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.”

bedroom. “Tell me about him, sweetie?”

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

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.”

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

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

mom. Thank you.”

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

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

smiles genuinely and kisses my forehead,

I notice three messages

Princess Sam, you

don’t like

me. Gtg anyway. Have work to do. See

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

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

spill,

“Oh, about you and Hot Phoenix!”

my

Before I can answer, 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

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

sighs, “Really? Nothing happens?” 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 last night, Samantha Lorraine, but still, it’s not too

to sleep with me. He just almost kissed me, then he changed his mind. Maybe, he

Oh, my God! He almost

you even listening to me? I said he changed his mind. He pulled back before our lips met. It means he doesn’t like to kiss me.” I let out a deep sigh.

your friendship. You gave him a chance to be as friends, so he held back because he doesn’t

Okay, maybe.

know, whatever.” I shrug.

Hot Phoenix tried to kiss me,

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

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

invited us to his club

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

Erase that thought, Sam.

have, right? Wear it, Sam, and curl your hair, apply smoky

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

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

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

I slump my head back against my pillow.

then, apply some lotion, and dry my hair. I wear

I check the time—it’s five minutes before her arrival. I check myself again in the mirror—I look presentable, and not too slutty.

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 my shock it’s not Amy who’s in

me from head to toe. He’s wearing a

you doing here, Phoenix? I was expecting Amy

swallows, and

goes back to my conversation with Amy if he’s good

me about thirty minutes ago that she couldn’t come. She

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

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

she didn’t ask your number from me? What’s wrong with her?” My

want to discuss this, then at least invite me in.

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

me to come to drive you to the club? We will meet there eventually, Samantha.” He opens the door for me, once I get

“I’m not mad, Phoenix. I just don’t want to bother you coming over here if she just let me know. I can drive myself there.” I take

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

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