Teasing Phoenix

SAM

Phoenix almost kissed me! Yeah, almost. I was anticipating when he leaned closer, but before it happened, he pulled back.

I’m actually a little bit disappointed. Well, we shouldn’t, right? Who kisses a friend anyway?

He always smells good—a scent of mint and musk, probably his cologne or his aftershave.

Something feels different in his touch—it feels good, soothing, and igniting—like I want to cocoon in his arms.

I’m glad we became friends though because I really missed him. I even admitted it.

Going to his club is maybe a good idea. I can meet someone to get rid of whatever feelings I have for Phoenix. It’s insane how I know a little about him, and just met him recently, yet I feel the strong pull toward him.

I might take Amy’s advice to get laid—my spell has been dried a long time ago, and she’s right—it’s time to clear away the cobwebs because I will die waiting if I will expect that Phoenix is the right man for me—we’re just friends.

SAM: Hi, it’s me, Samantha. I was thinking about going to your club tonight. I’ll bring Amy with me.

I press send.

PHOENIX: Samantha, I’m glad you finally decide. Bring Amy with you. Can’t wait to see you tonight.

SAM: See you later.

PHOENIX: Later, beautiful.

Before I can dial Amy, another message from Phoenix pops.

PHOENIX: By the way, I’m not flirting with you. Friends don’t flirt, do they?

I roll my eyes. I can’t help but smile.

SAM: I don’t know you’re flirting until you said so. Maybe I’m just a dumb or I don’t know what flirting means at all.

PHOENIX: You better don’t know how to flirt or the meaning it. I hate to say this, but you can’t flirt with any man tonight.

I shake my head. This man is something.

SAM: And why is that?

PHOENIX: Because you will be stuck with me all night.

SAM: Seriously, Phoenix, your overprotectiveness is annoying, but don’t worry I have no plan on flirting with anyone tonight. Your presence, your highness is entertaining enough for me.

PHOENIX: I’ll try scaring some asshole who will try to hit on my new beautiful friend tonight. It will be an honor to entertain you, princess.

I bark out laughing.

“What’s going on there, sweetie?” Carp! My mom overheard me.

“Um, nothing mom. Just some stupid joke from Twitter,” I yell, then bite my lower lip to contain my laugh.

“Whatever, sweetie. If it’s a boy, I need to meet him, right, Sam?”

“Mom, just a friend, and no boy.”

her head into my bedroom. “Tell me about him, sweetie?”

stop psychoanalyzing me because it’s not funny. Anyway, I’m going

didn’t overhear you, you

have to live out and find a new apartment, and I want you to go

to stay here for as long as you want, sweetie. This is your home, and it’s too big for just the two of us, but if you’ll find a job far that is from here, then you can rent an apartment. I don’t want you to spend all your savings on an apartment if you have a home to stay that is near

know mom. Thank you.”

laugh? Go out on a date sweetie, and it’s been

meet someone that I wanna go out with. I’ll let you

kisses my

I notice three messages from Phoenix

Princess Sam, you there?

PHOENIX: You don’t like

PHOENIX: Fine, Samantha, ignore me. Gtg anyway. Have work to do. See you later, Princess. Sorry,

like a fool. I can’t remember the last

it.” I can feel the excitement on

spill, Amy?”

giggles, “Oh, about you and Hot

my

can feel your eyes rolling, missy, but I don’t care. Now, spill it! Is he huge? Did he go down on you? How many times did you come? Oh,

Amy. We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t believe you actually think I had sex with

are we even friends. You bored the hell out of me! I thought

not going to sleep with me. He just almost kissed me, then he changed his mind. Maybe,

irritating my eardrum, “What? What? Oh, my God! He almost kissed you?

you even listening to me? I said he changed his mind. He pulled back before our lips met.

silly. He just values your friendship. You gave him a chance to be as friends,

maybe.

whatever.” I shrug.

me, I already

orgasms, and sex all the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because I thought he doesn’t wanna kiss me, but then I remember we’re just friends.”

Gentleman my ass. “So, why did you call

to his club tonight.”

can’t even understand why she’s yelling. Jesus,

that thought, Sam.

you have, right? Wear it, Sam,

fashion. She’s

you’re damaging my eardrum. I’ll drive this time. No

no, missy, I’ll drive. I’ll pick you up tonight. Bye.” She hangs up on me.

my head back against my

floss them then, apply some lotion, and dry my hair. I wear the dress Amy

time—it’s five minutes before her arrival. I check myself again in the mirror—I look presentable, and not too slutty. I rub my sweaty palms over

my phone, and keys, then toss them into my purse that matches my shoes. I spray a little perfume, then get out of my room. A few minutes later, the doorbell rings. I hurry up to the door, but t my shock it’s not Amy who’s in my

It’s Phoenix with wide eyes, checking up on me from head to toe. He’s wearing a dark blue button-down shirt and

you doing here, Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and not

He furrows his brows, swallows, and

with Amy if he’s good with

ago that she couldn’t

actually has your number. I’m

hands on his pants pocket, looking nervous. “She took it

she didn’t ask your number from me? What’s wrong with her?” My

or are you coming with me? If you want to discuss this, then at least invite me in. I can’t stand here all night long.”

“Do I have a choice? I’m actually ready, so let’s

opens the door

want to bother you coming over here if she just let me know. I

way there. It’s just good timing, I guess. By the way, you look stunning, Samantha.” He steals a glance at

his head with amusement while I