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 about

psychoanalyzing me because it’s not funny.

and sits on my bed. “If I didn’t overhear you, you don’t have a plan of telling me you’re going,

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

far that is from here, then you can rent an apartment. I

“I 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

that I wanna go out with. I’ll let you know if I’m going out on a date.”

and kisses

notice three messages

PHOENIX: Princess Sam, you

PHOENIX: You don’t like

ignore me. Gtg anyway. Have work to do. See you later, Princess.

fool. I can’t remember the last

girl! spill it.” I can feel the

to spill,

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

I roll my eyes.

but I don’t care. Now, spill it!

just friends. Jeez! I can’t believe you actually think I had sex

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

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

Oh, my God! He almost kissed

his mind. He pulled back before our lips met. It means he

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

Okay, maybe.

don’t know, whatever.”

Phoenix tried to kiss me, I already grab

bad actually because I thought he doesn’t wanna kiss me, but

feel bad, my dear, he is 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

us to his club

understand why she’s yelling. Jesus, this woman may

Erase that thought, Sam.

right? Wear it, Sam, and curl your hair, apply smoky eyeshadow, and red lipstick, okay? Oh! Don’t forget

tastes in fashion. She’s always updated about

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

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

my head back against my

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

presentable, and not too slutty. I rub my sweaty palms over my dress and take a

and keys, then toss them into my purse that matches my shoes. I spray a little perfume, then get out of my room. A

head to toe. He’s wearing a dark blue

Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and not you.”

brows, swallows, and

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

me about thirty minutes ago that she couldn’t come. She had a flat tire and would take a cab to the club.”

actually has your number. I’m the one who suggested

looking nervous. “She took

from me? What’s wrong with her?” My

discussing this all night, or are you coming with me? If you want to discuss this, then

so let’s head out.” I walk outside and close the door behind me.

He opens the door for me, once I get inside, he

you coming over here if she

“It’s 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.”

handsome yourself, your highness.” My address makes him chuckle, then shakes his head with amusement while I feel like my face