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.”

peeks her head into my bedroom. “Tell me

eyes. “Mom, stop psychoanalyzing me because it’s not

didn’t overhear you, you don’t have a plan of

I have to live out and find a new apartment, and I want you to go out on a date and enjoy your life, Mom. Don’t drown yourself with

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

mom.

laugh? Go out on a date sweetie, and it’s been a year. You have to let go of the pain and let your heart

wanna go out with. I’ll let you know if I’m

kisses my forehead, then leave.

messages

Sam, you there?

PHOENIX: You don’t like being

ignore me. Gtg anyway. Have work to do.

can’t remember the last time I smile alone like this.

“Hey, girl! spill it.” I can feel the excitement

“What to spill, Amy?”

you

I roll my

don’t care. Now, spill it! Is

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

out of

he’s not going to sleep with me. He just almost kissed me, then

eardrum, “What? What? Oh, my God! He almost kissed you? Then why didn’t

back before our lips met. It

just values your friendship. You gave him a chance to be as friends, so he held back because he doesn’t

Okay, maybe.

don’t know, whatever.” I shrug.

to kiss me, I already grab his head and kiss him senseless.” She laughs boisterously.

feel bad actually

“So, why did you

to his club tonight.”

even understand why she’s yelling. Jesus, this woman may be a

thought, Sam.

something sexy, but not slutty. You still have that black strapless dress you have, right? Wear it, Sam, and curl your hair, apply smoky eyeshadow, and red lipstick, okay? Oh! Don’t forget to wear your red high heels.” She’s even giggling.

Amy has great tastes in fashion. She’s

up because you’re damaging my eardrum.

I’ll pick you up tonight. Bye.” She hangs up on

back against

hair. I wear the dress Amy asked me about,

look presentable, and not too slutty. I rub my sweaty palms

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

checking up on me from head to toe. He’s wearing a dark

“What are you doing here, Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and not you.”

swallows, and

my conversation with Amy if

me about thirty minutes ago that she couldn’t come. She had a flat tire and would take a cab to

number. I’m the one who

his pants pocket, looking nervous.

ask your number from me? What’s wrong with

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

choice? I’m actually ready, so let’s head out.” I walk outside and close the door behind me.

you to the club? We will meet there eventually, Samantha.” He opens the door for me, once I get inside, he closes it, then quickly gets in the driver seat and pulls toward

bother you coming over here if she just let me know. I can drive

guess. By the way, you look stunning, Samantha.” He steals a glance at my side and smiles.

look handsome yourself, your highness.” My address makes him chuckle, then shakes his head with amusement while I feel like my face heat when