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.”

her head into my bedroom. “Tell me

not funny. Anyway, I’m going

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

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

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 from here, then you can rent an apartment. I don’t want you to spend

know mom. Thank you.”

about that person who made you laugh? Go out on a date sweetie, and it’s been a year. You have to let go of the pain and

just didn’t meet someone that I wanna go out with.

kisses my forehead, then leave.

I notice three messages

Princess Sam, you there?

don’t like being called Princess?

PHOENIX: Fine, Samantha, ignore me. Gtg anyway. Have work to

the last time I smile alone like this.

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

spill,

giggles, “Oh, about you and

I roll my eyes.

spill it! Is he huge? Did

Why are you asking me these? Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t

“Ugh! I don’t know how are we even friends. You bored the hell out of me! I

sleep with me. He just almost kissed me, then

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

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

wants to kiss you, silly. He just values your friendship. You gave him a chance to be

Okay, maybe.

whatever.” I shrug.

Phoenix tried to kiss me, I already grab his

the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because

Gentleman my ass. “So,

invited us to his club tonight.”

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

that thought, Sam.

are you 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

great tastes in fashion. She’s always updated about trends.

because you’re damaging my eardrum. I’ll drive this

I’ll pick you up tonight. Bye.” She hangs up on me.

I slump my head back

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

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

get out of my room. A few

me from head to toe.

are you doing here, Phoenix? I

furrows his brows, swallows, and licks his lips.

to my conversation with Amy if

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

eyebrow. “And she 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

slips his hands on his pants pocket, looking nervous. “She took it from Maya. Garrett has

number 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 me in. I can’t stand here all

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

Samantha.” He opens the door for me, once I get inside, he closes it, then quickly gets in the driver seat

don’t want to bother you coming over here if she just

biggie, Princess. In fact, I’m on my way there. It’s just good timing, I guess. By the way, you

him chuckle, then shakes his head with amusement while I feel like my face heat when he complimented me.