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

I roll my eyes. “Mom, stop psychoanalyzing me because it’s not

on my bed. “If I didn’t overhear you, you don’t

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

as long as you 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

mom. Thank you.”

that person who made you laugh? Go out on a date sweetie, and it’s

go out with. I’ll let you

She smiles genuinely and kisses my forehead, then leave.

three messages from Phoenix

PHOENIX: Princess Sam,

like being called Princess?

work to do. See you later, Princess.

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

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

to spill,

you and Hot

I roll my eyes.

Before I can answer, she 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

me these? Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t believe

She 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 late you know,

me. He just almost kissed me, then he changed his mind. Maybe, he doesn’t like me

God! He almost kissed

back before our lips met. It means he doesn’t like to kiss me.” I let

your friendship. 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.

don’t know, whatever.” I

kiss me, I already grab his head

bad actually because I

to be a gentleman.” Gentleman my ass. “So, why did you call if you don’t

invited us to

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

Erase that thought, Sam.

sexy, but not slutty. You still have that black strapless dress you have, right? Wear it, Sam, and curl your hair,

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

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

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

I slump my head back

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

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

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

here, Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and

brows, swallows,

My mind goes back to my conversation with Amy if he’s good with his tongue. Crap!

yeah. 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 take a cab to the

she actually has your number. I’m the one who suggested to drive, but she said she would come to

looking nervous. “She took it

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

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

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

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

bother you coming over here if she just

no biggie, Princess. In fact, I’m on my way there. It’s just good timing, I guess. By the way, you look stunning, Samantha.” He steals a glance at my side

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