Tantalizing His Obsession

Chapter 2 Fire and Fury

I drive the van back to work, blasting "Lullaby" by Bennett. It's my jam, and I’m singing at the top of my lungs, not giving a damn if anyone hears me. When I finally pull into the lot, I drop off the van and start my walk home. It’s only a few blocks, so no big deal. Plus, it gives me time to think about tonight. I'm planning a surprise for my boyfriend—homemade cobbler. He loves the stuff, and with how busy he's been lately, I miss him like crazy. Every time I try to hang out, he’s swamped, chasing the next big story. He’s a local reporter for Channel 6 News and is trying to break into the bigger markets. He’s good—really good—and people are starting to notice.

We met when I was a waitress at Dawn's Cafe. He came in for coffee, we flirted, and the rest is history. As soon as I get home, I change into something cute—a black t-shirt that hugs my curves just right and some jean shorts. I look hot, and I know it. Then, I call my best friend, Bria. She’s amazing, and we've been best friends for seven years. We work for the same company, though we rarely get to work together. Her aunt owns Angel Wings Assistive Care, so you could say we're practically family. Bria was there for me when my mom died, and she's the only person who knows the truth about my father. Most people think he's dead, and that’s just fine with me. Less drama.

Bria picks up on the first ring. "Hey, girl! What's up?"

"Hey, B! Just got off work and heading to surprise my boyfriend with some of my legendary cobbler."

"Ooh, lucky him. I swear, if he doesn't appreciate you, I'll come over and smack him myself."

I laugh. "He does appreciate me. He's just busy trying to make it big in the news world. Speaking of which, he still doesn't know about my father. I need to tell him soon."

Bria's tone softens. "Yeah, you do. But when you're ready. How was Mrs. Yates today?"

I roll my eyes, even though she can’t see it. "The usual. Complaining about the food, but she loved my cobbler. And guess who answered the door today? Mr. Grumpy himself."

Bria gasps. "No way! Was it Lazarus?"

"Yep, Mr. Arrogant himself. He tried to act all suave, but I wasn't falling for it. The guy is a walking STD."

Bria snorts. "You’re too much, Phoebe. But seriously, be safe around him. I heard people go missing when they make him mad."

"Don’t worry, B. I know better. Anyway, I’ve got to finish getting ready. Talk later?"

"Absolutely. Love you, Pheebs."

"Love you too, B."

I finish getting ready, put my cobbler in a tupperware, grab my purse, and order an Uber. The driver, an older lady in a small red car, arrives in five minutes. I give her Jack’s address, and we’re off.

When we pull up to Jack's house, I pay the driver and step out. I fix my hair, take a deep breath, and open the door. Jack is notorious for leaving it unlocked. As I walk in, I hear moaning. Confused, I head towards the sound. Maybe it’s his roommate, Dawson? But no, the moaning is coming from Jack’s room.

I push the door open and freeze. There, riding Jack, is a petite blonde with fake t**s. My cobbler slips from my hands, crashing to the floor.

"Are you f*****g serious, Jack?" I scream. "You’re cheating on me?"

Jack shoves the girl off him. "Listen, Phoebe, I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while now that I can't be with you. I have wasted so much time on you and you still wouldn’t sleep with me."

The blonde bimbo starts laughing. "That fat Ronald McDonald didn’t give it up? Oh God, come on, lady. He’s going to be the next celebrity reporter. He needs to lose the fat cow and upgrade to the sexy model."

Jack grabs her and kisses her. I want to throw up. Without another word, I storm out of the house, tears streaming down my face. I start walking, fumbling for my phone to call Bria.

As soon as she answers, I break down. "Bria, he was cheating on me."

"Where are you? I’m coming to get you now," she says, her voice firm and comforting.

I send her a pin of my location. "I’ll be there in five minutes. Just hang tight."

I keep crying, my heart shattered. I thought he loved me. But, guess what? I’m done with assholes who think they can play me. It’s time to turn this heartbreak into a comeback. If Jack thinks he can replace me with some cheap Barbie knock-off, he’s got another thing coming. I’ll show him—and the rest of this damn city—that you don’t mess with Phoebe Daniels.

Sure enough, Bria pulls up in her sleek black car. I get in, and the waterworks really start. Between sobs, I spill everything about Jack and the blonde bimbo. Bria pulls me into a tight hug. "Pheebs, you deserve so much more. You deserve a man who worships the ground you walk on, not a man who's too concerned with his career to appreciate you."

I sniffle, trying to compose myself, but it's a losing battle. "I thought he loved me."

Bria's not having any of it. "Girl, we need to get your mind off that asshole. I’m taking you out. We’re going to the club. There’s a new spot opening tonight called Golden Reaper, and you’re going to love it."

I nod, wiping my tears away. "Fine, let’s do it. I need to forget this whole mess."

Back at my apartment, Bria helps me pick out a killer outfit—a tight, cobalt blue dress that screams confidence and black heels that make my legs look a mile long. She works her magic on my makeup, making sure my eyes pop and my lips are a bold red. I look in the mirror and hardly recognize the fierce woman staring back at me. She then says, "Men are going to be all over you, and we are getting you laid tonight." I laugh, "I swear, this woman is so crazy."

We both look in the mirror, Bria has her long brown hair curled and is wearing a short, tight black dress with heels. She's borrowed one of my dresses and heels. Bria then says, "Make sure to grab your fake ID because you're going to need it." Bria is 21, but I am still 20—not for much longer, though. I grab my fake ID and some cash I have saved up.

We head out to Golden Reaper, and the place is buzzing with energy. The line is so long, wrapping around the club. I look to Bria, "Do you think we will be able to get in?" She smiles, "Oh yes, we will. Come on, look at us. We are hot, and they need hot girls in the club."

I see a bouncer walking the line, pulling random men and women to go into the club. When he comes to us, he asks to see our IDs. We show them, and I just keep thinking, I hope he thinks mine is real. He then winks at me and says, "You two can go in." Bria smiles huge, "See, I told you we would get in."

We walk into the club, and it's like stepping into another world. Strobe lights are going, everything is gray and red, and then I notice huge gold skulls with knives on the wall behind the bar. The symbol looks familiar, but I can't remember where I've seen it before. The music is pumping, playing "Push It" by OsMan, the drinks are flowing, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I feel alive. I let loose on the dance floor, moving to the beat, and for a few hours, I forget all about Jack and his betrayal.

Bria and I make our way to the bar, laughing and catching our breath. "This is exactly what I needed," I say, taking a sip of my s*x on the Beach drink. The music thumps around us, and I feel the bass in my bones. Bria grins, raising her glass. "To new beginnings and leaving the trash behind."

I clink my glass against hers. "Amen to that, sister."

We dance the night away, and I let every bit of anger and heartbreak pour out on the dance floor. I’m not just some girl who got cheated on. I’m Phoebe f*****g Daniels, and no one messes with me.

At some point, Bria nudges me. "Look who's watching you," she says, nodding towards a tall, dark-haired guy by the bar. He’s got that brooding, sexy look down pat.

I glance over, raising an eyebrow. "Is he staring at me?"

"Absolutely. Go say hi. Or better yet, let him come to you."

I laugh, feeling a spark of excitement. "Why not? Let’s see what happens."

Sure enough, within minutes, the guy makes his way over. "Hi, I’m Nate," he says, his voice smooth and confident. "Can I buy you a drink?"

I glance at Bria, who gives me an encouraging nod. "Sure, Nate. I’m Phoebe. Nice to meet you."

We chat for a while, and it feels good to be noticed, to flirt, and to remember that there are other fish in the sea—better fish, at that. Nate is charming, funny, and most importantly, a welcome distraction from the disaster that was Jack. Bria, Nate, and I take the bar's specialty called a Mutiny—it’s six random shots the bartender chooses. We take the shots, the bartender is laughing, and then gives us six more shots. I’m getting so caught up in the music and shots.

Then I see a muscular man who is sexy as hell and start making out with him. But the room is spinning, and I can’t see his face with how dark the lights are getting. His hands are all over me, and for a moment, I forget everything but the feel of his touch and the pounding rhythm of the music.

But something nags at me. I pull back, trying to get a better look at him, but the strobe lights make it impossible. He leans in, whispering something in my ear, but it’s lost in the noise. I laugh, pushing him playfully. "Who are you?" I shout over the music.

He just smirks, his eyes glinting in the flashing lights. "You'll find out soon enough," he says, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. I decide to go with it. Tonight is about forgetting Jack and embracing the moment.

I lean back into him, and we continue to dance, lost in the music and each other.