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.”

so ashamed of what Big D has told

***

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 around, and I don’t do such things like that.

home to find my mom already leaving. “Oh, sweetie, what’s

and cower myself. “No one, Mom. It’s just...it’s been a long day. Just tired, and the shop has been busy throughout my shift. I need

seeing you so upset, and I know it has nothing to do with your work. I had psychology classes, remember that.” She kisses my cheek and

the door,

“Okay, Mom. Take care. Love

phone

Ugh!

Amy: I can’t believe you know hot Alex Phoenix

roll my

talked, Amy. Nothing that

is interesting. Come on, spill it.

just let it

you heard him? He didn’t even know my

Amy: A lot of things happen in five minutes, dear. I can have an orgasm in 30 sec. You’re killing me here.

I hate her right now.

Amy, but we didn’t even kiss. Now, drop it

you? You know, those lips can do a lot of things.

think

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

won’t mind if I’ll sleep with

Phoenix? So? But to think my friend is enjoying with Phoenix makes

just saved your ass from your psycho ex. He even threatened Tyler and warned us to tell him if your ex will show his ass again. I’m happy for you, friend. You’ll finally get laid.

my God! She’s insane! I can’t help but roll my eyes. But thinking of Phoenix going down there on me, makes me squirm and press my

Night,

want her to talk about sex anymore. Sex doesn’t solve the

change into PJs. I’m so exhausted. My lids

Amy for dinner. Amy finally stopped teasing me when I didn’t care

my silver high heels sandals. I apply some mascara, a little dash of blush on, and

go down when I hear knocks on the door

is wearing a black dress with red high

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

arrive in front of the apartment. I was here once during

in the elevator, and

again?” Does she really have to mention him when I’m trying

I see him?”

you both like each other, why fight against your

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 day—his smile, his hand, and

Crap!

around, Sam, trust me. He likes you, and he admitted it to me.

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

eyes grow big. “Did you just say that to him? Are you insane? Of course, it hurts his feelings. He said to me that he likes you, and you 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

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

on Maya’s door. The door swings open only to see Phoenix in all his hot

rolled up his elbows and dark gray pants. His hair is disheveled that