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

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

I didn’t overhear you, you don’t have a plan of telling me

“Mom, 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 go out on a date and enjoy your life, Mom. Don’t drown yourself with work.” I squeeze her hand, smiling.

that is from here, then you can rent an apartment. I don’t want you to spend all your savings on an apartment if

“I know mom. Thank you.”

you going to tell me about that person who made you laugh? Go out on a date sweetie, and it’s been a year. You have to let

meet someone that I wanna go out with. I’ll let you know if I’m going out

and kisses my forehead, then leave.

I notice three messages from Phoenix

PHOENIX: Princess Sam, you there?

You don’t like being called Princess?

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

I grin like a fool. I can’t remember the last time I smile alone like

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

to spill, Amy?”

“Oh, about you

roll my eyes.

care. Now, spill it! Is he huge? Did he go down on you? How many times did you come? Oh, is he good with

just friends. Jeez!

of me!

Amy, I’m 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 thought he

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

I said he changed his mind. He pulled back before our lips met. It means he doesn’t like to kiss me.” I let out a deep sigh.

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

maybe.

know, whatever.” I shrug.

missy. If someone like Hot Phoenix tried to kiss me, I already grab his head and kiss him senseless.”

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.”

bad, my dear, he is just trying to be a gentleman.” Gentleman my ass. “So, why did you call if you don’t have

to his club

the phone, and I can’t even understand why she’s

Erase that thought,

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

tastes in fashion.

shut up because you’re damaging my eardrum. I’ll drive this time. No arguments.”

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

head back

dry my hair. I wear the dress Amy asked me about, and apply makeup just the way she told

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

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

Phoenix with wide eyes, checking up on me from head to

are you doing here, Phoenix? I

He furrows his brows, swallows, and licks

if he’s

minutes ago that she couldn’t come. She had a

she actually has your number. I’m the one

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

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

coming with me? If you want to discuss this,

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

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 the driver seat and pulls toward the road.

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 a deep

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

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