Page 33 of Drop Three

“What’s up, losers?”

My eyes bulge out of their sockets. Who is this woman, and what happened to my anxious friend from minutes ago?

Gus takes in Tenley like he’s ready to sift through baby names with her. Although, Tenley would never go there with him. Gus is known for having a rotating door of women, and he holds no shame in it. He loves pussy more than the average man and gets it however he can.

His bright smile confirms the effect I’m sure he has on his frequent conquests. “So it’s that kind of night, huh?”

At first, I thought he meant the empty bar drinks littered across our table, but it’s evident he meant the snarkiness coming from Tenley.

Tenley holds up her lemon drop martini and performs a silent toast in Gus’s direction before chugging it back. “You know it, pretty boy.”

I’m beginning to sense some sexual tension here. Tenley is the strong one of our bunch. She’s gorgeous in every sense of the word but would never be caught dead as someone’s doormat or second choice.

She’s the only damn option.

If only she could teach me her ways.

Bodhi looks like he’d rather be anywhere but here. Except, his greeting surprises me.

“Hey, Ten. Navy. Mind if we sit?”Okay, so semi-chatty it is.

I wasn’t expecting that. I knew he would be cordial, but I had at least predicted some reserve.

I decide this is my chance to speak, “Sure. Take a seat.”

I hate this side of me. I’m always the life of the goddamn party, and if I don’t change how I react to this infuriating man, I’ll lose myself in the process.

Without warning, Gus slides in next to Tenley, making himself comfortable, while Bodhi has no other option but to sit by me. The second his massive frame slides in close, my senses become hyperaware of the smell I fight to avoid.

Woods and leather.

I’d imagine a man in the Mafia would smell similar to that. He’s red-blooded and so damn untouchable—like a drug. He’s most comfortable in the outdoors and performing manly tasks, which explains masculine scent.

I sound like a lovesick puppy.

I turn my head in Bodhi’s direction to face him head-on. I realize the error of my ways as the natural beauty in his features takes me aback.

I smile at him, hoping we can surrender and wave a white flag or something to trash this tension.

A slight smirk plays on his lips, and he asks, “How was your day?”

That was really…kind.

But Bodhi has always been kind, so I’m not sure why his question surprised me so much.

“It was long, but it’s over now and slowly getting better. Thanks for asking.”

He nods.

“How was your day? You been training a lot since the season ended?”

I can see his body release a heavy exhale, as if he’s thankful the conversation is shifting to something more manageable.

“I haven’t had much field time, but I’ve been in the gym every day.”

“Yeah, I can tell.” Jesus fucking Christ.

My hand instantly covers my mouth, and I can feel my face take on the color of a ripe tomato. “I mean…cool.”

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