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

because it’s not funny. Anyway,

bed. “If I didn’t overhear you, you don’t have a plan of telling me you’re going, Sam.”

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.

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

know mom.

that person who made you laugh? Go out on a date sweetie, and it’s been a year.

out

smiles genuinely and kisses my

I notice three messages from

Sam, you there?

PHOENIX: You don’t like

PHOENIX: Fine, Samantha, ignore me. Gtg anyway. Have work to do. See you later,

can’t remember the last time I smile alone like this.

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

“What to spill,

about you and

roll my eyes.

it! Is he huge? Did he go down on you? How many times did you come? Oh, is he good with tongue?”

Why are you asking me these? Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t believe you

know how are we even friends. You bored the hell out of me! I thought you get

going to sleep with me. He just almost kissed me, then he

my God! He almost kissed

“Are you even listening to me? I said he changed his mind. He pulled back before our

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

maybe.

“I don’t know, whatever.” I shrug.

“You seem disappointed, missy. If someone like Hot Phoenix tried to kiss me, I already grab his head and kiss

the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because I thought he doesn’t wanna kiss me, but

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 forgot.

us to his club tonight.”

understand why she’s

Erase that thought, Sam.

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 wear your

fashion. She’s always updated about trends.

you’re damaging my eardrum. I’ll

you up tonight. Bye.” She hangs

my head back against

dry my hair. I wear the

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

up my compact powder, 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,

It’s Phoenix with wide eyes, checking up on me from head to toe. He’s wearing a dark blue button-down

I

swallows,

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

but she called me about thirty minutes ago that she couldn’t come. She had a flat

eyebrow. “And she didn’t even bother to call me? And she actually has your number. I’m

nervous. “She took it from Maya. Garrett has my number.”

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

want to discuss this, then at least invite me in. I can’t stand

ready, so let’s

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

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

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

then shakes his head with amusement while I feel like my face