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.”

She peeks her head into my bedroom. “Tell

not funny. Anyway,

She gets inside and sits on my bed. “If I didn’t overhear you, you don’t have a plan of telling me you’re going,

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

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

know mom. Thank

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

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

genuinely and kisses my forehead,

messages from Phoenix

Princess Sam, you

don’t like being called Princess?

Have work

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

the excitement on Amy’s voice over the phone.

“What to spill, Amy?”

you and Hot

I roll my eyes.

feel your eyes rolling, missy, but I don’t care. Now, spill it! Is he

Stop! Stop! Why are you asking me these? Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t believe you actually think I had sex with

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, Samantha Lorraine, but still, it’s not too late you know,

“Seriously, Amy, I’m not sleeping with Phoenix, and he’s not going to sleep with me. He just almost kissed me,

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

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

values your friendship. You gave him a chance to be as friends, so he held

Okay, maybe.

don’t know, whatever.”

If someone like Hot Phoenix tried to kiss me, I already grab his head and

God! You always think about kiss, orgasms, and sex all the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because I thought he doesn’t wanna kiss me, but then

“So, why did you call if you

invited us to his

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

Erase that thought, Sam.

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

Amy has great tastes in fashion. She’s

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

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

I slump my head back against

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

the time—it’s five 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 dress

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.

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

Phoenix? I was expecting Amy

swallows, and

if he’s good with his tongue. Crap!

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

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 would come to pick

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

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

“Princess, are we discussing this all night, or are you coming with me? If 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 me.

“Are you 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 get inside, he closes it, then quickly gets in the driver seat and pulls toward

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 stunning, Samantha.” He steals a glance at my side and

his head with amusement