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.”

head into my bedroom. “Tell me about him,

I roll my eyes. “Mom, stop psychoanalyzing me because it’s not funny. Anyway, I’m going to the bar

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, Sam.”

and find a new apartment, and I want you to go out on a date and

stay here for 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 from here, then you can rent

“I know mom. Thank you.”

date sweetie, and it’s been

go out with. I’ll let you know

genuinely and kisses my forehead, then

messages

PHOENIX: Princess Sam, you there?

You don’t like being called Princess?

Gtg anyway. Have work to do. See you later, Princess. Sorry, Samantha.

can’t remember the last time I smile alone

spill it.” I can feel the excitement on

“What to spill,

giggles, “Oh, about you and Hot Phoenix!”

I roll my

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 on you? How many times did you come? Oh, is he good with tongue?”

Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just friends.

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

I’m not sleeping with Phoenix, and he’s not going to sleep with me. He just almost kissed me, then he changed his mind. Maybe, he doesn’t like me

“What? What? Oh, my God! He

he changed his mind. He pulled back before our lips met.

kiss you, silly. He just values your friendship. You gave him a chance to be as friends, so he held back

Okay, maybe.

“I don’t know, whatever.” I shrug.

“You seem disappointed, missy. If someone like Hot Phoenix tried to kiss me, I already grab his

“Oh, my 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 I remember we’re just friends.”

gentleman.” Gentleman my ass. “So, why did you call if you

us to his club

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

that thought, Sam.

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

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

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

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

head back against my pillow.

I show, shave my legs, brush my teeth, floss them then, apply some lotion, and dry my hair. I wear the dress Amy asked me about,

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

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

It’s Phoenix with wide eyes, checking up on me from head to toe. He’s wearing a dark blue button-down shirt and dark pants.

are you doing here, Phoenix? I

furrows his brows, swallows, and licks his lips.

back to my conversation with Amy if he’s

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

number. I’m the

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

What’s wrong

to discuss this, then at

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

“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

she just let me know. I can drive myself there.” I take a deep breath.

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

head