Page 25 of Degrees of Control

Charlie planted a kiss on Hayley’s nose. “Okay, okay, point taken. Sorry for caring.”

The redhead frowned. “Don’t be sorry for caring, just don’t care about James.”

Sophia nodded. “When it comes to James, you need to act like he’s one of those people in favor of keeping orca whales in captivity.”

Charlie shuddered. “Then I could never, ever sleep with him.”

“Okay then you need to treat him like he’s an emotionally withholding asshole with an ego the size of Mars. Because he is.”

Charlie took in Sophia’s angry expression. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to sound like I know James better than you do.”

Sophia huffed. “Oh don’t worry about that, I barely know James myself, at least not since we were kids, but I know all his stories and that’s my point. The stories arenothingto be proud of.”

“So what do you think I should do? Break it off?”

Sophia smiled. “Of course not, if the sex is working between you and James, I say go for it. But, you’ve gotta understand history just loves to repeat itself. He’s gonna lose interest. Probably soon. I know that’s a mean thing to say but it’s the truth.”

Charlie imagined texting James to meet up and getting a “thanks but no thanks” in response, or worse, no response at all. Her insides twisted unpleasantly. Sophia was right. If she was going to keep sleeping with James, she needed to protect herself.

“So I enforce an honesty policy. Be completely open about everything, don’t try to impress him or accommodate him in any way. I’m sure our personal differences will be more than enough to keep it platonic.”

Hayley grinned. “Youarea vegan.”

“Exactly, nobody likes vegans. I’m going in with my eyes wide open. Besides, have you all forgotten I’m going home in a few months?”

Sophia’s blue eyes darkened. “We haven’t forgotten, we just don’t like talking about it.”

“I know, but it makes worrying about James breaking my heart a moot point. I’m leaving, he’s way out of my league. I get it. All I want is to explore my fantasies with another sentient being.”

Jordan rubbed a speck of Napoli sauce from her bracelet. “If you want my advice, start dating someone else, as well. Having another guy in the mix will help keep you from getting too attached to James. Want me to set you up?”

Charlie contemplated the idea and decided it would probably be a disaster. She preferred to date guys she was already interested in. Hooking up with two strangers felt like more stress than she was ready for. “No thanks, the vagina is willing but the brain has never been good at juggling men.”

“Then you cannot get blindsided by how sexy this guy is.” Hayley’s expression was uncharacteristically serious. “I would know.”

She would. Two years ago she dated a gorgeous marine who sent her nudes to all his friends. Charlie rubbed her friend’s foot with her own. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anyone Dale me ever again. And thanks for your understanding everyone; I was worried you’d be mad I hadn’t told you I slept with James sooner.”

Jordan gave her a sly smile. “Oh, we all knew you fucked him.”

“What? How?”

Jordan snorted. “When I called you on Thursday you sounded like you’d taken an assload of horse tranquilizers. We figured you’re either getting high with your roommate or you hooked up with Sophia’s hot cousin.”

Sophia banged a fist on the table. “Enough with the cousin talk.”

“Can’t you justpretendhe’s not your cousin?”

Hayley sniggered. “If she didn’t know he was her cousin she’d want to fuck him herself. More than she already does.”

Sophia tried to slap her but Hayley moved out of her range. “There’s no need to get angry! I’d fuck James if he was my cousin. Hell, I’d fuck him if he was my brother.”

“Oh my God, gross,” moaned Jordan. “We just ate.”

Charlie giggled into her napkin as Sophia literally shook with rage. “Hayley, I’m so glad you’re an only child.”

“So am I.”

Chapter 7

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