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.”

Big D has told me, and he overheard everything. Thank, God he

***

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

“Oh, sweetie, what’s wrong? Who upset my girl? Who’s shin should I kick?”

Mom. It’s just...it’s been a long day. Just tired, and

Go, get 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 it has nothing to do with your work. I had psychology

“Night, Sam. Lock the door, okay?”

“Okay, Mom. Take care. Love you.”

phone buzzes.

Ugh!

can’t believe you know

I roll my eyes.

just talked, Amy. Nothing that

Amy: Sam, everything about him is interesting. Come on, spill it.

Jesus, she won’t just

didn’t even know my name. It was just five minutes of talking.

of things happen in five minutes, dear. I can

hate her right now.

Sam: Sorry to disappoint you, Amy, but we didn’t even kiss. Now, drop it because I’m going

don’t you? You know, those lips can

Is she always think about sex

I don’t think like that, Amy. Now, please? Got to go.

you won’t mind if

she really going to sleep with Phoenix? So? But to think my friend is enjoying with Phoenix makes my chest

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

But thinking of Phoenix going down

Sam: Night,

want her to talk about sex anymore. Sex doesn’t solve the world’s problems or even my own. It just leads me into trouble.

I’m so exhausted. My lids feel heavy after

Maya, I would be joining with Amy for dinner. Amy finally stopped teasing me when I didn’t care to

Christmas. I pair with my silver high heels sandals.

when I hear knocks on the door after grabbing my

tonight with Garrett’s friend.” Amy is wearing a black dress with red high heels. She looks beautiful with her curves in the right places. Just her chest size alone, men will drool over them.

I’m not getting an orgasm tonight. You can have whoever Garrett’s friend is.”

of the apartment. I was

and I

to mention him when I’m trying to forget he exists?

“Why would I see

each other, why fight

he owns 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

Crap!

likes you, and he admitted it to me. Maybe you say something that hurt his ego.”

glare. “Hurt his ego? I didn’t say anything. I just said, he can’t hold my hand in

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 that he likes you and wants to be your friend, of course, it’s

it’s too late. His offer of friendship doesn’t stand

swings open only to

staring at him in awe. He’s wearing a white button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up his elbows and