Page 88 of Drop Three

His thumb reaches out to touch my cheek and I wish my body were on the same page as my heart and reacted to his touch. But I stay still.

He can’t do this.

“You’re sending mixed signals, Bodhi. It’s not fair.” He pulls back like I burned him but doesn’t relent.

“It’s the truth, Navy. You can hate me all you want but it doesn’t make it any less true. I can’t help it. I’m always gonna look out for you.”

“I don’t need a savior,” I tell him, my tone short.

Bodhi grins. It’s like he’s made of steel and nothing affects him.

“Everyone needs saving every once in a while.”

“Yeah, well, not me. I’ve made it this far on my own.”

I’m not sure what feeling comes over him but he looks strangely sad.

“You’re right,” he says. It’s as if a switch flipped and back is stone-cold Bodhi. “Ceiling should be good. Let it dry.”

I nod, staying painfully still. “Thanks.”

He gathers the wet painting materials and folds them up into the disposable drop cloth while securing the lid on the paint and grabbing it all with both hands.

“Just leave it. I can clean it,” I say.

He ignores me and walks to the door. “Navy.”

I turn around to face him. “You’re doing a great job. You should be proud of yourself. I know I am.”

Then he turns and walks out the door, leaving me speechless in a freshly painted room without a single mess to clean.

I guess that’s one way to help me move on.

27

NAVY

“Wouldyou make yourself useful and grab the Biscoffs out of the pantry, please?”

Pshh.Kodi would ask me to get her Biscoffs. I, unfortunately, had the misfortune of hearing all about her kinky little escapade with my brother in her office a few months back.

Burn and permanently bleach my brain, please.

I would have lived a very happy and healthy life without knowing all those dirty details.

Kodi being my best friend and also married to my brother comes with its challenges, that’s for sure, but I’m happy for them. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Cal happy, and it looks good on him. Kodi, too.

My eyes follow Kodi around the kitchen—I’m checking out my best friend. Her long brown hair looks teased in a messy, cute kind of way. She’s not quite as tall as me, but she’s got curves I’d kill for. Her bright green eyes and year-round tan make her look like a beach knockout.

Good thing she practically lives there.

“How many people are you expecting, anyway?” I ask Kodi.

“About fifty,” Callaway answers for her, startling us out of nowhere.

He just got home from the gym.

I hand Kodi the cookies as my eyes bulge in shock at the number of guests they’re expecting.

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