Teasing Phoenix

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 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 also know he’s rich, but I never met him before. Just last Saturday. I don’t even know he’s Mr. Williams, who owns this shop.”

He looks genuinely concerned, but he doesn’t have to tell me, and Phoenix just saved my ass and nothing more.

“I’m not blind, Sam. I saw the way he looked at you. He was even pissed when I grabbed your arm after you spilled coffee on him. Haven’t you noticed? He even threatened your ex.”

I shrug. “Then why are you still telling me all of these if I can’t change the idea in your head? What have you just witnessed doesn’t mean anything to him or to me? Maybe he doesn’t like a woman being harassed by a jerk,” I say sarcastically. “Got to go home, Big D. I’m sure your job is safe now.”

I pat his arm and head out from the locker room. I almost bump to Phoenix again.

He approaches me with all his glory. He’s smirking. God, he’s so perfectly beautiful in every way. “Ready, beautiful?”

Jeez! Does he really have to do that? My heart won’t back to a regular beating when he’s around.

“You don’t have to send me to the parking lot, Mr. Williams. It’s not even far. My ex is far long gone. Judging by the look on his face a while ago, he had no plan on coming back. Thank you for saving me over there! And I apologize for spilling coffee on your shirt.” I can still see the stained on his shirt and jeans, so I walk past him.

“Samantha, are you avoiding me because you found out I own this?” He follows me outside the shop.

“No, Mr. Williams. I’m grateful for not firing me, but it’s not right in the eyes of those people who saw us a while ago after the accident I did on you, then we were holding hands together in my work premises while you’re the boss of my boss.” I continue walking, but he grabs my hand. Again, my breathing holds.

“Samantha, just wait! Stop walking, please.” His beautiful eyebrows creases as I face him.

“Stop calling me Mr. Williams. Just call me Phoenix. I’m sorry, I thought we are friends. There’s nothing wrong with holding your hand in front of them unless you have a boyfriend who can kick my ass, or you’re ashamed of me.” He shrugs and sighs, seemingly disappointed.

“Phoenix, I’m not ashamed of you, and I can’t remember you being my friend. Since when? I thought you just saved my ass from my ex because I work for you, and I am so thankful you did that.”

He breathes hard, looking pissed. “You don’t wanna be my friend? Or is it about what Chase has told you in the locker room?”

My face burns. I swallow hard. He overheard our conversation with Big D. “You eavesdropped our conversation there?”

“Not intentional. I went there to get you, then I heard you talking with Chase. I see, he warned you to stay away from me, and that’s what you’re doing right now. Don’t you have a mind on your own to decide, Samantha? Do you just listen to those who whisper on you?”

I glare at him. He may be the owner, but he doesn’t have the right to insult me. “He doesn’t have to warn me to stay away from you. We’re not in a relationship in the first place, and we’re not friends, besides, after this, we may not meet again. I really have to go, Phoenix. Thank you again.”

alone, and I can’t face him again. I’m so ashamed of what Big D has told me,

***

I feel sad at the same time. If he’s not my boss we can be friends, but he’s also a distraction. This attraction I have for him will just break my heart. I can’t afford to have a broken heart again. He’s playboy and rich. He can sleep

what’s wrong?

the couch and cower myself. “No one, Mom. It’s just...it’s been a long day. Just tired, and the

some rest. Whatever is bothering you, everything will be alright. I love you so much, Sam, and I can’t stand seeing you so upset, and I know

the door, okay?”

her. “Okay, Mom. Take

My phone

Ugh!

can’t believe you know hot Alex

I roll my eyes.

We just talked, Amy. Nothing that interests you.

Amy: Sam, everything about him is interesting.

just let it go.

know my name. It was just five minutes

of things happen in five minutes, dear. I can have an

Ugh! I hate her right

disappoint you, Amy, but we didn’t even kiss. Now, drop it because I’m

want to kiss him, don’t you? You know, those

My God! Is she always think about

that, Amy. Now, please?

if I’ll sleep with him?

Phoenix? So? But to think my friend

if your ex will show his ass again. I’m

eyes. But thinking of Phoenix going down there on me, makes me squirm and press

Sam: Night, Amy!

phone. I don’t want her to talk about sex anymore. Sex doesn’t solve the world’s problems or even my own.

My lids feel heavy after putting

with Amy for

I choose a red dress that my mom gave me last Christmas. I pair with my silver high heels sandals. I apply some mascara,

go down when I hear knocks on the door after grabbing my purse and

dress with red high heels. She looks beautiful with her

behave while we’re there. And I’m not getting an orgasm tonight. You can have

in front of the apartment. I was here once during

the elevator, and I press Maya’s floor

Phoenix again?” Does she really have to mention him when I’m trying to forget he exists?

would I see him?”

“Sam, you both like each other, why fight against your feelings? Why are

the shop—he’s our boss. Secondly, he didn’t come to see me, so why would I see him? Thirdly, we don’t like each other, so just drop it. It’s been a week, and I didn’t hear anything from him anymore.” I squeeze my eyes shut. I missed him every

Crap!

He likes you, and he admitted it to me. Maybe you say something that

anything. I just said, he can’t hold my

don’t even wanna be his friend? You lucky bitch! Someone like Phoenix won’t even ask for a fuck. Women will spread their legs to get into his pants! You, on the other hand, someone like him admitted

Now, maybe it’s too late. His offer of friendship doesn’t stand anymore.

open only to see Phoenix in all

raced while staring at him in awe. He’s wearing a white button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up his elbows and dark gray pants. His hair is disheveled that