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.”

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

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

my bed. “If I didn’t overhear you,

I’m twenty-one and not a child anymore. After graduation, I have to live out and find a new apartment, and I want you to

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

know mom.

date sweetie, and it’s been a year. You have

just didn’t meet someone that I wanna go out with. I’ll let you know if I’m going

She smiles genuinely and kisses my forehead,

three messages

Princess Sam,

PHOENIX: You don’t like being called

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

the last time I smile alone like this.

the excitement on Amy’s voice

spill,

about you and Hot

I roll my

cut me off, “I can feel your eyes rolling, missy, but I don’t care. Now, spill it! Is he huge? Did he go down

Stop! Why are you asking me these? Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just

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

not sleeping with Phoenix, and he’s not going to sleep with me. He just almost kissed me, then he changed his mind. Maybe, he doesn’t like me like I

my eardrum, “What? What? Oh, my God! He almost

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

be as friends, so he held back because he doesn’t

Okay, maybe.

“I don’t know, whatever.” I shrug.

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

the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because I thought he doesn’t wanna kiss

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

invited us to his club

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

Erase that thought, Sam.

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

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

damaging my

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

my head back against

my legs, brush my teeth, floss them then, apply some lotion, and dry my hair. I wear the dress Amy asked me about, and

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

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 doorstep.

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

Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and not you.”

brows, swallows,

my conversation with Amy if he’s good with his tongue. Crap! Bad influence Amy.

disappoint you, Princess, but she called me about thirty minutes ago that she couldn’t come. She had a flat tire and would

raise an eyebrow. “And she didn’t even bother to call me? And she actually has your number. I’m the one who suggested to drive, but she said she

his pants pocket, looking nervous. “She took it from Maya. Garrett

wrong with her?” My stomach sinks. I feel cheated.

you want to discuss this, then at least invite

shrug. “Do I have a choice? I’m actually ready, so let’s head out.” I walk outside and close the door behind

mad because 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

just don’t want to bother you coming over here if she just

way there. It’s just good timing, I guess. By the way,

“You look handsome yourself, your highness.” My address makes him chuckle, then shakes his head with