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.”

peeks her head into my bedroom.

it’s not funny. Anyway,

“If I didn’t overhear you, you don’t

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

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

“I know mom. Thank you.”

made you laugh? Go out on a date sweetie, and it’s been a year. You have to let go of the pain and let your heart heal, and

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

kisses

three messages

Sam, you there?

like being called Princess?

Gtg anyway. Have work to do. See

the last time I

can feel the

spill, Amy?”

giggles, “Oh, about you and Hot

I roll my

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?

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 with Phoenix.”

of me! I thought you get laid last night, Samantha Lorraine, but still, it’s not too late you know, friends

just almost kissed

shrieks, irritating my eardrum, “What? What? Oh, my God! He almost

he changed his mind. He pulled back before our lips met. It means he doesn’t like to kiss me.” I let out a

gave him a chance to be as

maybe.

know, whatever.” I shrug.

Phoenix tried to kiss me, I

I feel bad actually because I

“So, why did you

us to his

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

thought,

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

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

“Fine, now shut up because you’re damaging my eardrum. I’ll drive this time.

no, missy, I’ll drive. I’ll pick you up tonight. Bye.” She

back against my pillow.

my legs, brush my teeth, floss them then, apply some lotion, and dry my hair. I wear the dress Amy asked me about, and apply makeup just the way she told me

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

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

Phoenix with wide eyes, checking up on me from head to toe. He’s

doing here, Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and

He furrows his brows, swallows, and licks his

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

Sorry to disappoint you, Princess, but she called 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

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

“And she didn’t ask your number from me? What’s wrong with her?” My stomach sinks. I feel cheated.

“Princess, are we discussing this all night, or are you coming with me? If you want to discuss this, then at least invite me in. I can’t stand

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

you coming over here if she

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.” He steals a glance at my side and smiles.

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