Watch Me (Phoenix 1)

“I know I didn’t have to, but I wanted too.” He offered the bag. “Open it later.”

“Okay,” she said, wondering why he didn’t want her to open it now. Considering people were walking up and down the street, she figured maybe it was something naughty in nature. “Thank you for thinking of me.”

“You’re welcome.” Then he leaned in and winked. “Though I have totally selfish reasons for buying you what’s in the bag.”

“Now I’m intrigued.” She grinned.

“As you should be.” He tucked his hands into his pockets, looking like some model plucked out of a magazine ad. “So, for tonight, I’m hosting a party at a property I own. I wondered if you and your friends would like to come.”

Her mind went straight back to the gutter, but she immediately chided herself. Last night, they had done something so simply normal, eating out at a restaurant. “I don’t think anyone has plans, so I’ll definitely ask them.”

“Excellent.” He slipped his hands from his pockets to take her in his arms. “I’ll send a car.”

It was dangerous how easily she molded herself to him. “Do you need me to bring anything for the party? Food? Or anything.”

“Just yourself.” He dropped his chin and gave her a long moment to stare into his gorgeous, smoky eyes before his lips met hers. His kiss was full of promise of a night to look forward to. When he leaned away, his grin turned naughty. “And don’t forget what’s in that bag.”

“I won’t. Promise,” she said, stepping out of his arms.

“Good. I’ll see you later.”

He opened his car door, and she waved. “Bye.”

She forced herself to stay put and watched him drive off. She’d never met anyone like Rhys. He seemed so in tune with her emotional state, always doing whatever he could to reassure her. To help her move past what had happened. Doing sweet things for her. It made her aware she was doing absolutely nothing for him. When his car faded off in the distance, she decided that needed to change.

When she hurried inside, she found Elise on the loveseat, her legs dangling off the side while she ate popcorn. “Okay, I have to know what is in that bag.”

Zoey laughed and asked, “Did Rhys knock earlier?”

“Yup,” Elise said. “And he had that bag in his hand. I told him to come inside to wait, but he said he didn’t want to interrupt my soap opera.”

Hazel snickered. “Probably saved himself the torture.”

“Yup, probably.” Elise tossed a kernel into her mouth. “Actually, wait before you get to the gift. Let me tell you what I’ve learned about Miss Surprise-You-At-Work.”

Zoey shut the door behind her and locked it before addressing Elise again. “Lay it on me.”

“

Her name is Hilary Du Pont, but she didn’t go to school with you. Her family is rich, like stupid rich. Which, of course, leads me to believe she’s a Phoenix member, but annoyingly, they’ve upped their security.”

Hazel rolled her eyes. “I wonder why that is.” She headed into the kitchen.

Elise grinned at the retreating Hazel. “It’s nothing to worry about. Just makes me stretch my brain a little, that’s all. I’ll find out what I need to and will let you know.”

“Please don’t get into trouble,” Zoey said in all seriousness. “Rhys has his security looking into it too.”

Elise smiled, all teeth. “Oh, then, let the race begin.” She had always been competitive in nature. At Zoey’s heavy sigh, Elise laughed loudly. “Don’t you worry. I won’t get myself or you in trouble. I can handle Rhys’ security. But enough about annoying security men. What did Rhys get you?”

Before Zoey could find out, Hazel returned with three wineglasses and handed them out. “What did Rhys say to you?” she asked, not having heard Elise’s question.

“He actually invited us all to a party he’s throwing tonight,” Zoey said, sliding out of her sandals. “Do you want to go?”

Elise and Hazel exchanged a look and then said in unison, “Yes.”

Zoey fought her laughter, waggling her eyebrows. “Didn’t even have to think about that one, huh?”

“Not one bit,” Hazel said, taking the seat next to Elise on the couch. “But what kind of party is this?”