Page 10 of Choosing Scarlet

The moment I unlocked my phone, my fingers seemed to act on their own. Before I could talk myself out of it, I dialed The Network’s number. Logic didn’t stand a chance against the desire that still burned inside me.

“I trust your booking with Miss Perry went well?” Tasha asks.

“Yes, it did.”

“Fantastic,” she says, clearly satisfied. “And how can I assist you today, Mr. Fisher?”

I pause, briefly considering hanging up, but the words come out before I can stop them. “I’d like to book Miss Perry again. For the weekend. Whenever she’s first available.”

There’s a short pause on the line as she types, and I hear the faint clicking of keys. My chest feels tight, though I can’t quite explain why. Or I can, but my brain refuses to acknowledge it. This is Scarlet’s job. She’s a professional, and if she works at The Network, she has to be damn good at it. Yet the thought of her seeing someone else makes my stomach twist inside me, to the point where I want to book every available slot possible to have her all of myself.

Pull yourself together, I think sharply. Don’t make this into more than it is.

“Of course,” Tasha says after a moment. “Miss Perry is available this upcoming weekend, and Mr. Stonebridge has already personally approved the arrangement. Shall I confirm the booking?”

Locke himself? That’s odd.

“Yes. Please do. And I trust you’ll send me the full details by email?”

“Of course. You’ll receive the confirmation shortly.”

When the call ends, I set my phone down beside me. For a long moment, I stare at the dark screen, wondering what exactly I’ve just done, and why it feels like something far more complicated than a simple booking I’ve booked dozens of times before. Boa and Tim race around the apartment in one of their usual bursts of energy, their paws thundering against the floor. I should probably stop them, but my mind is elsewhere.

It’s just good chemistry, I tell myself. Nothing more. It would be foolish not to make the most of it while it lasts.

With that justification circling in my head, I pick up my phone and scroll through my contacts until I find the number I haven’t used in ages. My thumb hovers over it for a moment before I finally press call. The line rings twice before a familiar voice answers.

“Mr. Fisher, hello. How can I help you today?”

It’s Mr. Clark, the coordinator at Aurora Elite. Just hearing his voice brings back a strange sense of nostalgia. Aurora Elite had always been my mother’s favorite hotel. Over time, it became mine as well, almost by habit. While most of my clients and guests prefer the flashier downtown hotels, Aurora Elite has a charm that makes it feel more private, and I want Scarlet to enjoy it, too.

“I’ll be coming over to stay next weekend,” I say. “I plan to oversee the arrangements myself, but I wanted to let you know in advance so you can begin preparations.”

There’s a brief pause on the other end. “Of course, Mr. Fisher,” Mr. Clark replies politely. “Will you be coming alone this time?”

I hesitate for only a moment before answering. “No. I’ll have company.”

SCARLET

Istare at the two charts spread out in front of me, mine and his. The stars have never lied to me before, and I’m convinced they won’t this time either. Every line and every alignment tells a story of transformation and something fated and intense. Anyone who knows how to read a chart would see it. Yet, as I sit there taking it all in, it feels strangely unreal, like I’m trying to make sense of a dream that refuses to fade.

With a sigh, I lean back into the sofa and close my laptop, deciding to give my thoughts a rest before I spiral too far. Just as I do, the doorbell rings. Perfect timing.

I already know who it is before I even move.

When I open the door, Jessie stands there, with her blonde hair pulled into a sleek ponytail, dressed in a cozy lounge set layered with her favorite leather jacket. In her hands, she holds two cups of coffee from the place we always go to.

I grin and step forward, wrapping her in a tight hug. It feels good. I didn’t realize how much I needed to see her until right now. We definitely have a lot to catch up on, but more than that, I need her perspective. Jessie has always been the voice of reason when my emotions start to take over.

“Are you okay?” she asks as soon as we step inside, one eyebrow arching in suspicion. “You sounded like it was an emergency when you messaged me.”

In a way, it’s an emergency. Of course, it’s not the kind that requires panic, but it still leaves you unsure what to do next. Something inside me feels different and shaken, and I need to figure it all out.

We settle onto the couch, coffees in hand. Jessie watches me closely, waiting for me to speak. I stare into my cup, trying to find the right words, but before I can say anything, I take a long sip. God knows I need it.

“Well …” I already feel a little self-conscious as Jessie’s eyes set on me, “I’ll just get straight to the point. I told you about my booking with Knox Fisher. I was supposed to accompany him to a charity gala, and that’s it. But things didn’t go according to plan. One thing led to another, and I ended up at his apartment. In his bed.” Jessie’s eyebrows lift, but she doesn’t say anything yet, so I keep going. “He didn’t even book me for the full night, just the evening. I’m guessing he expected to need me just for the event. We ended up having sex … and it was the best I’ve ever had. At work or in my personal life.”

Jessie finally speaks, one brow still arched, “Okay. Did you get compensated for staying the night?”