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 have finally decided. 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 dumb or I don’t know what flirting means at all.
PHOENIX: You better don’t know how to flirt or the meaning of 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?”
I roll my eyes. “Mom, stop psychoanalyzing me because it’s not funny. Anyway, I’m going to the bar with friends tonight.”
She gets inside and sits on my bed. “If I didn’t overhear you, you don’t have a plan of telling me you’re going, Sam.”
“Mom, I’m twenty-one and not 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 yourself with work.” I squeeze her hand, smiling.
“I want you to stay here for 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 you have a home to stay in that is near to your job.”
“I know mom. Thank you.”
“Aren’t you going to 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 on.”
“I moved on. I just didn’t meet someone that I wanna go out with. I’ll let you know if I’m going out on a date.”
She smiles genuinely and kisses my forehead, then leaves.
I notice three messages from Phoenix
PHOENIX: Princess Sam, you there?
PHOENIX: You don’t like being called Princess?
PHOENIX: Fine, Samantha, ignore me. Gtg anyway. Have work to do. See you later, Princess. Sorry, Samantha.
I grin like a fool. I can’t remember the last time I smile alone like this.
“Hey, girl! spill it.” I can feel the excitement in Amy’s voice over the phone.
“What to spill, Amy?”
She giggles, “Oh, about you and Hot Phoenix!”
I roll my eyes.
Before I can answer, she 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? Oh, is he good with tongue?”
“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 with Phoenix.”
She sighs, “Really? Nothing happens?” Her 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 still, it’s not too late you know, friends can have benefits, right?”
“Seriously, Amy, I’m not sleeping with Phoenix, and he’s not going to sleep with me. He just almost kissed me, then he changed his mind. Maybe, he doesn’t like me like I thought he was.”
She shrieks, irritating my eardrum, “What? What? Oh, my God! He almost kissed you? Then why didn’t you kiss him?”
“Are you even listening 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.
“He wants to kiss you, silly. He just values your friendship. 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.
“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 him senseless.” She laughs boisterously.
“Oh, my God! You always think about kisses, 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 friends.”
“Don’t 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.
“Phoenix invited us to his club tonight.”
She yells over the phone, and I can’t even understand why she’s yelling. Jesus, this woman may be a screamer in bed.
Erase that thought, Sam.
“Really? Oh, my God! What 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! Don’t forget to wear your red high heels.” She’s even giggling.
Amy has great 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 arguments.”
“Oh, 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.
I 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 just the way she told me to.
I check the time—it’s 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 my dress and take a deep breath.
I pick 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, the doorbell rings. I hurry up to the door, but t my shock it’s not Amy who’s in my doorstep.
It’s Phoenix with wide eyes, checking up on me from head to toe. He’s wearing a dark blue button-down shirt and dark pants.
“What are you doing here, Phoenix? I was expecting Amy and not you.”
He furrows his brows, swallows, and licks his lips.
My mind goes back to my conversation with Amy if he’s good with his tongue. Crap! Bad influence Amy.
He blinks. “Um, yeah. Sorry to disappoint you, Princess, but she called me about thirty minutes ago that she couldn’t come. She had a flat tire and would take a cab to the club.”
I raise an eyebrow. “And she didn’t even bother to call me? And she actually has your number. I’m the one who suggested to drive, but she said she would come to pick me up.”
He slips his 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 here all night long.”
I shrug. “Do I have a choice? I’m actually ready, so let’s head out.” I walk outside and close the door behind me.
“Are you mad because she called me to come to 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's seat and pulls toward the road.
“I’m not mad, Phoenix. I just don’t want to bother you coming over here if she just let me know. I can drive myself there.” I take a deep breath.
“It’s 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.
“You 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.
“We’re back to your highness, I see.” He smirks.
Jesus, I’m melting here. “Then stop calling me princess, Phoenix.”
“Why not? You’re my princess. It suits you.”
I roll my eyes and pick from my purse when my phone buzzes. It’s Amy.
“Really, Amy? Is this your plan on setting up Phoenix to pick me up?”
She giggles, “Works well, isn’t it?”
I groan which makes Phoenix chuckle, “This isn’t funny. I really hate you right now. Next time, I will not tell you anything, so that you can’t set me up.”
“Oh, come on, your hot Phoenix is glad to drive you to the club. I don’t have a flat tire. I lied. By the way, I’m on my way. See you there!” she gushed.
“I know! Your excuses are so lame because I’ve known you for so long if you have something in your mind, Amy. I know you’ll call me first or ask his number from me, and not from Maya, so I figured it out. You’re crazy!”
“I know, smart-ass. And I also know that hot Phoenix didn’t buy it, and maybe he got the idea what’s my plan, but he’s willing to pick you up. So, it’s still successful. Gotta thank me later, Sam.”
“Stop doing this to me, Amy, and stop calling him Hot Phoenix!” Phoenix barks out laughing, and I shoot him a glare.
“Oh, now, who’s jealous?”
“I’m not jealous! We’re just friends, now, shut up! Bye.”
“Bye, Sam, You’ll get laid tonight!”
I groan then hang up.
“She calls me hot Phoenix?”
I can see the amusement in his eyes. “Not funny!”
I cross my arms on my chest that made my breast pushes up a little bit. I uncross them and release a huge breath. I’m so annoyed. I notice Phoenix is clenching his jaw.
“Are jealous when someone calls me Hot Phoenix, Samantha?” He licks his lips and grins.
“Why would I be jealous? It’s not that I own you or you’re my boyfriend. They can call you anything they want.”
He hmm, unconvinced with my answer. “Aren’t you too defensive, princess?”
“Tease much, your highness?” That makes him laugh out loud.
“I really like teasing you, and you even look beautiful when you’re annoyed.”
“Are you going to annoy me all night, King Alexander Phoenix?”
He laughs even more, then shakes his head. God, I love his laugh. His eyes glimmer inside the small space of his car.
“It’s part of the plan.”
“I shouldn’t come with you.”
He touches his chest. “Ouch! You just broke my heart.”
“Glad I did.”
“You’re glad, but I’m not, and I’ll never break your heart, princess because it’s worse than breaking mine.”
I freeze, and I feel my heart flutter. Why does he have to say something that affects me like this? True or not, it still gives me butterflies in my stomach.
“It’s a line from a song, Samantha.”
Crap!
“Of course, it is. I’m just trying to remember that line.” My voice weakens.
What am I even thinking that he means it? I’m so stupid. I should remind my brain constantly that we’re just friends.
PHOENIX Surprisingly, I’m still not jumping on her, grabbing her head, kissing her senseless, and thrusting my tongue into her mouth. Last night was already torture—after sending her home, I went to my club and sat there for a while when a woman flirted with me. She was beautiful with a fuck-able body, but she wasn’t Samantha, and my cock didn’t even show interest. If it happened before I met Samantha, I already brought her to a hotel room and fucked her senseless, but since I met my princess, any woman wanting my attention, it seems like they don’t exist anymore. Now, she’s sitting beside me with a tiny dress that shows off her cleavage. My cock instantly throbs in my pants—it’s a little bit uncomfortable especially when she laughs freely. My shitty brain imagines her moans, her whines, her grunt every time I thrust inside her sweet tightness—it’s actually uncomfortable. The sweet scent of her perfume fills my nostrils
SAM My head is hammering a thousand times. I open my eyes slowly only to see the unfamiliar surrounding. The smell on the room seems familiar to me though—it’s like one of my favorite scents in the world. Panic settles in the pit of my belly. This isn’t my room. Where am? Did I go with someone? I quickly check the king-size bed. It’s covered with a dark sheet that matches the blanket where I am neatly tucked in. It’s definitely a man’s bed, but the other side is empty. I’m alone. Before I can sit up from the bed, my stomach twists sickly. I run into the nearest door, hoping it’s the bathroom. I flip up the cover of the toilet bowl and empty my stomach. Scanning the surrounding, I find toilet paper and wipe my mouth. I flash them and rinse my mouth with the water. I look at myself in the mirror—a smeared makeup still on my face with my messy bedhead. I’m wearing a gray T-shirt with the NYU logo that looks
PHOENIX The perfect lunch that I’m sharing with Samantha has turned into a disaster when my bitch of an ex appears at our booth. We’re just about to start our lunch when we’re interrupted. She fucking jumps into me hugs me and kisses me as if nothing happened before. Why she has to come here to all the restaurants in this place? Or did she hear the news that this belongs to me and try to catch up for old-time sake? “What? Do you really think I believe that you start dating?” she asks with her bitchy voice and pouts. Samantha clears her throat that gets Gabrielle’s attention. “Phoenix, mind introducing me to your old friend?” Sam gestures her hand to Gabrielle. Please. please. Please, just play along. “Princess, this is Gabrielle. Gabrielle, meets my girlfriend, Samantha.” Sam offers her hand, but of course, Gabrielle ignores her. Samantha has to pull her hand back.
SAM “Spill it, woman. I can see that you had an eventful weekend,” Maya teases me as we walk together to our management class. “I can’t escape from this, can I?” I’m actually excited to tell her, but nothing really eventful than I had lunch with Phoenix that was almost ruined by his ex. “Nope. I’m not Amy, so you don’t have to tell me every detail.” She bumps her arm into me. “We had lunch, then went to the park to eat ice cream and feed the ducks. So, there’s nothing really much to tell,” I tell her the short version, of course, without the sleeping in his house and the encounter with Phoenix’s ex. “That’s it? What about when you get drunk and he sent you home?” she asks, wearing a wicked smile. “I slept in his car.” She laughs. “I knew you would sleep in his car, then?” “Then he took me home,” I say slowly. “To his home.” “What? Really? Oh, my God!” Her eyes widen and she shriek
PHOENIX I’m losing my control, not because of not getting laid, it’s because of the woman beside me who’s driving me crazy. When she cries over my gifts, it warms my heart. It’s been a long time since I spend gifts on a woman, but that woman betrayed me. Now, I want to pamper Samantha—she’s worth every penny I spend for her. And I know those gifts remind her of her dad. The moment she lies down beside me on the couch, I know the baby steps are long gone. When she moans, my traitor of a cock hardens like a rock. I know I have to kiss her one way or another because this beast inside is going to savage her anytime soon—my urge, my lust, and these feelings are overflowing in my body. When our lips touch, I know she owns me—the feeling is overwhelming, filled with giddiness. Her taste and the softness of her lips are intoxicating. And I’ve never felt like this before with anyone, and it’s freaking me out—in a good way.
PHOENIX Six years ago… We lost in the game. This is fucking exhausting! The more I did my best the more we lost by only two fucking points. I can’t believe it! This is my last year and my last chance for NFL drafting. Every muscle in my body aches and quivers with anger, disappointment, and exhaustion. My mind doesn’t seem to work when all I feel is frustration and disappointment. I take my quickest shower and bolt out of the locker room. I avoid my team because I know they’re going to invite me to drink to oblivion since there’s supposed to be a team party tonight if we won. I need to go to my girlfriend Gabby’s apartment, but she went to her family and wasn’t able to watch our game. I check my phone; Hawk did not call—he must have heard the news about our game. Since he moved to New York, I don’t have my number one fan to watch my game anymore. I call Gabby; she’s not picking up my call as wel
SAM I’ve been checking the wall clock like every five minutes when I have only an hour left of my shift. I’m excited to see Phoenix. I won’t deny that. After I agree to date him and make out on his couch, I fell asleep last night smiling. I hope I made the right decision. I want this relationship to work out because we have strong chemistry that is hard to ignore. “Stop glancing at the clock every minute. It won’t magically turn into Phoenix’s cock.” I roll my eyes even Amy can’t see it. “Seriously, Amy, stop talking like that when we are with customers.” She hugs me from behind. “You don’t want me to talk about a cock or you don’t want me to talk about Phoenix’s cock?” “Stop talking about that word. Period.” She squeezes me. “Finally, someone makes my best friend smile. I’m happy for you, Sam. At least setting you up is worth the effort.” I unwrap her arms around me and face her.
SAM I let my eyes wander around when Phoenix ushers me outside the car. This place is an old books store which is renovated in to a big and modern one. Many well-known authors used this venue for book signing events. A woman around my age approaches us wearing a bright smile on her face. “Mr. Williams, Ms. Anderson, good evening! Please, follow me.” I am surprised to hear my name, and I grin at her in return. I feel Phoenix’s hand gripping my waist. “Let’s get inside, beautiful.” “What are we doing here, Phoenix?” I whisper “Thought you love surprises,” he responses with a smirk. “Did you happen to buy this bookstore too?” He chuckles as we both walk inside the store. I stop midway when I notice who’s talking to the woman who approached us outside the store. My hands fly to my mouth instantly. “Omigod!” A squeak left my mouth, and I don’t even recognize my own voice. They