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 me about him, sweetie?”

because it’s not funny. Anyway, I’m going to the bar with

bed. “If I didn’t overhear you, you don’t have a plan of telling

graduation, I have to live out and find a new apartment, and I want you to go out

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

know mom. Thank you.”

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

I wanna go out with. I’ll let you know if I’m going out on

smiles genuinely and kisses my

I notice three messages

Sam, you there?

like being called Princess?

anyway. Have work to do.

fool. I can’t remember the last time I

can feel the excitement on Amy’s

to spill, Amy?”

“Oh, about you

roll my eyes.

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

you asking me these? Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just friends. Jeez!

sighs, “Really? Nothing happens?” 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, Samantha Lorraine, but still, it’s not too

just almost kissed me, then

my God! He

to me? 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

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

Okay, maybe.

“I 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

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

to his

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

Erase that thought, Sam.

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

Amy has great tastes in fashion.

my eardrum. I’ll drive

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

my head back against

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

presentable, and not too

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

eyes, checking up on me from head to toe. He’s wearing a dark blue button-down shirt

I was expecting Amy and not

swallows, and

conversation with Amy if

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

has your number. I’m the one who suggested to drive, but

pants pocket, looking nervous. “She took it from

didn’t ask your number from me? What’s wrong with her?”

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

I’m actually ready, so let’s

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

not mad, Phoenix. I just don’t want to bother you coming over here if she just let me know. I

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

chuckle, then shakes his head with amusement while I