Page 2 of Crave

“Maybe you’ll end up liking him for real and it’ll be a love match?” she asked hopefully, dividing the salad between two plates.

“Doubt it. He’s sweet but not my type. Seems to get off on math equations rather than breasts.”

“He hasn’t seen your breasts yet.”

I laughed again. “Stop! I really need a solid opinion before it’s too late to back out.”

“Are you seriously considering saying no? I’m shocked. This is everything you always wanted.”

“I know. I want to make sure it’s the right move and won’t come back to bite me in the ass. Would you do it, Elle?”

She forked up a piece of tuna, chewed, and regarded me seriously. “I hear what you’re saying about the slant they wantto take. It could definitely go sideways. I think it comes down to asking yourself what your goal is. A role like this brings attention—good and bad. It invites social media comments, more followers, diehard fans and diehard critics. It’s not safe, but the show will put your face out to millions.”

I sifted through her points. “Would you do it?” I asked again.

She sighed. “Yeah, I would. Maybe I’d regret it. Maybe I’d try to fight back on their plans to exploit me. But I’ve dreamed of being on tv forever. I’d take it and hope I’d eventually get something bigger. I’d look at it as an opportunity.”

My chest loosened. Elle was right. This wasn’t brain science. I’d just allow the network to do what they needed, and I’m sure it would work out. Maybe I’d say no to the romance part with Clayton and do the rest.

“Thanks. I really needed your opinion.”

“Welcome. Hey, how’s it going with Max? He seems to be on his best behavior.”

“Yep, so far, it’s been great. I’m still pissed at him but it was easier than I thought to try and move forward. I feel so adult.”

“Think he’s just trying to play you?”

I laughed. “Definitely. But Max should know by now he can’t manipulate me if I’m not interested.”

“Anyone else catching your eye lately?”

I shook my head and ate another onion ring to avoid her gaze. God, I hated lying. “Nope. Going to take some time by myself. See what happens.”

“You’re so healthy,” she teased.

“How about you? Is it going well with Coop?” Her face changed and I stared at her in concern. “Wait—are you okay?”

“Yes. I am. Better than okay. It’s just—” she stopped, her arched brows drawing downward. Elle struggled to find the words. “Coop and I are pushing some boundaries. I’m beginning to worry.”

I immediately relaxed. “You mean with sex?” She nodded. “Babe, as long as you both enjoy what you’re doing, and no crime is committed, anything goes. This is your exploratory stage anyway. You’re supposed to do kinky stuff. Do you see the things that go on in Red after hours? It gets wild.”

“You’re right. Last week I worked till close and a threesome was going on in the bathroom. No one cared and some people were watching. And I don’t even work in the private play areas! I can’t imagine what they do there.”

“You like the voyeurism? Or do you like getting caught more?”

She buried her face in her hands while I grinned. Elle was the good girl on the surface and the bad girl underneath. I knew exactly what she was going through because of Adam. No one had ever given me my fantasies and it was addicting. This was my time to support her and make sure she allowed herself freedom. “Caught. And watched. I’m starting to crave more, and Coop is excited to give me scenarios where we can do it.”

“Perfect. Just go with the flow and enjoy yourself, Elle. Don’t feel guilty. Normal is overrated and a lie. We’re all fucked up.”

She laughed with me and I was glad we both felt better after our talk. Even though Adam made a good point, I’d continue with the reality show, as long as they respected my boundaries. I refused to be told who to kiss. Especially if Clayton got ideas and I ended up looking like the heartbreaker.

No, thank you.

We finished up, paid, and headed out. We talked about shopping before our shift but then my phone beeped. I glanced at the text and my heart stopped.

It was Adam.

Let’s talk. My place tonight?

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