Page 43 of Masters of Control

Until he responded, there was a part of her that thought it was probably a butt dial and not a legitimate call.

“Hey, Sam. I hope I’m not interrupting dinner or anything.”

“Nope, but you are interrupting Married to Real Estate, so make it quick,” she teased. She’d already told him about her home improvement show addiction, though she hadn’t told him why she was so obsessed with the shows.

“Oh, I see where I stand now.” He laughed so she knew he wasn’t insulted. “I just wanted to call and see how the rest of your day went.”

A rush of pleasure surged through her. She’d figured he was calling for a specific reason, not just to talk.

“Good. Ran my errands. Raspberries were on sale at the grocery store.”

Q laughed.

“It’s amazing the things we find exciting as adults, huh?”

“Like naps and spankings?” she quipped, making him laugh again. Snuggling deeper into her love seat, she wished he was there with her but was happy he’d called. Happy that he seemed just as interested in her as she was in him.

“Hey, so I was talking to Angel today, and she reminded me that she’s having Friendsgiving next weekend, and she told me to invite you.”

“She did?” Surprise made Sam reply with complete honesty, which was shock that Angel would invite her. Not that Angel was unfriendly or anything—she was very friendly—but she also had her own group of friends already.

They were, like, friendly acquaintances. Not the kind of friendship that would warrant an invitation to a holiday event.

Then Sam realized that the invitation wasn’t really to her. It was to Q’s…

What?

Girlfriend?

That was the kind of thing that was offered to significant others, right?

Was it too soon?

“She did,” Q confirmed, his voice splintering her thoughts and the insecurities that were bubbling up and threatening to take over. “Angel likes you a lot, you know, and she’s thrilled that we’re… dating.”

There was a slight hesitation before he said ‘dating,’ like he wasn’t exactly sure what to call what they were doing, which made her feel a little better. They hadn’t talked about their relationship in any firm terms, but if Angel was inviting her to Friendsgiving and Q wasn’t taking anyone else, that seemed like a good sign for her hopeful little heart.

“You don’t have to come if you don’t want to. I told her it might be too soon.” His words were a little rushed, and Sam realized he was nervous, which made her feel better about being anxious. “Plus, it’s next Saturday evening, and you might already have plans.”

She didn’t.

“I can come.” She didn’t want to let him down. Plus, this was what she wanted—a real relationship with someone who was kinky. Someone who got her.

Yeah, it was a little mind boggling that person was Q, her high school nemesis and crush, but the universe worked in mysterious ways. Maybe she was due some good karma.

“Great!” The joy and relief in his voice made her relax even more. He was glad she was going. It hadn’t been a pity invite.

She had new friends, a new guy she was dating who was acting like he wanted to get serious, and she’d had the best sex of her life… twice in twenty-four hours. Things were looking up.

Now, if only she could win the lottery. With the way her luck was running, maybe she should buy a ticket.

17

Distracted Student

Sam

“That sounds like an amazing weekend. Damn.” Noelle fanned herself with her hand, keeping her voice low. “I’m so jealous! I hope I meet someone like that.”