Page 35 of Drop Three

Bodhi cuts in, patting him firmly on the back. “Proud of you, man. You’ve come a long way.”

There’s no possible way to hide the pride igniting Briggs’ face. He’s proud of all he’s accomplished, and he deserves to hear about it from his friends.

Tenley and I linger in the booth, giving the guys some time to catch up. Knowing I’ve already had my moment to congratulate Briggs, I don’t expect to be included in their guy talk, but Briggs surprises me by directing everyone’s attention to me anyway.

“Sailor, those whiskey sours up to your liking?”

He’s so damn cute. Even so, he’s got nothing on the man in black beside him who spikes my heart rate in an instant.

I reply nonchalantly, “Can’t you tell? I’ve reached the point of no return. I’m feeling greaaaat.”I am.

If I had known all it would take was a whiskey sour and my friends to take away the exhaustion after a long day, I’d have done this after work more often.

The three beautiful men standing in front of Tenley and I embody masculine intimidation—like they’ll either fuck you up or fuck you.

Don’t make me pick.

I’m confident in my choice; it certainly won’t be the former.

The gene pools of these families are strong and healthy, that’s for sure.

“That’s what I like to hear,” Briggs responds.

I lift my head to see Briggs securing a slip of paper from his pocket and placing it in front of me with a sly smile. I grab it and examine it closely.

“A receipt?” I ask. “But where’s my actual bill? It shows our drinks and food were paid for.”

He better not have paid for us on his opening night. I’m all for helping out a friend, but I’m also a major advocate for supporting a small business and paying infull,especially with friends.

No one is reacting except for Briggs, who is still smirking.

“It’s on the house.”

“No, absolutely not. I won’t let yo?—”

He cuts me off, completely dodging my argument, “Flip it over.”

I turn the wrinkled receipt over and find a number scribbled across the back—a phone number.

“Is this our waiter trying to get in my pants? I really tried to send himnot-interestedvibes, but it seems I’m irresistible.”

Tenley snorts, reminding me that she, Bodhi, and Gus are still here—listening and watching my interaction with Briggs.

Oh, wait. Is this what I think it is? Is Briggs actually?—

“Go out with me, sailor.” My head darts up, searching for answers, but I only find green eyes filled with shock and something that looks oddly similar to panic.

I shift my eyes to Briggs, ignoring Bodhi’s reaction as I say, “Briggs.”

That’s all I’ve got. I’m unsure if that came across as a warning or a pathetic attempt to turn him down. I meant it as more of a question. I already turned him down gently earlier; I guess this is his attempt at trying harder.

His eyes never leave mine. “This is me working harder. You don’t have to decide now. Hell, take my number, and let’s find time to reconnect. I’ve missed you, and I’d also like a chance with you.”

Well, shoot. Briggs has a set of balls on him.

Hopefully a useful pair, if I’m lucky down the road, too.

He asked me out shamelessly in front of his friends in a crowded restaurant.

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