Page 40 of Drop Three

It’s been one of the best weekends of my life.

Last night is one I won’t forget as I think back on the dance we shared under the coastal bungalow.

Nights in Fiji are enthralling.

The sky glitters with stars full of life and zeal. It’s a place one would dream of spending forever in. It’s incredibly romantic—not something I should have been thinking with Navy in my arms.

The song “A Drop In The Ocean” by Ron Popefloated through the Fijian skies as I enveloped Navy’s soft body close to mine, and danced in uninterrupted peace. This was when I finally became transparent about my growing feelings for her. If I’m being honest with myself, I’ve been slowly pulled under her spell, leaving me wildly enamored by her charm.

I’m having a really fucking hard time fighting it.

Navy is a walking temptation and her presence is constant. I’ve fought like hell to distract myself with other things to keep her out of my thoughts.

It’s useless.

She’s been a better friend to me these last few months than some of my teammates. I’d be a fool not to fall for someone so inwardly beautiful.

I notice how she treats her friends—she’s kind and loyal.

I notice how she loves Callaway—she lacks judgment and loves big.

I notice how hard she works—she’s dedicated and driven.

I also notice how well she cares for me—she’s intentional and trusting.

Two things that were once very unfamiliar to me.

I want to enjoy her company without the fucked-up thoughts of my mistakes and her brother lingering in the shadows.

Navy is all Callaway has, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how solid and strong their bond is.

Time has passed on the island faster than I’d like, and I plan to make the most of the last day here with her.

I’ve decided and am past the point of changing my mind.

Consequences be damned.

Navy and I have gotten closer over the last couple of months since her breakup with Luke, and even before that. She’s been a great friend, and I’m beginning to see there’s much more to her than lipstick and reporting—or how naturally stunning she is.

For so long, I’ve held myself hostage from my feelings, thinking I don’t deserve the happiness that often shoves itself in my face, begging me to embrace it.

That happiness is looking a lot like Navy, lately.

I don’t want to fight it any longer.

“Hang right,” I shout, noticing the locker room sign ahead.

Navy pivots quickly and I follow.

“Over there! Good eye, B. Let’s get this mud off.”

Navy leads us into the empty locker room, and the gravity of it being the two of us sets in. It looks like the hot springs staff has left for the day, as I notice a wall lined with empty lockers.

“The showers should be right over here…aha!” She sounds so excited and makes me question if I’m the only one who’s nervous.

Not that I’m expecting anything to happen between us—only hopeful.

My eyes follow where Navy stands a few feet from the shower opening, waiting for me to meet her. She’s covered head to toe in hardened mud, and once again, still manages to make me forget why I’ve fought this chemistry between us for so long.

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