Page 163 of Drop Three

“Not when it comes to the ones you love. You’re a feral motherfucker.”

“She’s worth it, Cal.”

“She is. But don’t risk losing it all for a guy who never stood a chance, man,” Cal tells me.

“I’ll behave on the field, maybe even in the clubhouse too.”

He shoots me a look of doubt. “We’re a team, B.”

“I know. He’ll be at the pool party on Saturday. You’ll see how much of a saint I can be. Watch.”

“Whatever you say. Whatever you say…”

We’ll be fine as long as he keeps his hands to himself.

50

NAVY

“Kingston,where are the extra paper plates?”

“In your hands, Navy girl,” he tells me, grabbing me by the shoulders. “Hey, look at me. It’s gonna be great. Bodhi has no idea. He’s gonna shit himself over this. You did good, girl. Look at this place.”

I’m overwhelmed and overstimulated in every way imaginable, but King is right.

Party planning is in my bones and everything looks perfect.

The weather is perfect—it’s sunny with a light breeze, perfect to swim or lounge by the heated pool. Black and silver balloons cover every surface of the house, looking like a party clown threw up, and it’s exactly the vibe I wanted.

The French doors leading to the pool deck are opened, giving the room an infinite feel and making the space open and inviting. Music blasts from the house’s surround sound, and tables are set across the pool deck with endless options of Bodhi’s favorite foods: steak, grilled chicken, roasted veggies, and all kinds of fruit and cereal.

I laugh just looking at everything together; it makes sense where his massive physique comes from. He eats healthier than anyone I know.

Protein priorities.

The best part about the view, however, is the people slowly showing up who all equally love Bodhi St. James. The man is more deserving of love and good things than he realizes.

I can’t wait to tell him how much I love him.

I take a deep breath. “You’re right, King. Everything looks great. Thanks for talking me off a ledge. I just want everything to be perfect for him.”

“I don’t think there’s anything you could do wrong in Bodhi’s eyes,” King says matter-of-factly.

“Son of a bitch, you know too?” I ask him.

He chuckles, wrapping his teddy bear arms around me. “We’ve all known, Navy girl. It’s not very often someone steals Bodhi’s attention, but you had his from day one. I’m just happy he got his head out of his ass and stopped hiding it.”

I smile as butterflies take flight in my stomach.

My heart has reached maximum fullness, and it’s the most precious feeling. I never want to let it go.

I’m ready to love him and I hope he sees just how much today.

“Sailor, you in here?” A familiar voice calls out from the front door, and I instantly tense up.

Crew.

I’ve been so preoccupied with planning and setting up that I forgot he was coming early to talk.

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