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

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

didn’t overhear you, you don’t

apartment, and I want

as long as you want, 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 here, then you can rent an apartment. I don’t want you to spend all your savings on an apartment if

know mom. Thank you.”

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 go of the pain and let your heart heal, and move

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

She smiles genuinely and kisses my forehead, then leave.

notice three messages from

PHOENIX: Princess Sam,

PHOENIX: You don’t like being called Princess?

anyway. Have work

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

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

“What to spill, Amy?”

“Oh, about you and

I roll my eyes.

“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? Oh,

just friends. Jeez!

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 late you know, friends can have benefits, right?”

just almost kissed me,

What? Oh, my God! He almost kissed

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

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

maybe.

know, whatever.” I shrug.

tried to kiss me, I already

orgasms, and sex all the time, Amy. I feel bad actually because I thought he

“So, why did you call if you don’t have deets to spill?” Oh,

us to his

and I can’t even understand why she’s yelling. Jesus, this

Erase that thought,

sexy, but not slutty. You still have that black strapless dress you have, right? Wear it, Sam, and curl your hair, apply smoky eyeshadow, and

tastes in fashion. She’s always

now shut up because you’re damaging my eardrum.

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

slump my head back against

my legs, brush my teeth, floss them then, apply some lotion, and dry my hair. I wear the dress Amy asked

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

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

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

“What are you doing here, Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and not you.”

He furrows his brows, swallows, and licks his lips.

if

thirty minutes ago that she couldn’t come. She had a flat tire

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

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

What’s wrong with

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 here

so let’s head out.” I walk outside and close the

club? We will meet there eventually, Samantha.” He opens the door for me, once I get inside, he closes it, then quickly gets

to bother you coming over here if she just let me know. I can drive myself there.”

I guess. By the way, you look stunning, Samantha.” He steals a glance at my side and smiles.

him chuckle, then shakes his head