Page 11

10

NAVY

Kodi: Hey bitch. How’d your interview with Jack go?

Navy: Eh, it went fine. He wasn’t really in it, you know? I’m not sure what’s up with Tay, but it doesn’t look good.

Kodi: I hate that for them. Did he seem okay after the loss before the World Series playoffs? I didn’t get to talk to him after that game.

Navy: He seemed fine to me. Prob has other things on his mind.

Navy: Also, you suck for not making dinner. I miss you, Kodi.

Kodi: Ugh I’m sorry! I wish I could be there. Your stupidly hot brother planned a date night in, so I really can’t complain.

Navy: Sounds like something old married people do for fun.

Kodi: We are married…remember…you were there…haha

Navy: Trust me, I couldn’t forget if I tried.

Kodi: Y’all have fun tonight! Text me when you get home. Oh! Try their signature drink...I’ve heard it’s fantastic!

Navy: Will do :)

Good grief, it’s freezing out.

My teeth chatter uncontrollably, and my lips feel ten seconds away from frostbite. It should not be this cold in Atlanta. In Georgia, we get random cold days here and there during the holidays, but the thick winter chill comes in the beginning months of the new year.

Despite my efforts, I’m feeling slightly underdressed.

I thank my lucky stars the second I spot a copious number of outdoor solar heaters carefully placed on the patio as I tread my way through the packed parking lot to get to the front entrance of Boone.

Downtown Atlanta is continuously growing, including businesses, schools, and shopping. I’ve grown to appreciate the chaos in the hustle rather than being annoyed by the negatives of living in a lively city.

One thing that makes up for the busyness, however, is the Grand Opening of Boone.

Boone is owned and operated by my good friend, Briggs.

Legally, his name is Crew Briggs, but the guys and I have always called him by his last name.

Briggs played for the Strikers when I came on as an intern two years ago and retired a year later after his daughter was born. He’s the epitome of an ex-military, hard-working outdoorsman.

With the body and abs to show for it, let me tell you.

I have always found it commendable of him to prioritize his daughter’s life and the value of being present for her. It sucked to see him go because he was such an incredible asset to the team and an entertaining player to interview on the field.

When word got out that he was opening his restaurant, everyone and their brother began RSVPing for tonight’s Grand Opening.

The closer I get to the front entrance, the more swept away I am by the rugged beauty that Boone embodies. There are pillars of cedar lining the outer perimeter, resembling rustic columns. Cedar slats connect in an awning-like structure that attaches to the black metal roof, providing cover for outdoor seating. The masculine tones of the wood are the perfect complement to the rich brown leather chairs and modern black square tables that are equally spread out on the patio.

As I pass through the double bifold doors, I see a design similar to that of the patio area. The only difference is the massive bar in the center of the dining room, playing music like an old jukebox.

It feels cozy and inviting.

Very few places in Atlanta will make you feel warm and at home. Boone is now at the top of that list.

I smile, noticing the lack of televisions in this space. It’s invigorating to see people conversing with each other, sharing drinks, eating good food, and spending quality time without television interference. The entire vibe of Boone is classy and brawny, a place I can see myself frequenting and staying for hours.

As the wind’s chill takes flight in my curls, I hustle inside as quickly as possible and search for my friend.

I instantly spot Tenley’s bright blonde hair and tattoos and pivot to find my spot in the booth across from her.

I’ve barely made it an inch in her direction before a deep voice I haven’t heard in ages calls out to me, “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Miss Sailor.”

Briggs.

God, I haven’t been called that since the last time I saw him. It’s been over a year since his farewell dinner with the team.

How have we managed to let that much time pass?

I wouldn’t have called Briggs and me best friends, but he was someone I grew to trust and enjoy his company. He never shied away from what he thought of me, though, always asking me out on dates, and I always turned him down.

I was mindlessly under Luke’s spell at the time, so, truthfully, he never stood a chance. Now that I think about it, I wonder if he saw what I couldn’t with Luke, and that’s why he pursued me so consistently even though I was in a relationship.

I may be naive when it comes to love, but I’m loyal to a fault. That loyalty often seems to be the most significant factor in my downfall.

Don’t get me wrong, Briggs is smoking hot.

Frankly, he’s next-level, smack my ass, and call me daddy hot.

The inferno level of his attractiveness is confirmed the second my eyes find him from across the room, settling in on his tall form mixing drinks behind the bar.

He’s mixing drinks with his eyes on me.

Fascinating.

He would be working the bar on Grand Opening night.

Ever the leader he is.

Crew Briggs has aged like fine wine. Being a new father has done nothing but favors for him, making him appear confident and seasoned, something I never realized I would find so alluring. Briggs’ dark brown hair is tailored into a neat fade that sculpts evenly with his five o’clock shadow. His style reminds me much of my brother, Callaway, and even Bodhi.

Shit. Saying his name out loud makes my heart sink.

Shut it down, Navy—time to move on.

Callaway and Bodhi have more length at the top, whereas Briggs’ is neatly faded all around. It doesn’t take away from the attractiveness he exudes, though. He’s a giant and deliciously muscular.

I like what I see. I like it a lot.

Signaling to Tenley I’ll be right there, I approach Briggs at the bar and decide to play into his name-calling. “Now you know that name never suited me.”

I lean my tall body against the barstool in front of me as I attempt to egg him on with my humorous tone.

Briggs throws his head back and laughs. “And why is that?”

His teasing is comforting and already makes the work-to-play transition that much easier. Briggs and a few of the other players have always called me sailor. When we were first introduced, they mistakenly thought that Coach Leggins had introduced me as a Navy sailor, as in the military, and not a team reporter.

Joke of the year.

It didn’t take long for them to realize my extreme lack of order and discipline—not very Navy soldier-like.

My brows rise on a giggle. “Because you know damn well I’d never last a full five minutes on a sailboat.”

A full smile lights up his face, accompanied by his deep chuckle that I’ve sincerely missed. “Get over here, girl.”

Briggs waves me over to him from behind the bar, and I find myself running, not caring that we’re in the middle of a restaurant. I run to secure a hug from my friend, who has been a stranger for too long, yet it feels like no time has passed.

My arms find the center of his tall frame as I envelop him in a snug embrace. It’s been ages since I’ve hugged anyone, and it feels good to let myself enjoy it. My lengthy hug is likely the reason for the hollering coming from a customer on the other side of the bar, demanding another round, breaking us apart.

I bashfully glance at Briggs and smile. “It’s so good to see you, Briggs.”

“I could say the same thing about you, sailor. You look like a fucking dream.”

I don’t blush easily, but the unexpected compliment from Briggs brightens my cheeks anyway.

He gives a shameless scan of my body as a slow whistle leaves his lips, “I don’t recall a dream ever looking any better now that I think of it.”

Jesus Christ.

“Yeah, yeah, hot shot. Take a number. The waiting list is a mile long.”

I’m only kidding. There’s no such waiting list of men lined up to be with me. That’s my lonely and feeble mind, hoping for some reputable traction.

Again, shutting that down, too.

Briggs doesn’t seem fazed by the potential army of men waiting on my submission. In fact, he takes it in stride.

“Well, in that case, what’s a guy gotta do to get in the front of the line?”

Holy mama . Am I hearing him right?

It sounded a lot like he said he wanted to get in line for my vagina. Or maybe that’s what I wanted to hear because the deprived little tramp is hungry.

Would it be such a bad thing? It’s not like Briggs and I are strangers, and I’m a single woman ready to meet someone worth my time.

He seems like a hopeful chance at that, but no. I told myself I wanted something real and serious—I can’t stray from that.

If only I could get Bodhi and his grumpy self, which my happiness seems to be a magnet for, out of my head.

However, I refuse to be easy.

This is my first time seeing Briggs in over a year, and he’s gonna have to work a lot harder than that for me to give in so quickly.

I’ll play hard to get and see what happens.

“You’re gonna have to put in the work, boss man. I’m not that easily agreeable.”

It feels good to have the upper hand. Although, I’d consider myself a lucky woman to go out with or even get freaky in the sheets with someone as stand-up and good-looking as Briggs. But after being with the same man for so long and ending up hurt, I want to do things right and prioritize myself this time.

That doesn’t mean I’m opposed to dating.

I’d gladly accept an invitation from Briggs or any attractive man who seemed interested, but I won’t sleep with them.

I learned my lesson in Fiji. I’m incapable of not letting the wires cross. As go-with-the-flow as I may seem underneath, I’m aware my biggest insecurity is how much I fucking care, and I won’t let it be the reason I’m hurt again.

“Is that so?” His stare is hyper-fixed on me while a pearly white smirk lingers on his face.

I nod assuredly before attempting to change the subject and do my best to seem confident, even though I’m not. “This place is incredible. You should be proud.”

If he senses my avoidance, he doesn’t show it. Briggs never once drops that carefree smile and decides to entertain my statement.

“It’s been one hell of a process, that’s for sure. I’m proud, but I’m too busy to soak it in, I guess.” I get that.

“You should find a time to celebrate. I’m sure your daughter will be so proud of her successful daddy one day. You deserve to let yourself enjoy that.”

Briggs scrutinizes me like he didn’t expect me to suggest he skip out on work to take time for himself.

“You’re right, I should. But Addie is only a year old, hardly of age to be excited about this. I’ll take it, though. That means a lot for you to say that.”

I nod, hoping he can see the pride I feel for him.

“I should get back to my friend. We’re having a girls’ night.”

“Ah. Using my Grand Opening as an excuse to get out?”

“You know it. Be sure to make those drinks strong, Briggs. I’m known to leave shitty reviews over weak drinks.”

Without another word, I circle the bar and head toward Tenley, the sound of Briggs’ laughter echoing in the distance.

I’ve got dinner and drinks to have with my best girl.

The night isn’t looking too shabby after all.

* * *

Tonight is shit.

I wanted to have a chill night with Tenley, have some drinks, chat, and gossip until our cheeks hurt from laughing so much.

Is it so difficult to ask?

Evidently so, because not only did Briggs make my drinks so fatally strong they’re likely toxic, but he is here.

He is someone I have been training my brain not to think about.

Who the hell invited him?

I don’t realize I said that out loud until I notice Tenley’s frightened stare. Her brows are raised questionably at me as if I should start explaining the reason for my impulsive reaction to Bodhi’s appearance here tonight.

“Um…is there a reason we’re so upset Bodhi and Gus are here?”

She’s playing the good friend, nonchalantly asking me what my issue is so she can best support me.

I love her for that.

One slight problem, though: Tenley knows nothing about Fiji and what happened between Bodhi and me. From her point of view, Bodhi and I have always been friends, and there’s zero explanation as to why it bothers me to be in the same room as him.

I’d be confused, too.

“I…was really looking forward to this being a girls’ night. No boys are allowed at girls’ night from now on. New rule.”

Tenley seems to accept my excuse as she giggles under her breath. “Okay, I’m good with that. But I think he’s here for Briggs, Navy, not us.”

Shit. She’s right.

I may have gotten ahead of myself there. That’s slightly embarrassing, but if anything, at least my impulse established some new nonnegotiables for girls’ night.

I’m not sure what suddenly puts me on edge around Bodhi. I’m used to seeing him at work every day, and last month, I was at his house for a movie night with our group of friends.

Maybe it’s because of the conversation we had.

He made it clear he wanted us to be friends, and I chose to go along with it because I’d much rather have Bodhi as a friend than not have Bodhi in my life at all.

Then, at his house, when I specifically said I was there as his friend , he shut down on me and checked out of our conversation.

He’s the most infuriating and confusing man I’ve ever met.

If I could wish on a damn shooting star right now, I’d wish away these hopeless feelings I have for him still lingering in my heart.

There’s nothing worse than feeling something more than friendship for someone so deeply while your feelings aren’t reciprocated. It’s unfair to be the one deep in the pits of heartbreak as the other person carries on without a care in the world.

There’s got to be a way to make these feelings disappear for good.

Unfortunately, not one idea comes to mind, as the sight of Bodhi walking toward me quite literally steals my breath away.

God, has he always been this delectable, or am I seeing him with new eyes? The eyes of someone who can’t have something she very clearly wants.

For being as quiet and simple as Bodhi is, he has every straight woman in this bar breaking her neck to steal a glance at his handsomeness.

The confidence he has is contagious and only exemplifies his attractiveness.

Doing my best not to let him see me blatantly checking him out, I subtly run my gaze up and down him in my peripherals—I’ve always been good at not being obvious in my feasting.

It’s a skill I’ve mastered beautifully.

Bodhi’s tall and muscular frame is hard to miss. How the hell does one man get to be so damn tall? He must have drunk all the milk growing up. My mom used to say to me as a child, “ Milk makes you big and strong .” That’s likely the reason I hate it with a burning passion and poured it into our family dog’s bowl when she wasn’t looking.

The last few times I’ve seen Bodhi this offseason, he’s been underdressed, which is my favorite attire for him. But today, the sexy Adonis is looking like a smoke show.

911, there’s a fire in the building.

His broad shoulders stretch the black cotton T-shirt he’s wearing. There’s no way he’s not suffocating himself with all that muscle squeezed into such little fabric. Maybe he should take it off?

No. No. No.

A black leather jacket envelops those heavy biceps he’s busted his ass off in the gym to build. Don’t even get me started on his thighs. I have a kink for an ass and thighs that bulge out so far cocking my head is necessary for getting the whole view.

And what a view it is.

Bodhi almost always dresses in black. Or gray on occasion. It’s strange because I am the complete opposite—vibrant color makes me feel my best self. But for some unknown reason, I’ve never found black sexier than I do when it’s masterfully clinging to his shape.

I’m not one to believe in coincidences, but Bodhi’s style often seems to replicate what’s inside me, and I firmly believe that Bodhi hides the color inside him.

He wears a mask to cover the pain.

Most people don’t see him so analytically, but I can’t help but analyze every part of him—at least every part he lets me see.

Black jeans kiss his thick thighs while the black combat boots on his feet give him an edgier look than he already has. Bodhi’s dirty blond hair is clean-cut on the sides and tossed messily. It’s such a contrast to his tan skin and black outfit, but it makes the light green of his eyes stand out luminously. His eyes resemble crystals, giving off a vampiric vibe from the striking glow.

He’s ethereal.

And he also caught me staring. Shit. I turn my head, stupidly lost in my obsession with him.

This is not healthy for me.

But Bodhi, being himself, hardly acknowledges my existence, with his hands tucked into his pockets as he and Gus approach our table.

I could bet my red Mercedes right now that Gus was the one who suggested coming over here. Bodhi would be perfectly fine hiding in a corner all night by himself.

Fine by me. He’s my friend, but it’s obvious the space we have been giving each other is more than necessary for us to get over this awkward hurdle.

My eyes find Tenley the closer they get, and I’m surprised to see her staring at the wall beside us in the opposite direction. What the hell? What does she have to be nervous about? She was literally questioning me for acting the same way.

“Tenley,” I whisper sharply, hoping she catches my urgency for her attention.

Her head swings in my direction. “Yeah? What’s up?”

I ask, “Why are you looking at the wall? At least look at me. You look like you want to lick it or something.”

Tenley laughs forcefully, and I find myself, once again, trying to analyze why she seems so caught off guard.

“Shit, okay. It’s just…why does Gus have to look like that?”

Huh? “Like what? I’m so confused.”

“Like he’s…he’s all hot and has big plans to fuck Betty in the bathroom stall and stuff…”

This conversation is taking a strange turn.

“Who’s Betty, Tenley?”

Her cheeks turn bright red. “Betty? God, it doesn’t matter. They’re right here. Play it cool.”

What in the world? We are some strange-ass women. No wonder we’re both single with the inability to properly mingle.

I refuse to look at them and wait to see which side of Bodhi we’re working with tonight—semi-chatty or closed off.

“What’s up, losers?”

My eyes bulge out of their sockets. Who is this woman, and what happened to my anxious friend from minutes ago?

Gus takes in Tenley like he’s ready to sift through baby names with her. Although, Tenley would never go there with him. Gus is known for having a rotating door of women, and he holds no shame in it. He loves pussy more than the average man and gets it however he can.

His bright smile confirms the effect I’m sure he has on his frequent conquests. “So it’s that kind of night, huh?”

At first, I thought he meant the empty bar drinks littered across our table, but it’s evident he meant the snarkiness coming from Tenley.

Tenley holds up her lemon drop martini and performs a silent toast in Gus’s direction before chugging it back. “You know it, pretty boy.”

I’m beginning to sense some sexual tension here. Tenley is the strong one of our bunch. She’s gorgeous in every sense of the word but would never be caught dead as someone’s doormat or second choice.

She’s the only damn option.

If only she could teach me her ways.

Bodhi looks like he’d rather be anywhere but here. Except, his greeting surprises me.

“Hey, Ten. Navy. Mind if we sit?” Okay, so semi-chatty it is.

I wasn’t expecting that. I knew he would be cordial, but I had at least predicted some reserve.

I decide this is my chance to speak, “Sure. Take a seat.”

I hate this side of me. I’m always the life of the goddamn party, and if I don’t change how I react to this infuriating man, I’ll lose myself in the process.

Without warning, Gus slides in next to Tenley, making himself comfortable, while Bodhi has no other option but to sit by me. The second his massive frame slides in close, my senses become hyperaware of the smell I fight to avoid.

Woods and leather.

I’d imagine a man in the Mafia would smell similar to that. He’s red-blooded and so damn untouchable—like a drug. He’s most comfortable in the outdoors and performing manly tasks, which explains masculine scent.

I sound like a lovesick puppy.

I turn my head in Bodhi’s direction to face him head-on. I realize the error of my ways as the natural beauty in his features takes me aback.

I smile at him, hoping we can surrender and wave a white flag or something to trash this tension.

A slight smirk plays on his lips, and he asks, “How was your day?”

That was really…kind.

But Bodhi has always been kind, so I’m not sure why his question surprised me so much.

“It was long, but it’s over now and slowly getting better. Thanks for asking.”

He nods.

“How was your day? You been training a lot since the season ended?”

I can see his body release a heavy exhale, as if he’s thankful the conversation is shifting to something more manageable.

“I haven’t had much field time, but I’ve been in the gym every day.”

“Yeah, I can tell.” Jesus fucking Christ.

My hand instantly covers my mouth, and I can feel my face take on the color of a ripe tomato. “I mean…cool.”

An effortless smile emerges from Bodhi, and although he caught me, I’m thankful he doesn’t bring attention to my forwardness. Not that I didn’t bring attention to it enough on my own.

“Yeah, it’s cool .” He attempts to hide his soft chuckle, but I can hear it as if it were ringing in my ears.

We’ve had one conversation, and I’ve already embarrassed myself. I’m supposed to be playing hard to get, not letting him know I can tell his muscles have grown.

Lucky for my pride, the conversation between Tenley and Gus grabs Bodhi’s attention before I have to grin and bear it through pointless small talk.

I tune into the conversation as Gus says, “I didn’t know she had three nipples when we were at the bar! I found out when her bra came off on my bedroom floor.”

Laughter breaks out around us.

Gus is one of those guys who is hilariously unpredictable. You have to tread carefully around him because you never know what will come out of his mouth. Thus, it makes sense why women are drawn to him.

He’s also hot as fuck.

People who know him, though, know it’s an advantage he proudly capitalizes on. I think the entire team has lost count of the number of phone numbers Gus has stuffed his gym bag with after games. It’s almost as if all the man has to do is flash his pretty teeth that help showcase his perfectly groomed mustache and flex an ab or two.

Such a hard life he lives.

But Tenley tests his limits.

She’s one of the most gorgeous women I’ve ever known, inside and out, but she doesn’t give Gus an ounce of hope in ever having a chance with her.

It’s hilarious to sit back and watch their natural banter.

“Gus, you need to be more careful. Do you even ask questions?”

Gus cocks a brow at her. “What kind of question is that, princess? Of course I get the lay of the land before the honeys come to town.”

His wink sends Bodhi and me over the edge in hysterics.

I can’t help but look at Bodhi as we laugh together. It sounds cliché to say, but it’s really nice to hear him laugh. It’s been so long that I almost forgot what his deep and gravelly chuckle sounds like.

In a way, he seems lighter.

Still naturally grumpy, but light.

“You’re a disgusting man, August Graves.”

“Only for you, princess.” His animated, puckered lips head straight toward Tenley while she bats him away like a disease.

“Why don’t you go over there and find one of your honeys to put those nasty lips on?”

Gus turns around to read the room—such an idiot sometimes.

I speak up, “Gus, save it for Delta. Tonight is about Briggs.”

Bodhi and Gus perk up, making me think they forgot why they were here for a second. Although I wasn’t expecting them to come, I knew Briggs invited them.

“Oh shit. St. James, let’s go congratulate our boy.”

Bodhi replies, “Looks like we don’t have to because he’s headed our way.”

All four heads turn toward the man himself.

Bodhi and Gus stand to greet Briggs with the typical man chest-bump hug. Honestly, I’ll never truly know what that greeting is called.

“My boy! This place is dope.” Gus lavishes Briggs with praise.

Bodhi cuts in, patting him firmly on the back. “Proud of you, man. You’ve come a long way.”

There’s no possible way to hide the pride igniting Briggs’ face. He’s proud of all he’s accomplished, and he deserves to hear about it from his friends.

Tenley and I linger in the booth, giving the guys some time to catch up. Knowing I’ve already had my moment to congratulate Briggs, I don’t expect to be included in their guy talk, but Briggs surprises me by directing everyone’s attention to me anyway.

“Sailor, those whiskey sours up to your liking?”

He’s so damn cute. Even so, he’s got nothing on the man in black beside him who spikes my heart rate in an instant.

I reply nonchalantly, “Can’t you tell? I’ve reached the point of no return. I’m feeling greaaaat.” I am .

If I had known all it would take was a whiskey sour and my friends to take away the exhaustion after a long day, I’d have done this after work more often.

The three beautiful men standing in front of Tenley and I embody masculine intimidation—like they’ll either fuck you up or fuck you.

Don’t make me pick.

I’m confident in my choice; it certainly won’t be the former.

The gene pools of these families are strong and healthy, that’s for sure.

“That’s what I like to hear,” Briggs responds.

I lift my head to see Briggs securing a slip of paper from his pocket and placing it in front of me with a sly smile. I grab it and examine it closely.

“A receipt?” I ask. “But where’s my actual bill? It shows our drinks and food were paid for.”

He better not have paid for us on his opening night. I’m all for helping out a friend, but I’m also a major advocate for supporting a small business and paying in full, especially with friends.

No one is reacting except for Briggs, who is still smirking.

“It’s on the house.”

“No, absolutely not. I won’t let yo?—”

He cuts me off, completely dodging my argument, “Flip it over.”

I turn the wrinkled receipt over and find a number scribbled across the back— a phone number.

“Is this our waiter trying to get in my pants? I really tried to send him not-interested vibes, but it seems I’m irresistible.”

Tenley snorts, reminding me that she, Bodhi, and Gus are still here—listening and watching my interaction with Briggs.

Oh, wait. Is this what I think it is? Is Briggs actually?—

“Go out with me, sailor.” My head darts up, searching for answers, but I only find green eyes filled with shock and something that looks oddly similar to panic.

I shift my eyes to Briggs, ignoring Bodhi’s reaction as I say, “Briggs.”

That’s all I’ve got. I’m unsure if that came across as a warning or a pathetic attempt to turn him down. I meant it as more of a question. I already turned him down gently earlier; I guess this is his attempt at trying harder.

His eyes never leave mine. “This is me working harder. You don’t have to decide now. Hell, take my number, and let’s find time to reconnect. I’ve missed you, and I’d also like a chance with you.”

Well, shoot. Briggs has a set of balls on him.

Hopefully a useful pair, if I’m lucky down the road, too.

He asked me out shamelessly in front of his friends in a crowded restaurant.

The mopey side of me wants to decline. It’s less about me being mopey and more about moping over the dreamboat beside him—who I still can’t look at. But I try to remind myself that he had his chance, and this is about me doing something I want for a change with someone who isn’t afraid to show they want me.

That’s exactly what I asked for. But I refuse to be that agreeable.

“I’ll consider it.” I send him a flirty smile, hoping he catches on to my disguised excitement.

Briggs smiles. “I look forward to it.” He turns to the group. “Gotta get back. Thank you, guys, for showing up tonight. It means a lot. We all gotta get together sometime. And, sailor, I’ll be waiting on that call.”

Without another word, Briggs turns and heads back toward the bar.

I have yet to move, and a slow smile sneaks across my face as my eyes scan the three people in front of me. Tenley is grinning, Gus is grinning, and Bodhi…his fists clench, and a look of raw frustration crosses his face.

Gus is the first to speak as everyone, except for Bodhi, takes a seat.

“I didn’t know you had it in you, Navy girl.”

He’s so annoying, but he’s lucky I love him anyway.

“Gus, I’m perfectly capable of landing a date with a good-looking and successful man.” I hope I sound as confident as I want to feel.

“Oh, don’t I know it! You couldn’t do much better than Crew Briggs.”

I could…

“Yeah, well, nothing is even planned yet, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Tenley chimes in, “You are going to call him, right? That man is gorgeous. If you don’t have a go at him, I call dibs next.”

“Jesus Christ, Ten,” Gus huffs.

I laugh, starting to feel excited for a change. I’m not sure when I’ll find the courage to call or even text Briggs, but I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ll be right back.” Bodhi.

He’s been quiet and eerily still. My eyes follow his stride as he escapes to the bathroom. That’s precisely what he’s doing—escaping.

“What’s his deal?” I ask Gus and Tenley.

They both laugh like I’m supposed to know what the hell is happening.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Gus asks.

Someone better speak the fuck up and stop talking in a foreign tongue.

“He’s in love with you,” Tenley blurts out louder than necessary.

I promise you, an aneurysm is in my near future because every one of my body parts just shuffled out of place. “You’re delusional.”

Little do they know how clearly Bodhi wrote out the lack of feelings he actually has for me. Nope, I’m not falling for that bullshit.

“Navs, you know how much he cares about you. I mean, after everything that happened with Luke. For Christ’s sake, he was practically losing sleep over the idea of you not having a safe place to sleep after everything with Jared.”

Tenley is right. But it doesn’t justify anything that came before—things she doesn’t know about, and I promised myself I would keep quiet.

“And I gave him a night until I found a place to stay, which I did.”

“Yeah, my place, I remember. Until you left to stay in a run-down motel!” Something tells me I’m not winning myself any favors with Tenley right now. I can tell she means well, but I’m confused about where this is coming from.

“What the hell, Navy? You left? Does Bodhi know?” Gus.

I’m choosing to ignore him because I don’t owe Bodhi anything.

Like the wonderful friend she is, Tenley decides to speak for me, “Of course he doesn’t. She knows he would shit a brick.”

“Lovely illustration, Tenley.”

Her arms are crossed, and her body is thrown back against the booth seat. It seems like I’ve hurt her somehow, and I hate that. I only left her condo because I didn’t want to overstay my welcome. I know I’m a lot to handle, coming with many suitcases and a hearty appetite, but I won’t be a burden to someone else’s life.

“You need to tell him, Navy. He’ll be more upset if he finds out on his own.” I appreciate Gus’s suggestion, but I genuinely feel I don’t have to tell Bodhi anything that doesn’t concern him.

“Gus, I don?—”

“Tell me what?” Bodhi.

I look at Tenley and Gus. “Great. Thanks a lot, guys.”