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.”

head into my bedroom. “Tell me

not funny. Anyway, I’m going

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

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

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

“I know mom. Thank

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

meet someone that I wanna go out with. I’ll let you

kisses my forehead, then

three messages from Phoenix

Princess Sam, you there?

PHOENIX: You don’t like being called Princess?

anyway. Have work

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

the excitement on Amy’s voice

“What to spill, Amy?”

“Oh, about you and Hot Phoenix!”

I roll my

care. Now, spill it! Is he huge? Did he go down on you? How many times did you come? Oh, is he

these? Nothing happened, Amy. We’re just friends. Jeez! I can’t

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,

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

“What? What? Oh, my God! He almost kissed you? Then why didn’t you kiss

pulled back before our lips met. It means he doesn’t like to kiss me.” I let out a deep sigh.

to be as friends, so he held back because he

maybe.

“I don’t know, whatever.”

missy. If someone like Hot Phoenix tried to kiss me, I already

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

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 forgot.

to his club

even understand why she’s yelling. Jesus, this

that thought,

are you going to wear? Wear something 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 red lipstick, okay? Oh!

in fashion. She’s always updated about trends.

“Fine, now shut up because you’re damaging my eardrum. I’ll drive this time. No arguments.”

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

head back against

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

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

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

me from head to

are you doing here, Phoenix? I was

swallows,

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

blinks. “Um, yeah. Sorry to disappoint you, Princess, but she called me about thirty minutes ago that she couldn’t

And she actually has your number. I’m the one who suggested to drive, but she said

pocket, looking nervous. “She took it from Maya. Garrett has my

your number from me? What’s wrong with her?” My stomach sinks. I

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

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

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 the road.

to bother you coming over here if she just let me

good timing, I guess. By the way,

him chuckle, then shakes his head with amusement while I feel like