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, sweetie?”

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

you, you don’t have a plan of telling

“Mom, I’m twenty-one and not 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

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

“I know mom.

and it’s been a year. You have to let go of the pain and let your heart heal,

I just didn’t meet someone that I wanna go out with. I’ll let you know if I’m going out

and kisses my forehead, then leave.

notice three messages

Sam,

like being called Princess?

work

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

girl! spill it.” I can feel the excitement on Amy’s voice

spill, Amy?”

She giggles, “Oh, about you and Hot

I roll my eyes.

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

We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t believe you

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

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

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

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

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

maybe.

know, whatever.”

like Hot Phoenix tried to kiss me, I already grab his head and kiss him senseless.” She laughs

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

to be a gentleman.” Gentleman my ass. “So, why did you

“Phoenix invited us to his club tonight.”

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

that thought, Sam.

you have, right? Wear it, Sam, and curl your

in fashion. She’s

you’re damaging my eardrum. I’ll drive

I’ll drive. I’ll pick you up tonight.

slump my head back against my pillow.

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

I check myself again in the mirror—I look presentable, and not too slutty. I rub my sweaty palms over my dress and take

I spray a little perfume, then get out of my room. A few minutes later, the doorbell rings. I hurry up to the door,

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

doing here, Phoenix? I was expecting

furrows his brows, swallows, and licks his

my conversation with Amy if he’s

that she couldn’t come. She had a flat tire and would take a

I raise an 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 would come to pick me up.”

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

from me? What’s wrong with her?” My stomach

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

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

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

if she just let

I’m on my way there. It’s just good timing, I guess.

his head