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.”

my bedroom. “Tell me about him,

stop psychoanalyzing me because it’s not funny. Anyway, I’m going to the bar

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

and find a new apartment, and I want

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 an apartment. I don’t want you to spend all your savings on an apartment if you have a home to stay that is

mom. Thank

you going to tell me about that person who made you laugh? Go out on a date sweetie, and it’s been a year. You have to let

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

smiles genuinely and kisses

notice three messages from

Princess Sam, you there?

PHOENIX: You don’t like being

work to do. See you

a fool. I can’t remember the last time I

I can feel the excitement on Amy’s voice over

to spill,

She giggles, “Oh, about you and

roll my

answer, she cut me off, “I can feel your eyes rolling, missy, but I don’t care. Now, spill it! Is he huge?

“Stop! Stop! Stop! Why are you asking me these? Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t believe you actually think I had sex

of me! I thought

“Seriously, Amy, I’m not sleeping with Phoenix, and he’s not going to sleep with me. He just almost kissed me, then he changed

my God! He almost kissed you? Then why didn’t you kiss him?”

mind. He pulled back before our lips met. It means he doesn’t like to

gave him a chance to be as friends, so he held back because he doesn’t want to

maybe.

whatever.” I

to kiss me, I already grab

the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because I thought he doesn’t

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

“Phoenix invited us to

can’t even understand why she’s yelling. Jesus,

thought, Sam.

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

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

damaging my eardrum. I’ll drive

I’ll pick you up

slump my head back

hair. I wear the dress Amy asked me about, and apply

the time—it’s five minutes before her arrival. I check myself again in the mirror—I look presentable,

red lipstick, 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 t

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

Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and not you.”

brows, swallows, and

with Amy if he’s good

she called me about thirty minutes ago that

bother to call me? And she actually has your number. I’m

pocket, looking nervous. “She

ask your number from me? What’s wrong with her?”

want to discuss

I have a choice? I’m 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

bother you coming over here if she just let me

timing, I guess. By the way, you look stunning, Samantha.” He steals

highness.” My address makes him chuckle, then shakes his head with