Page 86 of Drop Three

I watch as Bodhi’s eyes scan my room, taking in my progress—or lack thereof. “Did you wake up this morning and decide ‘why the hell not’ paint my bedroom today?” he asks me with a chuckle.

“I didn’t know it had to be something I took months to plan out in my head, Bodhi. So, yes. I did.”

Choosing to ignore him any further, I turn to continue my painting, picking up the paint pole with roller and standing on my tippy toes to reach as far as I can.

“The ceiling, too?”

My tone is dry. “It’s an aesthetic. It gives off moody, sleepy girl vibes.”

“Moody, sleepy girl vibes? What does that even mean?”

Are we really doing this right now?

I huff. “I read it in a magazine, okay? The article said painting your bedroom ceiling and walls the same color will enhance your chance at sleeping tranquilly and without interruption.”

Bodhi walks even closer and picks up the gallon paint can from the disposable sheet on the floor. “Did studies also sayPlum Crazywas an appropriate color choice?”

The arrogant bastard is enjoying this.

Without thinking, I swipe paint from my roller brush and flick it at Bodhi’s face. “Oops.” I attempt to act innocent. “It’s most definitely an appropriate color. Wouldn’t you think?”

Bodhi’s mouth drops open in shock before he swipes at the violet paint splatter across his cheek and neck. “Cute,” he tells me, looking oddly relaxed.

Hmm.

I turn back to my task, using a step stool to make sure I get the farthest corners of the ceiling. It took me no less than four hours to get all the walls painted. Although, I may end up needing two coats to make sure it doesn’t look blotchy.

If only I could stretch a little further…

“Here, let me,” Bodhi’s deep voice echoes from behind me, and I feel it as if it were across the most sensitive planes of my skin.

“I got it.” I need to do this on my own. I told Bodhi to let me move on and give me some space. I understand he’s trying to make himself useful, but this is definitely not helping.

I don’t need to see him being kind and domestic.

Bodhi’s hand reaches out to grab my elbow softly. “I know you do. Trust me, I’m aware you are more than capable, Navy. Doesn’t mean I can’t offer.”

I mean, he is a giant.I suppose I can let him help a little.

“Fine. But this isn’t me saying I need your help…it’s me accepting it and realizing your super tall and big…legs…will save me some time.”

Bodhi throws his head back and laughs. Christ, it’s the most full and effortless sound. “My legs?” He grins. “Sure. Glad I can be of service to you.”

I stand back and watch him reach every point I’ve been struggling to paint like it’s his damn job. He doesn’t even need the step stool.

I have to squeeze my eyes shut to fight myself from admiring the way his tree trunk thighs and ass look from behind.

That reach.

“You get tired of looking at your brother on these walls?” Bodhi asks, fixated on the trim.

I breathe out a deep sigh. “You have no idea how terrifying it is to wake up from a deep sleep and the first thing you see in the morning is a close-up of your brother’s face.”

Bodhi chuckles. “I get it.”

“I’ve seen enough pictures of him throughout my life. I don’t need it in my sanctuary.”

It doesn’t help that he’s famous in the sports world.

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