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.”

bedroom. “Tell me about him, sweetie?”

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

you, you don’t have a

twenty-one and not a child anymore. After graduation, 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 work.” I squeeze her

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

“I know mom. Thank

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

wanna go out with.

kisses my forehead, then leave.

notice three messages from Phoenix

PHOENIX: Princess Sam, you there?

PHOENIX: You don’t like

Gtg anyway. Have work to do. See you later, Princess.

can’t remember the last time I

feel the excitement on Amy’s voice over the phone.

spill, Amy?”

“Oh, about you

my

“I 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, is he good

We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t believe you actually think

don’t know how are we even friends. You bored the hell out of me! I thought you get laid last night, Samantha Lorraine, but still, it’s not too late you know, friends can have

going to sleep with me. He just almost kissed me, then he changed his mind. Maybe, he doesn’t like me like I thought

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

to me? I said he changed his mind. He pulled back before our lips met. It means he doesn’t like

just values your friendship. You gave him a chance to be as friends, so he held back because he doesn’t want to ruin it by just a kiss.”

maybe.

know, whatever.” I shrug.

to kiss me, I already

You always think about kiss, orgasms, and sex all the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because I thought he

a gentleman.” Gentleman my ass. “So, why did you call if you don’t have deets to spill?” Oh, I almost

to his club tonight.”

phone, and I can’t even understand why she’s yelling. Jesus, this woman may be a screamer in bed.

that thought,

What are 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 your hair, apply smoky eyeshadow, and red lipstick, okay? Oh! Don’t forget to wear your red high heels.” She’s even giggling.

has great tastes in fashion. She’s always updated about

my eardrum. I’ll drive this time. No arguments.”

missy, I’ll drive. I’ll pick you up tonight. Bye.” She

my head back against my pillow.

legs, brush my teeth, floss them then, apply some lotion, and dry my hair. I wear the dress Amy asked me about, and apply makeup just the way she told me to.

I check myself again in the mirror—I look presentable, and not too slutty. I rub my sweaty palms over my dress and take a deep

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

to toe. He’s wearing a dark blue button-down

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

He furrows his brows, swallows, and licks his lips.

my conversation with Amy if he’s good with his

He blinks. “Um, yeah. Sorry to disappoint you, Princess, but she called me about thirty minutes ago that she

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 pick me up.”

pocket, looking nervous. “She took it from Maya. Garrett has my number.”

me? What’s wrong with her?” My stomach sinks. I feel cheated.

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

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

she called me to come to drive 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

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

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

yourself, your highness.” My address makes him chuckle, then shakes his head