Page 95 of Drop Three

“He’s probably railing Kodi in their secret library upstairs.”

That came from Poppy.

The four of us break out in uncontrollable laughter and I realize it’s been a long time since I’ve laughed like this so openly.

Poppy blushes and it’s sort of cute. “What? Kodi cornered me asking for a stripper pole when Cal wasn’t around.”

Kodiwouldask for a stripper pole. That woman is a loose cannon, and my best friend loves it.

“Hey, guys. Is this where the party’s at?”

Navy.

Unintentionally, I feel my body freeze. She’s right behind me. And I’ll bet my last dollar Briggs is right beside her.

“Navy girl. Looking as gorgeous as ever,” Jethro compliments her. He’s such a kiss-ass.

“St. James. What’s up, man? I thought that was you.” That came from Briggs. His strong hand on my shoulder only confirms it.

I take this moment as my sign to turn around and greet her…and him.

“Ah, Crew Briggs. What a surprise. How’s it going?” I attempt to joke but it feels sour coming out.

He’s a great guy and I’m a bitter old man.

Briggs is the clear winner for Navy.

“Going great, man. Addie’s with her mom this weekend and I’m fortunate to be this beautiful lady’s date.” He looks at Navy with heart eyes, making me want to either barf in his face or throat punch him—maybe both.

Briggs laughs to himself after my lack of response, and I steal the silent opening to allow my eyes to drift to the beauty on his right.

“Navy. You look stunning.” I lean forward to hug and plant a soft kiss on her cheek.

It might just be me, but I’m confident I hear a sharp intake of breath come from her. I don’t stay close enough to linger, pulling away as quickly as I came in.

Her closeness gives me a moment to soak in her vibrant style.

Navy’s womanly figure is wrapped in a strapless lime green dress. It hugs every one of her modest curves and accentuates her small breasts to perfection. In true Navy fashion, multicolored, chunky necklaces lay at the center of her chest, enveloping her slight cleavage. She’s wearing hot pink sandals. They’re those Egyptian looking ones that wrap around her ankles.

No idea what they are, but they make her calf muscles look tantalizing, likely from all the yoga she does.

Her curls are wild and her lipstick is hot pink—just the way I like it.

I’m a big fan of this outfit.

Navy looks killer.

But isn’t she cold? It’s almost February in Atlanta and the high is as low as sixty. It’s much too chilly for a mini dress.

Never thought I’d complain about that.

“Thank you.” Navy hesitates for a moment. “Isn’t this place great?” Her eyes read the room in awestruck wonder.

It is.“It really is. Did you see it before the renovations?” I ask her.

A look of sadness washes over her. “Yeah, I did when Kodi’s parents were still alive. It’s weird without them here, but strangely enough, it feels like they take up the whole space at the same time.”

I nod. I never got to meet Kodi’s parents, having only met her at the beginning of last year when she joined our League as team photographer.

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