Page 30 of Drop Three

“Well, in that case, what’s a guy gotta do to get in the front of the line?”

Holy mama. Am I hearing him right?

It sounded a lot like he said he wanted to get in line for my vagina. Or maybe that’s what I wanted to hear because the deprived little tramp ishungry.

Would it be such a bad thing? It’s not like Briggs and I are strangers, and I’m a single woman ready to meet someone worth my time.

He seems like a hopeful chance at that, but no. I told myself I wanted something real and serious—I can’t stray from that.

If only I could get Bodhi and his grumpy self, which my happiness seems to be a magnet for, out of my head.

However, I refuse to be easy.

This is my first time seeing Briggs in over a year, and he’s gonna have to work a lot harder than that for me to give in so quickly.

I’ll play hard to get and see what happens.

“You’re gonna have to put in the work, boss man. I’m not that easily agreeable.”

It feels good to have the upper hand. Although, I’d consider myself a lucky woman to go out with or even get freaky in the sheets with someone as stand-up and good-looking as Briggs. But after being with the same man for so long and ending up hurt, I want to do things right and prioritize myself this time.

That doesn’t mean I’m opposed to dating.

I’d gladly accept an invitation from Briggs or any attractive man who seemed interested, but I won’t sleep with them.

I learned my lesson in Fiji. I’m incapable of not letting the wires cross. As go-with-the-flow as I may seem underneath, I’m aware my biggest insecurity is how much I fucking care, and I won’t let it be the reason I’m hurt again.

“Is that so?” His stare is hyper-fixed on me while a pearly white smirk lingers on his face.

I nod assuredly before attempting to change the subject and do my best to seem confident, even though I’m not. “This place is incredible. You should be proud.”

If he senses my avoidance, he doesn’t show it. Briggs never once drops that carefree smile and decides to entertain my statement.

“It’s been one hell of a process, that’s for sure. I’m proud, but I’m too busy to soak it in, I guess.”I get that.

“You should find a time to celebrate. I’m sure your daughter will be so proud of her successful daddy one day. You deserve to let yourself enjoy that.”

Briggs scrutinizes me like he didn’t expect me to suggest he skip out on work to take time for himself.

“You’re right, I should. But Addie is only a year old, hardly of age to be excited about this. I’ll take it, though. That means a lot for you to say that.”

I nod, hoping he can see the pride I feel for him.

“I should get back to my friend. We’re having a girls’ night.”

“Ah. Using my Grand Opening as an excuse to get out?”

“You know it. Be sure to make those drinks strong, Briggs. I’m known to leave shitty reviews over weak drinks.”

Without another word, I circle the bar and head toward Tenley, the sound of Briggs’ laughter echoing in the distance.

I’ve got dinner and drinks to have with my best girl.

The night isn’t looking too shabby after all.

* * *

Tonight is shit.

---