Teasing Phoenix novel Chapter 27

“Thanks, Howard!” I thank the driver Anna sent to pick me up. There’s only one meaning to this—I can’t turn down that invitation.

So, here I am wearing a blue dress with my black high heels to add four inches to my five foot four inches height, and I spent an hour just to fix my hair.

The Williams and King are all gigantic, and I look like a dwarf when I’m standing beside them.

I am still a little bit shaken after reading the letter Tyler left for me, and I read it a couple of times just make it sure I understand every word because I can’t believe he just left like that without waking me up or talking to me about our problems.

He doesn’t break up with me though—he’s just giving me some space to figure out if I still have feelings for Phoenix, and if I’m really ready to start a relationship.

“Oh, darling, Samantha!”

I halt and back from my zoning out to Anna’s voice who is marching toward my direction. A smile form on my lips.

She spreads her arms wider, and I walk to meet her halfway and hug her.

“It’s been like forever since the last time I saw you,” she says after our embraced.

“I miss you too, Anna,” I reply shyly.

She looks so happy and even looks younger than the last time I saw her. She looks healthier and radiant. She has makeup on her face, but not too much. Her eyes glimmer and her blonde hair is tuck in a neat bun. She wears a beautiful light pink dress and a pair of beige pumps to match the outfit.

“Come on in, dear. Everyone is waiting for you.” Anna wraps her arm around my shoulder as we walk inside the enormous King’s mansion.

I stop and swallow hard. I don’t know if I’m ready to face Phoenix again, or am I ever be ready facing him again?

My heart starts to flutter.

“He doesn’t know you’re coming. We didn’t mention it to him. He’s been here for two days after Abby literally dragged him to come,” Anna explains.

I nod, biting my lower lip.

“Sam!” I jolt when I hear someone screaming my name.

What’s with these people? Are they trying to kill me from a heart attack?

“Hello, Izzy.” I greet her with a smile.

She launches herself to me with a squeeze—not a hug, take note.

I whimper. They just laugh at me.

My body is going to be sore after this. The next is Hawk with a wide grin on his face, then Patrick, and of course, his twin Trixie, then Abby, and Seb who is carrying Lizzy.

“Hello, little angel.” I touch her little fingers. She bubbles, moving her free hand to grabs a handful of my hair.

“She likes you already, Sam,” Seb says after kissing my cheek.

My smile widens. “Really?” She looks so adorable—her look is a mix of her parents, and get their dimples too.

“That’s how she shows if she likes someone. Grabbing someone’s hair,” Abby answers.

My eyes roam at everyone, but he’s not around. He’s not here. My heart sinks. A knot forms in the pit of my stomach.

“He’s here, Sam,” Abby says. She must have seen the disappointment on my face. “At the greenhouse. He always went there when he woke up, only left that place when he went to sleep.”

“Welcome, Princess,” Mike says giving me hug. “Feel at home, and consider this your second home. You’re always welcome anytime,” Mike adds.

“Did you come alone, princess?” Hawk asks.

I look at him and nod. “Tyler left me.”

Then say yes in unison. I scowl at them. They stop abruptly and mutter an apology.

“Sorry, princess,” Hawk murmur.

“Are you, Hawk?” I ask, raising my brow at him.

He tries to hide his smile and doesn’t answer me.

“He left this morning without talking to me other than the letter he left. He took all his things.”

They say oh in unison. Again!

“But—” I stop and I can see the changes of reactions on their faces.

“We did not break up.”

They shrug as if disappointed. What’s with them?

“Let’s go, honey. let them catch up,” Mike announces, taking Anna’s hand.

“Darling, feel at home, and guys, don’t scare her away,” she says and gives everyone a warning glare.

Anna and Mike walk away from the living room.

“Sam, I’ll feed Lizzy. See you at lunch. It won’t take long. Babe, wanna come?” Abby says and faces her husband with a mischievous smile on her face.

Seb willingly takes her wife’s hand and walks away just like that, leaving me with the twin, Hawk, and Izzy.

***

We all sit on one bench a few meters away from the greenhouse that fits a two-story house. Its roof and wall are made of glass. I can see the plants, flowers blooming in different colors. It looks like a little paradise, but one thing that catches my attention is him.

Phoenix is sitting on a small bench in front of a flower bed that I can’t quite put my finger on what kind of flower is that. He’s wearing a white shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans. Only half of himself that I can see, but there’s a headphone plug on his ears.