Page 66 of Drop Three

I enter a silent house. Where is everyone? Their cars are out front, and Gus even texted me asking when I would be home.

I set my backpack down by the front door and stride through the house, scoping out my friends.

The sound of muffled music filters through the walls, and it sounds a lot like it’s coming from outside. Walking past the living room area, I stop short at the threshold of the French doors that lead to the pool deck. Gus, Kingston, and Mack are submerged in the hot tub while Navy is perched on the deck, her legs dangling in the steaming hot water.

Son of a bitch, she’s in her tiny silver bikini.

The bikini I became very well acquainted with months ago.

Fucking hell.

They’re my best friends; I trust them. Although they know nothing about what happened between me and Navy, I hate them seeing her like this.

Her little curves are on full display with a sexy heaping of cleavage. The triangular silver fabric barely covers her tits with those rosy nipples I remember so vividly.

I miss her.

I didn’t even consider them being out here. It’s January in Atlanta, and it’s still cold as shit. I guess, in this case, the hot tub isn’t the worst idea.

We never spend much time out here.

It’s a shame because the backyard is one of the main reasons we bought this house. Gus and King fell in love with the oasis vibe. I didn’t give a shit about anything at the time, so I wouldn’t have cared if there was a tiny porch and grassless yard.

But they were born to be entertainers, even Callaway when he lived here—the life of the party.

I’m the farthest thing from that.

I look around them, hoping they don’t see me yet.

The fence surrounding the yard is lined with seagrapes for optimal privacy, fake grass covers the ground, making maintenance easy year-round, and white-washed stones create a pathway leading to a rustic tiki hut located in the back corner of the yard. The tiki hut is equipped with a large bar and a fully stocked kitchen. Lights are hung across the patio, giving the space a tranquil and welcoming vibe.

It looks incredible out here, and I’m kicking myself for not enjoying it more.

Yet, the sight that stops me from perusing is the evident elation radiating from Navy’s smile. She looks exquisite, high on happiness and independence. The sad part is that I know as soon as she sees me, that bright smile will drop.

We’ve done our best to be comfortable around each other, but the tension that has been hidden is undeniable.

Sometimes it feels sexual, and other times, it feels fueled by hatred.

I’m not sure which I prefer more.

However, the sight of her happiness diminishing because of something as simple as my presence guts me.

Fuck it, I’m going out there anyway.

If they get to enjoy the sight of her joy, then I do too.

At the sound of my entrance, all heads swing in my direction.

“Speak of the devil,” King greets me.

“Talking shit?” I ask. I’ve been comfortable all morning in my jeans, black T-shirt, and black Vans up until now.

I’m feeling slightly overdressed, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing.

The beauty I’m doing my best not to make eye contact with is very underdressed, and it’s making me all keyed up and twitchy.

Navy’s skin glistens from the water caressing her long, toned legs, and likely from the tanning oil I know she lathered herself in. Navy has always been anal about her skincare and protecting herself from sun damage.

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