PHOENIX
I had no plan on coming back to this place again after what happened in my life years ago, but after almost six years, here I am. I’m back. In fact, I even bought establishments and a house. I can’t stand staying at our old house—it only reminds me of a tormenting past.
I was surprised to hear from my father’s lawyer that I was included in his Last Will. After what I did to him, he still considered me as a Williams. There’s still a part of me that still hated him for what he did to Mom, to my family, and to me. Hate is a strong word, but it did change my life.
After working for my brother’s company for four years, I started my own business for three months now. When I bought the new house in Hillside, I know I will be staying here for a long time.
I bought three establishments and made a few changes; from staffing, interior, foods, menus, and supplies. I’m surprised by the profits for three months. I guess I made the right decisions after all.
When I check my watch, it was time to go to the gym to release the tension in my muscles. I haven’t fucked anyone since I moved in here. I’m surprised at myself that I’m able to last this long without jerking myself off.
When I was in New York, I always get laid when going to a bar. There was always a willing woman for a one-night stand. I don’t like relationships since my college girlfriend for two years cheated on me as a hockey player. I guess she wanted a puck. I played football in college for three years until I injured my shoulder and lost my chance for NFL drafting.
The gym isn’t far from my house and the traffic here is not so bad, unlike in New York. I’m also planning on buying this one if the owner is interested in selling it.
“Phoenix, are your ass ready to get kicked?”
I look and grin at Garrett already wearing his gym gear. “Kick my ass? Or I’ll kick yours?”
Since I stopped playing football, I buried myself in kickboxing out of frustrations—it did help me a lot, but I never competed. I had already injured the AC joint, and I’m not gonna add another injury to myself.
“Let’s start, shall we? Don’t you need a warm-up, Phoenix?” He smiles and helps me wrap the bandage around my hands.
Then I shake my head.
“Let’s start then,” he says, and I position myself.
He’s a kickboxing trainer. I’ve known him since we were just kids, and he never left this town. Now, he’s engaged to his girlfriend, Maya.
After a few tackles, punches, and kicks, I’m already sweating and catching my breath. My muscles ached, and I’m drained, but he doesn’t look exhausted at all.
He chuckles when I raise my hands up to give up.
“Fine, you just kicked my ass. You must be taking steroids. How come you’re not drained?”
He laughs. “Phoenix, you may be doing this for years, but this isn’t your job, and I do this for a living. But I’m impressed, you’re really good, man.”
“Thanks.”
“So, how’re your businesses? Are you planning on buying this one, too?” He motions his finger around.
“I’m interested in this place actually.” I remove my bandages.
“Good for you, man. Are you seeing someone?”
I look at him, creasing my brows. “Not interested. I have businesses to run, not looking for someone to ride on.”
He laughs. “Still brokenhearted Phoenix, I see. You never moved on.”
I shrug. “I moved on already since she cheated on me, but I never found someone worth my time.”
He pats my back. “Okay, then. We can grab a drink sometimes. How about dinner at our apartment? I’ll invite some friends so you can meet them.”
“Of course, just let me know. And I wanna meet who made you a pussy-whipped.”
“She would love to meet you.”
“Thanks for tonight, Garrett!”
After taking a shower, I change into a shirt and faded jeans. I head down to the parking area that only a few cars are left. I place my gym bag inside the trunk and lock it.
When I walk towards the driver's seat, I notice someone leaning against the car who looks like crying. As I walk closer that’s when I take a good look. It’s a woman.
“Are you okay, miss?”
She jumps.
When she turns to look at me— Shit! She’s really crying.
Fuck!
She’s beautiful. Her blonde hair looks messy while staring at me with wide blue eyes. Jesus, those eyes!
Pain and surprise glint in those innocent blue eyes. Her nose is small but cute. She has high cheekbones.
Fuck me!
With her red full lips hanging open, a small cut with a trace of blood on her swollen lower lip catches my attention.
I want to touch and kiss those lips, but I want to kill someone who hurt her as well. I don’t notice my hands are already forming into fists.
She blinks many times, then clears her throat. “Um, yeah, I’m okay. Just lost my way while I’m uh, upset.” She smiles timidly.
“You look hurt. Your lips are swollen and there is a cut and still bleeding.” I point my finger to her lips.
She touches it with her finger and looks at it. “Yeah, my asshole of an ex kissed me and bit my lip.”
My blood boils in my body, and I clench my jaw harder that my teeth will break at any moment.
Releasing a huge breath from my nose, makes me calm a bit. I want to know who her ex is and punch him in the face till his eyes pop out from his head.
“No wonder he’s your ex. How did he even become your boyfriend in the first place if he doesn’t know how to treat a woman like you? Don’t you want to file a complaint?” I look at her with sympathy.
Suddenly, the memory of how my father hurt my mom flashes back in my head.
She shrugs. “He called me from a frat party to pick him up and send him home because he’s drunk and can’t drive anymore. So, because I’m stupid, I fell for his please and drove him home. He didn’t go out of my car, instead, he kissed me. When I pushed him away, he kissed me again and bit my lip. I threatened him that I would call the cops, but he said his dad is a lawyer.”
When she crosses her arms against her chest, it makes me suck a breath because she has the gorgeous tits I’ve ever seen with a little cleavage is peeking out from her two unbuttoned shirts. She looks younger and a foot shorter than me.
I walk closer and sit beside her at the hood of her car. “He’s really an asshole. I see you have bad tastes in men.”
She laughs.
Jesus, my cock jerks inside my jeans.
I look at her when she sits beside me. I smell citrus with vanilla, maybe her shampoo, and she smells good.
“So, you come to this gym, huh?” she says, glancing at the building.
When she arches her neck, my mind instantly activates dirty thoughts. I want to run my tongue to the length of her neck, bite her earlobe, suck her jaw, and graze my teeth all the way down to her collarbone.
Shit! This is the result of being celibate for months.
She looks at me, maybe she notices me eye-fucking her.
I swallow and blink. “Yeah, two months ago.” I realize I don’t even introduce myself. “I’m Phoenix, by the way.” I extend my hand.
She bursts out laughing and wrinkles her nose. “Phoenix? Is that even a real name?”
I chuckle. “Yeah, Phoenix is really my name. Do you want proof? I can show you my ID.”
She shakes her head, then she shakes my hand firmly.
Her hand is so warm and soft, and it sends electricity to my entire body. My heartbeat races and my blood rushes through my veins, causing me to feel hot all of a sudden, and she gasps.
I look at her in the eyes—they’re wide with shock to the intensity of our touch. She licks her lips and breaks her gaze, then quickly pulls her hand back.
“Your mother is very clever in choosing your name,” she says merrily while clasping her hands together.
She doesn’t look at me anymore, and it tightens my chest. I feel disappointed. What the fuck is going on with me?
“Yeah, and guess what’s my brother’s?”
She stares at me and smiles. Holy fuck! The smile.
“Um, eagle?”
I shake my head
“Owl.”
I shake my head again, and she joins to laugh with me.
Jesus, this woman makes my heart flutter. Flutter? Oh shit! This never happened for a long long time, and now, I’m freaking out.
“Falcon, sparrow, raven.”
I laugh more.
“Pigeon, dove, quail, penguin.”
“Baby, you’re terrible at guessing games. It’s—”
She holds my hand innocently.
Fuck! My cock hardens just from her simple touch.
“Wait, um, uh... peacock, robin, mallard, kiwi? Um, a hawk?”
My smile widens, I nod.
“Wait, his name is Hawk?” She seems can’t believe she guesses it right.
She stands up and jumps up for joy. She’s not just gorgeous, she’s also funny. I can’t remember having fun like this for a long time and just having a conversation with a woman without hitting to get laid.
“Yeah, his name is Hawk.”
She sits beside me again and faces me with excitement in her eyes. “Is your mom’s name from a bird, too?”
“No. My mom’s Annabelle. Dad was Archibald.”
Her mouth turns into an O shape. Shit! She’ll find out who I am. Fuck! Dad was known in this place.
“Oh, then your mom should give you a name that starts with the letter A.” She taps her finger on her chin. Then suddenly, she stands up. “Oh, sorry, Phoenix, I really should go. I forgot I’ve been out for too long. Thank you for your time! Bye, Phoenix.”
She walks to the driver’s door, then waves. She’s leaving, she doesn’t even give me her name. Her headlights are on, and I have no choice but to stand up and wave back goodbye.
She gives me one last smile, and I rub the back of my neck when all I see is her car leaving.
I go back to my car feeling defeated. I sit there longer until I turn on the ignition like a hopeless. I’ll find you and make you mine. I drive myself all the way home. My mind lingers again on my mysterious girl.
I’ll not stop until I find her.
My home phone rings. That must be Mom or Hawk.
Before I can say hello, the voice of my brother echoes in my ear. “Phoenix, how’s life? Never heard from you since last week. Enjoying some pussies there already, and you forget to call your handsome brother?”
I snort, “I never forget you, big brother, but I’m sick of listening and looking at the ugliest face on the planet. I hate to break it to you, but I haven’t enjoyed a single pussy here. I met someone in the parking lot though, but because she’s so gorgeous, I forgot to ask her name.”
He barks into laughter. Something funny, big brother? He’d been like this since he found his woman and get married two years ago. They couldn’t keep their hands off of each other even when I was around, and it annoyed the hell out of m, but I love them both.
“Really? What happened to my playboy of a brother? Since you went back, you forget how to get laid. I can’t believe you last that long, brother? What happened to the dick of yours? Turning into a pussy already? It must be so hard for you, or do you develop an early erectile dysfunction?”
I roll my eyes at his absurdity because earlier it’s still perfectly fine, but he’s still laughing. “Just shut up and tell me why are you calling me, Hawk?”
He sighs, “It’s nothing, Phoenix. Just checking up on you, and I know how you hate that place. You can come back here anytime. You’re paying people to do their jobs, brother. Or are you not coming back because of the girl from the parking lot?” There is something in his voice that makes me smile. Excitement?
“Just shut up, douché. How am I even going to find her without her name?” I feel a twist in my stomach as I cower my body into my couch.
“Trust me, Phoenix, if you both mean for each other, your path will cross again. If you feel something toward her, that feelings will lead you to her.”
I smile alone, feeling a slight of hope. “Yeah, you’re right pussy-whipped. Thanks for the advice, Dr. Phil!” I take a deep breath and wish our paths will cross again.
“You’re welcome, dimwit. Got to go and make my wife come.”
“Jesus, do you really have to tell me?”
He chuckles, “Jealous? That I have a lifetime supply of pussy?” I can hear the amusement in his voice.
“Jeez, Hawk. Say hi to Izzy for me, will you?”
“Sure. Take care, okay? You know you can always come back. Love you, bro.”
“I’ll let you know soon. Thanks! Love you too, bro. Bye.”
SAM My smile won’t just wipe away from my face after talking to Phoenix. A unique name to a gorgeous God-looking guy. Just his face, women will spread their legs for him. He’s also funny. His deep husky voice makes him sexier. My jaw just drops when I look at him—his disheveled brown hair looks freshly showered. Those thick eyebrows and wicked gray eyes surrounded by thick eyelashes gleam in the moonlights. And my God, those full red lips, and not to mention the bulging biceps that make my fingers itch. I can even see the hint of his pack abs through his shirts. I’m sure the V down there was drool-worthy. I can’t even believe I actually told him about what happened earlier with Tyler. How he laughed so much at my failure of guessing his brother’s name, and those laughs—he makes my heart beat faster. But I’m sure I’m not going to see him again.Well, there’s nothing wrong with daydreaming, right? I’m
PHOENIX I yawn, rub my eyes with the back of my thumb, then close my laptop after reading the email from the manager of the coffee shop I recently bought. I can’t help but think about the parking lot girl—her eyes, her laugh, and the way she jumped when she finally guessed the right name. It just...she makes me smile. I know one day, there’s a possibility of crossing our path again. This town is not that big, but the question is when? I wake up just when my alarm goes off. After my breakfast, I shower, then I wear a shirt and jeans to look more casual. I will check first the restaurant since the nightclub will open at night. It’s almost eleven when I get out of the restaurant, and everything is under control. I answer the call from Mom when I get inside the car. “Mom, how are you? Did you take your meds on time?” “Oh, honey, I’m good. Don’t worry about me. How about you? How’s your business?” She sounds
SAM I can’t believe Phoenix is Alex Williams who owns the coffee shop where I work, and I almost burned him. I thought I lost my job, but I’m grateful that he saved me from my ex. I’m so humiliated that he even held my hand in front of my friends. What will they think about me now? That I am flirting with the owner to keep my job? Every time our skin touches, I always feel something—the tingle is always there, and I don’t want to let go of his hand—it just feels good to have someone holding my hand—someone like him because I feel that I can trust him—I feel safe in his arms. “Care to explain what just happened over there?” I ignore Big D, instead, I take my soiled apron and put it inside my bag to wash it later. “Have you known him before, Sam? He’s our boss. He’s rich and a playboy. I don’t want you getting hurt again.” My face heats because he’s right at some point. “I know now he’s our boss. I
PHOENIX My blood boiled when I heard she took him back. Why she has to take him back? That asshole doesn’t deserve someone like her—she’s too good for him. He hurt her once—cheated on her, and he’ll do it again. Cheaters don’t change—that’s their nature. Was that the reason why she denied my friendship? Did he threaten her that day? I had to excuse myself from them, otherwise, they’ll see the dark side of me, and I, myself don’t like this part of me. I get outside of the apartment to release my anger, and I want to punch every surface here. But before I can do that, I hear the door open, then footsteps follow. Can this be her? I’m not ready to face her after ignoring her earlier. “Phoenix, are you okay?” Thank, God it’s Maya. “I just need some air. I’ll be there in a minute.” I can’t even face Maya. I’m so ashamed about how I reacted. I’m sure everybody noticed that what Sa
SAM Phoenix almost kissed me! Yeah, almost. I was anticipating when he leaned closer, but before it happened, he pulled back. I’m actually a little bit disappointed. Well, we shouldn’t, right? Who kisses a friend anyway? He always smells good—a scent of mint and musk, probably his cologne or his aftershave. Something feels different in his touch—it feels good, soothing, and igniting—like I want to cocoon in his arms. I’m glad we became friends though because I really missed him. I even admitted it. Going to his club is maybe a good idea. I can meet someone to get rid of whatever feelings I have for Phoenix. It’s insane how I know a little about him, and just met him recently, yet I feel the strong pull toward him. I might take Amy’s advice to get laid—my spell has been dried a long time ago, and she’s right—it’s time to clear away the cobwebs because I will die waiting if I will expect that Phoen
PHOENIX Surprisingly, I’m still not jumping on her, grabbing her head, kissing her senseless, and thrusting my tongue into her mouth. Last night was already torture—after sending her home, I went to my club and sat there for a while when a woman flirted with me. She was beautiful with a fuck-able body, but she wasn’t Samantha, and my cock didn’t even show interest. If it happened before I met Samantha, I already brought her to a hotel room and fucked her senseless, but since I met my princess, any woman wanting my attention, it seems like they don’t exist anymore. Now, she’s sitting beside me with a tiny dress that shows off her cleavage. My cock instantly throbs in my pants—it’s a little bit uncomfortable especially when she laughs freely. My shitty brain imagines her moans, her whines, her grunt every time I thrust inside her sweet tightness—it’s actually uncomfortable. The sweet scent of her perfume fills my nostrils
SAM My head is hammering a thousand times. I open my eyes slowly only to see the unfamiliar surrounding. The smell on the room seems familiar to me though—it’s like one of my favorite scents in the world. Panic settles in the pit of my belly. This isn’t my room. Where am? Did I go with someone? I quickly check the king-size bed. It’s covered with a dark sheet that matches the blanket where I am neatly tucked in. It’s definitely a man’s bed, but the other side is empty. I’m alone. Before I can sit up from the bed, my stomach twists sickly. I run into the nearest door, hoping it’s the bathroom. I flip up the cover of the toilet bowl and empty my stomach. Scanning the surrounding, I find toilet paper and wipe my mouth. I flash them and rinse my mouth with the water. I look at myself in the mirror—a smeared makeup still on my face with my messy bedhead. I’m wearing a gray T-shirt with the NYU logo that looks
PHOENIX The perfect lunch that I’m sharing with Samantha has turned into a disaster when my bitch of an ex appears at our booth. We’re just about to start our lunch when we’re interrupted. She fucking jumps into me hugs me and kisses me as if nothing happened before. Why she has to come here to all the restaurants in this place? Or did she hear the news that this belongs to me and try to catch up for old-time sake? “What? Do you really think I believe that you start dating?” she asks with her bitchy voice and pouts. Samantha clears her throat that gets Gabrielle’s attention. “Phoenix, mind introducing me to your old friend?” Sam gestures her hand to Gabrielle. Please. please. Please, just play along. “Princess, this is Gabrielle. Gabrielle, meets my girlfriend, Samantha.” Sam offers her hand, but of course, Gabrielle ignores her. Samantha has to pull her hand back.