Just One Bite

Chapter 2: James' POV

Molly Nickleson didn't leave my place until 3 o'clock this morning. I wanted her out but she kept insisting how it would be easier if she stayed over because the drive home was too long. I never allow it though. I didn't want her to start thinking that we're becoming something more than a casual hook-up. I have seven other girls who receive the same treatment.

"Hey James!" The familiar voice of Jack Parker shouts above the roar of my bike's engine as soon as I pull into my usual spot. "Where the hell were you last night?"

"Huh?" I reply as I tug off my helmet and ruffle a hand through my already tousled hair. But he didn't speak again until I had turned my key in the ignition, the engine withering to silence once again.

"We went down to Castle Beach for a bonfire and a couple of drinks," he explained, "You never showed up."

"I didn't want to come," I say truthfully, throwing my rucksack over one shoulder as we both slowly head towards the college's main entrance. "Who went?" I ask.

"The usual crowd," Jack replies with a half shrug, "And a few of your customers from the Art Department; they were looking for you."

"Yeah, I know; I had a couple of messages," I say glumly as I briefly check my phone, "I gotta meet up with them later at lunch."

"Molly was disappointed you didn't turn up," Jack adds, and when he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, I can't help to smirk.

"Well, she certainly wasn't disappointed at half twelve this morning!" A voice suddenly shouts from behind us. We both spin around to see a tall, slim girl marching vigorously towards us, looking pissed as high heaven, with her ponytail swinging sharply from side to side.

"Oh balls," I murmur and I can't help to notice the groan that comes out of Jack's mouth too.

"What are you talking about, Elinor?" He grumbles, adjusting the bag strap on his shoulder.

The girl just gives us the dirtiest look I have ever seen - because only Elinor Littman could do that - her harsh hazel eyes locking in on mine like some kind of threat. "Ask the Drug Dealer," is all she replies in a short tone, "He's the one who shagged her last night."

Before I could even open my mouth, Elinor had barged her way through, making sure she rammed my shoulder as she past me, and disappeared through the main doors without looking back. That's when Jack slapped me on the shoulder, making me jolt forwards and out of my thoughts where I had already killed her twice.

"Oh my god, seriously?" Jack laughs. "Last night?"

"Do shut up," I mutter as we resume walking.

"Jesus, that girl's got it in for you! Did you send Molly home afterwards?"

"Of course," I deadpan like it should've been obvious, "It's probably why Elinor's so mad at me this morning."

Not that I actually cared.

"She's mad at you all the time," Jack laughs.

"The point is," I explain with an irritated huff, "That bitch only lives a couple of miles from me; Molly must have crashed at hers after I kicked her out. She did it last time I slept with her."

This time, Jack only frowns, his brow wrinkling like it always does when he's thinking hard. "What?" I ask.

"I gotta be honest," he says, "I can't blame the girl; you're practically using her best friend for sex."

"And she's using me," I reply with a shrug, "We both agreed no feelings."

"Oh come on, James" Jack says, "It's Molly Nickleson. She's had a crush on you since Year 5. What were you thinking?"