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.”

She peeks her head into my bedroom. “Tell me about him, sweetie?”

eyes. “Mom, stop psychoanalyzing me because it’s not funny. Anyway,

you, you don’t

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

just the two of us, but if you’ll find a job far that is from here, then you can rent an apartment.

know mom. Thank

on a date sweetie, and it’s been a year. You have to let go of the pain and let your

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

genuinely and kisses my forehead, then leave.

messages from Phoenix

PHOENIX: Princess Sam, you

don’t like

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

like a fool. I can’t remember the

feel the excitement on

spill,

She giggles, “Oh, about you and Hot

my eyes.

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

“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

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

me. He just almost kissed me, then he changed his mind.

Oh, my God! He almost kissed you? Then

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.

You gave him a chance to be as friends, so he held back because he doesn’t want to ruin it by just a kiss.”

Okay, maybe.

don’t know, whatever.”

to kiss me, I already grab his head and

always think about kiss, orgasms, and sex all the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because I thought he doesn’t wanna kiss me, but then I remember we’re just

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

to his club tonight.”

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

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

great tastes in fashion. She’s always

up because you’re damaging my eardrum. I’ll drive this

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

I slump my head back against my pillow.

show, shave 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

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

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

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

doing here, Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and

swallows, and

goes back to my conversation with Amy if he’s good with his tongue. Crap!

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

number. I’m the one

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

me? What’s wrong with her?” My stomach sinks.

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

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

club? We will meet there eventually, Samantha.” He opens the door for me, once

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

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

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