Page 165 of Drop Three

“I do,” I tell him. “I don’t think I ever stopped.”

He nods. “I’ll respect that. I don’t like it, but I appreciate you being honest with me.”

My heart breaks for him but I know there’s another woman out there who is perfectly made for Crew Briggs, and wherever she is, she better be ready for him—he’s a catch.

“Always. You better bring little Addie to the fields one day to meet us. I’m in need of some baby snuggles.”

He chuckles. “I can do that. Although, she’s hardly a baby anymore.” Crew rubs the back of his head, staring mindlessly at the wall behind me. “Hey, Navy. Can I ask you something?” His hand finds my wrist as he looks me in the eyes.

“Sure.”

“You think it’s possible to meet someone to settle down with at my age? With a daughter and everything,” he asks, and I can see the lingering loneliness.

I nod. “I do.”

“I sure hope so, sailor. I’ve got a lot of love to give.”

I know you do.

“You put yourself out there with me…just keep yourself open to the possibility. She’ll find her way to you and Addie.”

“Am I interrupting something?” A gravelly voice echoes from behind us, and I turn with Crew to find Bodhi vibrating with anger, his green eyes dialed in on where Crew’s hand touches my wrist.

“St. James.” Crew turns toward him calmly.

“In the flesh,” Bodhi bites out.He’s livid.

I need to stop this.

“Bodhi, hey. We’ve been waiting for you,” I tell him kindly.

He ignores me, his eyes never leaving Crew’s.

Crew looks toward me. “The man of the hour is here.”

Bodhi drops his backpack on the ground, comes up beside me, and reaches to hold my hand, intentionally for Crew to see.

I yank my hand from Bodhi’s and turn to him in frustration. “Don’t. Now is not the time for that.”

He smirks.

I look to Crew, hoping he can see my withdrawal out of respect for him. “Crew, I’m sorry. I didn’t think you knew, and I could have prepared you better. Although, Bodhi is now in the doghouse for the foreseeable future.” I cut him a stern look.

Crew nods, and I can tell he’s ready to check out and forget this conversation ever happened. He ignores Bodhi’s animalistic behavior and says, “It’s about time man. You could have just said so.”

I can feel the frustration rolling from Bodhi beside me. For a second, I think I may need to referee, but Crew does the respectable thing and pats Bodhi on the shoulder. “Take care of her, man. Before someone else does.”

Bodhi stands still as Crew walks away without another word, leaving the two of us alone in silence.

I anxiously look toward Bodhi with my arms crossed. “Well, if you don’t mind. I’ve got a party to help with.”

I attempt to walk away but only get so far before strong arms lift me and carry me to the wall behind us.

“Did you think I was finished here?” Bodhi asks me.

He looks lethal and downright sexy. What the fuck is wrong with me? I should be angry and throw shoes at him or something.

Instead, I’m considering how much of a scene pouncing on him would cause.

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