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 about him,

“Mom, stop psychoanalyzing me because it’s not funny. Anyway, I’m going to the bar with friends

you, you don’t

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

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

“I know mom. Thank

date sweetie, and it’s been a year. You have to let go of the

I just didn’t meet someone that I wanna go out with. I’ll

smiles genuinely and kisses my forehead, then

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.

the last time I smile

it.” I can feel the excitement on Amy’s voice over the phone.

“What to spill, Amy?”

giggles, “Oh, about you and Hot Phoenix!”

roll my eyes.

spill it! Is

Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t

Her disappointment is palpable. “Ugh! I don’t know how are we even friends. You bored the hell out of me! I thought you get laid last night,

He just almost

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

our lips met. It means he doesn’t like to kiss

chance to be as friends, so he held back because he doesn’t want to ruin it by just

Okay, maybe.

whatever.” I shrug.

someone like Hot Phoenix tried to kiss me,

think about kiss, orgasms, and sex all the time, Amy. I feel bad actually

“Don’t feel bad, my dear, he is just trying to be a gentleman.” Gentleman my ass. “So, why

invited us to

can’t even understand why she’s yelling.

Erase that thought, Sam.

you going to wear? Wear something sexy, but not slutty. You still have that black strapless dress you have, right? Wear it, Sam, and curl

great tastes in fashion. She’s always

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

“Oh, no, missy, I’ll drive. I’ll pick you up

I slump my head back against my

and dry my hair. I wear the dress Amy asked me about, and apply

mirror—I look presentable, and not too slutty. I rub my sweaty palms over my dress and take a

my purse that matches my shoes. I spray a little perfume, then get out of my

to toe. He’s wearing a

Phoenix? I

furrows his brows, swallows,

back to my conversation with Amy if he’s

“Um, yeah. Sorry to disappoint you, Princess, but she called me about thirty minutes ago that she couldn’t come. She

even bother to call me? And she actually has your number. I’m the one who suggested to drive, but she said she would come to

pants pocket, looking nervous. “She took

your number from me? What’s wrong with her?” My stomach sinks.

“Princess, are we discussing this all night, or are you coming with me? If you want to discuss this, then at least invite me in.

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

He opens the door for me, once I get inside, he closes it, then quickly gets in the driver

“I’m not mad, Phoenix. I just don’t want to bother you coming over here if she just let me know. I can drive myself there.” I take

guess. By the way, you look stunning, Samantha.” He

highness.” My address makes him chuckle, then shakes his head with amusement while I feel like