Page 7 of Drop Three

He exhales slowly in disbelief. “I like you and I won’t hide that. But I’m starting to see it might be one-sided, huh?”

I nod.

“Right. Well, that’s okay.” He can’t hide his disappointment. “I’m sorry for kissing you. It won’t happen again.”

Social cues are not my forte. I hate seeing people upset, and even more so, being the one who caused it. Whereas I should probably be taking this moment to give us space, as I originally planned, I’m somehow now hugging him.

I have a perpetual need to care for everyone around me. Jared is my friend, and I hate that I hurt him, but I had to be honest. One date is enough to gauge whether we can move beyond friendship.

His entire frame coils like a springboard, paralyzing him with tension at the first feel of my touch.

Read the room, Navy.

The guy didn’t need a hug—he needed you to get lost.

Finally, deciding to examine his body language, I pull myself back and wrap my hands around his arms as I do my best to ensure he sees I’m genuine. “Friends? I know that’s very generalized, but I’d still like to be your friend if you’ll have me.”

I send him a small smile, one we share constantly at work, but it feels much different now. I’m waiting for a nod, verbal agreement, anything to give me a sign that we will be okay, and I get to keep my friend.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen.

Jared takes a big step back. “I’m not sure if I can do that, Navy. I need a little bit of time. This wasn’t a one-time thing for me. I’ve liked you for years, two to be exact. I need to figure out how that looks now. You understand that, right?”

My stomach sinks. I feel sick over the idea of hurting him to this extent. He’s right. Jared has harbored these feelings for me for so long, and I’m now finding out how deep they went.

I, however, don’t reciprocate those feelings.

I need to give him space.

“Of course. I’ll go ahead and get out of your hair. I’ll be in my room if you need me or want to talk.” I shuffle my purse over my shoulder and pace the apartment as if I don’t know my way around it.

Jared’s voice, echoing from the kitchen, stops me. “I think it’s best if you leave.”

I wasn’t expecting that.

He doesn’t elaborate. Why does it hurt? Why does it constantly feel like I’m a burden to everyone around me?

I refuse to impose where I’m not wanted.

Without turning around to face him, I nod my head and quietly walk in the direction of my room. It’s time to pack my things and leave.

But where can I go?

3

BODHI

My groggy bodylurches from the bed to check the time.

It’s midnight.

Who would be knocking on my door at this hour?

My instincts automatically alert me to the potential danger, so I quickly stand up, put on some basketball shorts, and jog down the stairs to check.

I know the guys aren’t home yet, having texted me before I passed out, saying it would be late if they even came home.

Penelope is out of town for the weekend with some friends.

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