Page 10 of Drop Three

She’s everything I can’t have, but that won’t stop me from caring for her. As much as I’m attracted to Navy, she’s also my friend, and making sure she wants for nothing is important to me.

After taking a second to get myself together, I walk to where Navy sprawls out on the couch. Her purse lies across her lap, and she’s practically still seated, only slightly relaxed once she fell asleep.

It’s clear she’s exhausted, it’s been a long night for her.

I settle my hand gently on the slope of her shoulder, careful not to scare her. “Navy, let’s get you to your room, okay?”

Her soft humming tells me she’s awake but struggling to open her eyes. The heaviness in them causes her to drift back to sleep in seconds. I could leave her here to sleep, but I don’t want to risk her waking up in a panic, unsure of where she is. If I can carry her while she’s still asleep, I can lay her down in the bed and make sure the guys don’t wake her if they come home.

She fidgets to get comfortable.

Before Navy can wake, I carefully scoop one arm under her neck and the other under the arch of her knees. Once I have her cradled in my hold, I feel her body relax into my chest as I’m hit with the sweetness of her scent.

Her smell is impossible not to recognize.

It’s uniquely Navy.

I make my way up the stairs, fighting like hell not to let my touch drift to the globes of her ass that are in such close proximity to my hands. The globes that not long ago were in my grasp as her body clung to me.

She’s my terremoto of chaos and beauty.

Callaway’s old room is, unfortunately, right next to mine. The upstairs of the house is giant, with four bedrooms and a loft in the center. Since Gus was the one who found the house, he got the master suite downstairs. However, every room in this place feels like a master suite, so none of us mind.

After entering Navy’s room, I walk her carefully to the already set up bed. I reach a hand out to pull one side of the covers back and lay her body gently.

I can’t let her sleep in her boots; there’s no way she would relax that way. I’ll let her clothes be because we all fucking know that’s not a good idea.

I slowly start to pull her boots off one at a time, stealing a glance at her face to confirm she’s still sound asleep. She is, thankfully. Her delicate feet are covered by socks with donuts on them.

An effortless smile paints my face.

One thing I’ve learned about Navy over the years is that no matter how perfect and classy she dresses on the outside, I can always expect a pair of fun socks underneath. It’s her thing, and it’s fucking adorable.

I carefully slide her feet underneath the covers, doing my best to keep them warm before removing her socks. Her toes are painted bright pink, the prettiest color for the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen.

I make sure she’s tucked in comfortably and turn to slowly tiptoe my way out of the room before a small whisper stops me in my tracks. “Thanks, Bodhi.”

My heart soars at the sound of her sweet voice.

I can’t let her see the effect she has on me.

I’m helping my buddy and helping my friend—nothing more.

Without another word, I escape the place my body urges me to stay, and finally get the rest I need now more than ever.

4

NAVY

Fresh sheets,a warm blanket, and the smell of fresh laundry detergent; is this what heaven feels like? If so, I’m definitely there.

I slept like a baby. I can’t remember the last time I slept through the night without waking up once. I feel incredible.

Sleep is something that doesn’t come easy to me. I typically have a routine at night to help me relax. Even living with Jared?—

Jared.

Oh, god. It’s all coming back to me now.

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