Page 36 of Body Check
Dutton: Look at me.
Bridgette: I am, but why are you asking me if you look like you’re about to go on a murderous rampage?
Dutton: Dammit, that’s not a no. I’m asking because Blue always tells me that even though I think I’m smiling, I look angry. So, I do look like I’m about to go on a crime spree?
Bridgette: Maybe a little bit. But not in a creepy way. More in a murder-for-hire or motorcycle club kinda way. You don’t look unhinged. Just lethal.
Dutton: If that’s a compliment, I’ll take it.
When Liza comes out with a tray of food, everyone descends on it, but I hang back to get a little more sun. And to flirt via text with Dutton. It’s wrong, but I just can’t help it. He’s right here and impossible to ignore. What’s scarier is the fact that I don’t want to ignore him. I’m actively choosing him over my brother, even if I am hiding it, and that’s not something I’m used to. Bran’s been my best friend since birth. Yes, we have our own separate lives, but how separate are they, really? When I could no longer tolerate living at home, I finally gave in to Bran’s pleading and moved here. Our lives are intertwined, and I don’t know what’s going to happen when he finds out about my relationship with Dutton. And yes, that’s when, not if. I’m not in any hurry to break the news, but I’m also hoping that things with Dutton stay as wonderful as they are right now. But I can’t have both. It’s impossible to think of a world where my brother knows who I’m dating and is actually okay with it. Will I have to choose between them? How could I ever make that choice?
Luckily, before I can go too far down the doom spiral, my phone chimes. Dutton jumped in the pool earlier to cool off, but now he’s gathered with the rest of the guys, chowing down onsnacks. I can see his phone in his hand and his thumb moving across the screen.
Dutton: I’ve got bad news.
That one sentence is enough to send me right back to the doom spiral.
Bridgette: Oh my God... Does my brother know about us? Did he say something?
Dutton: No. But I’ll tell him right now if you say the word. I’ll tap him on the shoulder and claim you the way I’ve been dying to. The way you deserve.
Bridgette: You can’t do that. He’ll lose his shit.
Dutton:And then he’ll get over it.
Bridgette:You don’t know him like I do. I’m serious. He can’t know. Not yet. Are you still okay with that? And Blue won’t say anything?
Dutton: No, I’m not okay with it. It pisses me off. But if it’s what you need, it’s fine. For now. And our secret’s safe with Blue. I’d trust him with my life.
Bridgette:Thank you. I know I’m asking a lot, so thank you. Okay, what’s this bad news you were about to tell me?
Dutton: It’s about your bikini.
Bridgette: The bikini you were salivating over earlier?
Dutton: That’s the one.
Bridgette: I thought you liked it. In fact, this text thread shows that less than an hour ago you told me I looked “good enough to fucking eat.”.
Dutton: Oh, that’s still true. It’s a scientific fact that you look hot as fuck in everything. And five minutes ago, I’d have giventhe bikini a score of ninety-nine out of ten. But now I know better.
Bridgette: 99/10? Why’d I lose a point?!
Dutton: Too much fabric
Bridgette: It’s a bikini! There’s hardly any!
Dutton: It’s still too much. I don’t make the rules, Bridgette.
Bridgette: Well, I’m not getting scissors and turning it into a thong just to make you happy, so you’ll have to deal with it.
Dutton: You’re no fun. There’s another issue, though. When you were holding JT’s baby earlier, I think she drooled on you, maybe? There’s a mark on your left tit.
Bridgette: How can you see that from all the way at the other end of the pool??
Dutton: I have a lot of practice spotting things from a distance. It’s kinda my job.
Bridgette: You said my left boob? I don’t see it.
