Page 34 of Drop Three

An effortless smile emerges from Bodhi, and although he caught me, I’m thankful he doesn’t bring attention to my forwardness. Not that I didn’t bring attention to it enough on my own.

“Yeah, it’scool.” He attempts to hide his soft chuckle, but I can hear it as if it were ringing in my ears.

We’ve had one conversation, and I’ve already embarrassed myself. I’m supposed to be playing hard to get, not letting him know I can tell his muscles have grown.

Lucky for my pride, the conversation between Tenley and Gus grabs Bodhi’s attention before I have to grin and bear it through pointless small talk.

I tune into the conversation as Gus says, “I didn’t know she had three nipples when we were at the bar! I found out when her bra came off on my bedroom floor.”

Laughter breaks out around us.

Gus is one of those guys who is hilariously unpredictable. You have to tread carefully around him because you never know what will come out of his mouth. Thus, it makes sense why women are drawn to him.

He’s also hot as fuck.

People who know him, though, know it’s an advantage he proudly capitalizes on. I think the entire team has lost count of the number of phone numbers Gus has stuffed his gym bag with after games. It’s almost as if all the man has to do is flash his pretty teeth that help showcase his perfectly groomed mustache and flex an ab or two.

Such a hard life he lives.

But Tenley tests his limits.

She’s one of the most gorgeous women I’ve ever known, inside and out, but she doesn’t give Gus an ounce of hope in ever having a chance with her.

It’s hilarious to sit back and watch their natural banter.

“Gus, you need to be more careful. Do you even ask questions?”

Gus cocks a brow at her. “What kind of question is that, princess? Of course I get the lay of the landbeforethe honeys come to town.”

His wink sends Bodhi and me over the edge in hysterics.

I can’t help but look at Bodhi as we laugh together. It sounds cliché to say, but it’s really nice to hear him laugh. It’s been so long that I almost forgot what his deep and gravelly chuckle sounds like.

In a way, he seems lighter.

Still naturally grumpy, but light.

“You’re a disgusting man, August Graves.”

“Only for you, princess.” His animated, puckered lips head straight toward Tenley while she bats him away like a disease.

“Why don’t you go over there and find one of yourhoneysto put those nasty lips on?”

Gus turns around to read the room—such an idiot sometimes.

I speak up, “Gus, save it for Delta. Tonight is about Briggs.”

Bodhi and Gus perk up, making me think they forgot why they were here for a second. Although I wasn’t expecting them to come, I knew Briggs invited them.

“Oh shit. St. James, let’s go congratulate our boy.”

Bodhi replies, “Looks like we don’t have to because he’s headed our way.”

All four heads turn toward the man himself.

Bodhi and Gus stand to greet Briggs with the typical man chest-bump hug. Honestly, I’ll never truly know what that greeting is called.

“My boy! This place is dope.” Gus lavishes Briggs with praise.

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