Page 9 of Drop Three

It’s important that she stays warm.

It makes me seem like a creep, but her things smell like her.

A warm and invigorating scent of eucalyptus hits my senses, making my traitorous brain recall a moment in Fiji when that smell consumed my every thought. She always smells clean and calming. It’s debilitating, even now, as I lay her suitcases in the corner of the room and detach her wool sweater wrapped around the handle to lay across the bed.

I want Navy to feel comfortable here, not concerned that she’s at risk of being sniffed by her brother’s best friend.

She’s staying here for now, and I wouldn’t change that, but it means I invited my biggest temptation inside the walls of my home.

There’s no way to escape her now.

Thankfully, I share this place with three other guys who are like family to her and will act as a buffer between us.

Because a buffer is my only chance of keeping my hands to myself.

Although, if you would have asked me two months ago, I may have died trying.

Navy’s brother, Cal, came from a long line of shitty genes. They chose to chase the next high over him, so when the Hayes family adopted him as a teenager, the bond between their new family became untouchable—bound by loyalty and endless love.

That’s exactly the way it should be.

I know my friend, and although he trusts me, I’m confident he would never approve of my interest in his sister.

Speaking of Callaway, I should text him to let him know Navy is here. Chances are, he doesn’t know, likely because Navy would rather not worry him.

But I know if Penelope, my younger sister, had suddenly moved out of the place she was staying, I’d want to know in a heartbeat.

I’ll let her share the rest when she’s ready.

Bodhi:Hey man. Navy is here—just a heads up. I’m not sure what happened, but I wanted you to know she’s crashing in your old room. She’s safe, and I’ll have her call you in the morning.

Cal:What the hell? Is she ok? Fuck. Why didn’t she call me?

Bodhi:I don’t know. She looks too exhausted to talk. I’ll find out more in the morning. Keep you posted.

Cal:Thanks, B. I owe you.

If you owe me anything,it’s a punch straight to the jaw.

It’s time to do right by my friend…and his little sister in the room beside mine.

* * *

I can’t move.My large frame locks firmly in place as I round the corner of the staircase and catch sight of Navy sleeping quietly on the couch. I’m taken aback by how innocent she looks right now. Navy is known to be the woman in the crowd who radiates positivity and does everything in her power to ensure the people she loves are cared for. I can’t, however, remember the last time I saw her take care of herself.

She’s stunning—freckles and all. So much it’s painful at times.

Navy stands tall with the confidence to match, making her so damn sexy. She’s thin and toned with the tightest little curves that complement her shape so fucking well. It makes me weak.

I never knew I had a thing for redheads until this wild and untamed woman stormed into my life like a pretty little earthquake. Her natural red curls are large, bouncy, and appear to be made of silk.

I remember the feel of the silky strands tangled in my grip.

The vibrancy in them brings her bright green eyes to life, leaving me lost in swirls of jade and emerald.

Ten fingers wouldn’t be enough to count the number of times I’ve admired the delicate freckles sprinkled across her face.

She’s a work of art.A motherfucking masterpiece.

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