” She leans over to grab the pizza from the picnic basket, and the roundness of her ass against the fabric of her dress makes me want to take a bite of something else. “I had to cut the slices into squares to fit in this baking dish after it came out of the oven. You know, to keep it warm until you guys got back. I tried to time it as close as possible to when you got home.”

“How did you know when we’d get back or that we wouldn’t stop for a bite to eat afterward?”

She pushes my shoulder. “Psssh. Mr. Inquistive, I couldn’t be sure you’d come straight back, but Lily messaged Asher to get a heads-up on when he was heading back. I just crossed my fingers you’d be with them.”

“Ah, I see. Well, I’m glad I didn’t ruin your surprise. It’s sweet, so thank you.” I sound nauseating even to myself, but I genuinely appreciate her thoughtfulness. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about how this little dinner would end. Maybe we could check off beach sex from both of our lists. I’m sure she’s never done so before now. “Pass me some of that homemade pizza, then.”

Her eyes gleam against the flickering candlelight as she watches me sink my teeth into the warm, cheesy goodness. She kept it simple, only adding pepperoni, but it’s perfect. Garlic toasted crust with just the right amount of spices means I could probably eat my weight in these slices. She passes me a glass of merlot before she grabs her own slice.

“Don’t you two look cozy,” a familiar voice cuts through our moment. When the fuck did Melissa get here? I wasn’t scheduled to pick her until tomorrow.

Harlow straightens, guilt etched into the rise of her eyebrows. She’s not pleased with the intrusion.

“Melissa. I didn’t hear you come up. When did you get back? I thought you weren’t flying back until tomorrow.” I don’t know why the hell I’m rambling. It’s not like she walked up on us having sex. Thank God.

“Obviously,” she deadpans. “Did I interrupt some romantic rendezvous?”

The question is directed at me, but her daggers are aimed at Harlow.

“Of course not.” Harlow’s head snaps in my direction, but I press on— working to salvage my plans. “I saw the glow from the house, so I came down to investigate.”

“Oh, and you just happened to stumble upon this lovely setup for two, right? Harlow was just waiting for someone to come out to join her.”

“First of all—” Harlow begins, but I cut her off quickly. This will only escalate if I don’t stop her, and my plan to find out what Melissa is up to will be ruined.

“Harlow had a date tonight, but the douche