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.”

peeks her head into my bedroom. “Tell me about

stop psychoanalyzing me because it’s not

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

child anymore. After graduation, I have to live out and find a new apartment, and I want you to go out on a

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

“I know mom.

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

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 date.”

and kisses my

three messages from Phoenix

Sam, you there?

like being called Princess?

ignore me. Gtg anyway. Have work to do. See

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

it.” I can feel the excitement

“What to spill, Amy?”

“Oh, about you and Hot Phoenix!”

my eyes.

your eyes rolling, missy, but I don’t care. Now, spill it! Is he huge? Did he go down on you? How

Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t believe you actually think I

friends. You bored the hell out of me! I thought you get laid last night, Samantha Lorraine, but still, it’s

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

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

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

You gave him a chance to be as friends, so he held back because he doesn’t want to ruin it by just a

Okay, maybe.

know, whatever.” I shrug.

me, I already grab his head and kiss him

sex all the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because I thought

“So, why did you call

us to

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

that thought, Sam.

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

fashion. She’s always updated about

you’re damaging my eardrum.

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

my head back

brush my teeth, floss them then, apply some lotion, and dry my hair. I wear the dress

the mirror—I look presentable, and not too

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

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

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

swallows, and licks

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

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

number. I’m

looking nervous. “She took it from Maya. Garrett has

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

“Princess, are we discussing this all night, or are you coming with me? If you want to discuss this, then at least invite

actually ready, so let’s head out.” I walk outside and close the

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

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

timing, I guess. By the way, you look

chuckle, then shakes his head with amusement while I feel like my face