Deal Takers (Dealing with Love 2)

“Five weeks is pretty serious for you, Brody. So what’s the problem?”

I scrub my hand over my face. “I feel like such a pussy right now.”

“Oh, shut it. Men are allowed to express their feelings. You know I’m a vault, B. Tell me what’s going on.”

I take a deep breath. “I’m in love with her. I’m pretty sure I’ve been in love with her for years.”

Charlotte gasps. “Holy shit.”

“Yeah, holy shit.”

“So, why is that a bad thing?”

“Because she refuses to take me seriously. Says we’re just scratching an itch, or some shit like that. She won’t even let me tell our closest friends—she’s really big on keeping the whole thing a secret. The five of us took Drew’s nephew to the zoo last weekend and she freaked out when I accidentally kissed her in front of everyone.”

She slams her hand over her mouth. “How the hell did you explain that?”

“Rainey made it seem like I was just being a handsy asshole, and I went with it. It was purely out of habit, but she’s acting like I did it on purpose.”

“Did she specifically say that to you?”

I shrug. “No, but we haven’t been doing much talking since then. Every time I bring it up, she practically jumps on my dick to shut me up then kicks me out immediately afterward.”

Charlee tucks her feet beneath her and smiles. “Well, well, well...I never thought I’d see the day.”

I roll my eyes. “Now what the hell are you yammering about?”

“Not only are you in loooooooove, but you’re being used for sex.”

I scowl.

“I’m not saying she doesn’t return your feelings,” she amends. “But she obviously has no shame in using you as a human dildo to avoid talking about it. I think I like this girl.”

“Thanks a lot, Charlotte. I’m really feeling the love here.”

She laughs. “Oh, don’t be such a baby, Brody. There’s an easy way to fix this, you know.”

I gesture for her to continue. “Oh, please impart your wisdom upon me.”

“You need to tell her how you feel,” she says matter-of-factly. “You need to keep your dick in your pants until you’ve hashed it out with her verbally.”

I’m sure I look as incredulous as I feel. “Are you seriously telling me that I should withhold sex from the hottest fucking woman I’ve ever met?”

“Yep.” She adds a pop to the end of the word.

“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” I mutter.

“No, it’s not. You’re never going to get anywhere if she keeps distracting you with pussy. She knows it’s your weakness. If you prove her wrong, she’ll be forced to take you seriously.”

Damn it, she may have a point.

“I don’t know...”

Charlee sighs. “Look, Brody. If you can manage to hold out long enough to have a serious conversation with her, telling her exactly how you feel, at least then you’ll know where you stand. One way or the other, you’ll know, and you can move forward.”

“Yeah, maybe. I guess it’s worth a try.”

She stands up and heads for the front door. “It’s definitely worth a try, little bro. I need to go run a few errands before heading to work. Let me know how it works out.”