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BODHI

3 MONTHS EARLIER

Fiji

“Run, B! It’s pouring!”

I follow behind Navy, running toward the showers to avoid the incoming thunderstorm.

What were Kodi and Callaway thinking when they booked us a hot springs and mud pool treatment in Fiji? They likely wanted to give us the best experience possible, but Fijian afternoon showers are unpredictable.

I can’t believe they’re married.

It feels surreal. My best friend is a married man.

He found his soul mate, and I couldn’t be happier for him and Kodi.

They wanted their guests to have an authentic Fijian experience while they honeymooned on the opposite side of the island.

It’s convenient for them and a cool advantage for us.

The purpose of a mud pool is to soak yourself in the mucky mud, allow it to dry, and then switch to the multi-level temperature hot spring to rinse and give your body time to slowly release its toxins.

However, we didn’t make it that far.

We started the experience with Navy and Cal’s parents at a brunch hosted by the resort at the springs. The food was delicious but didn’t seem to sit well with Mrs. Hayes seeing as how she only made it thirty minutes before hurling up her meal.

In turn, leading Mr. Hayes to escort her out and leave Navy and me here—alone.

We only got as far as soaking in the thick brown mud pool and letting it harden to concrete on our skin before a staff member forced us to evacuate the hot springs area due to potential lightning.

A storm is rolling in, and we’re covered in filth, without a spring to clean us.

Damn. I was really looking forward to it.

The resort staff reassured us when we got here that they have a section closed off for the hot springs customers to utilize in the event of bad weather.

This is looking like one of those moments.

However, Navy runs without an established destination to guide her, and I trust her anyway.

The side reserved for us is scarce of people, likely because our group was in the last session of the day. The Fijian culture is private, and they seem to show genuine appreciation for intimacy—hence only four to a party, and now we’re down to two.

I don’t understand the urgency in Navy running, but it’s liberating. It’s been years since I’ve had this kind of fun. Since we arrived on the island, we’ve been together every second.

It’s been one of the best weekends of my life.

Last night is one I won’t forget as I think back on the dance we shared under the coastal bungalow.

Nights in Fiji are enthralling.

The sky glitters with stars full of life and zeal. It’s a place one would dream of spending forever in. It’s incredibly romantic—not something I should have been thinking with Navy in my arms.

The song “A Drop In The Ocean” by Ron Pope floated through the Fijian skies as I enveloped Navy’s soft body close to mine, and danced in uninterrupted peace. This was when I finally became transparent about my growing feelings for her. If I’m being honest with myself, I’ve been slowly pulled under her spell, leaving me wildly enamored by her charm.

I’m having a really fucking hard time fighting it.

Navy is a walking temptation and her presence is constant. I’ve fought like hell to distract myself with other things to keep her out of my thoughts.

It’s useless.

She’s been a better friend to me these last few months than some of my teammates. I’d be a fool not to fall for someone so inwardly beautiful.

I notice how she treats her friends—she’s kind and loyal.

I notice how she loves Callaway—she lacks judgment and loves big.

I notice how hard she works—she’s dedicated and driven.

I also notice how well she cares for me—she’s intentional and trusting.

Two things that were once very unfamiliar to me.

I want to enjoy her company without the fucked-up thoughts of my mistakes and her brother lingering in the shadows.

Navy is all Callaway has, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how solid and strong their bond is.

Time has passed on the island faster than I’d like, and I plan to make the most of the last day here with her.

I’ve decided and am past the point of changing my mind.

Consequences be damned.

Navy and I have gotten closer over the last couple of months since her breakup with Luke, and even before that. She’s been a great friend, and I’m beginning to see there’s much more to her than lipstick and reporting—or how naturally stunning she is.

For so long, I’ve held myself hostage from my feelings, thinking I don’t deserve the happiness that often shoves itself in my face, begging me to embrace it.

That happiness is looking a lot like Navy, lately.

I don’t want to fight it any longer.

“Hang right,” I shout, noticing the locker room sign ahead.

Navy pivots quickly and I follow.

“Over there! Good eye, B. Let’s get this mud off.”

Navy leads us into the empty locker room, and the gravity of it being the two of us sets in. It looks like the hot springs staff has left for the day, as I notice a wall lined with empty lockers.

“The showers should be right over here…aha!” She sounds so excited and makes me question if I’m the only one who’s nervous.

Not that I’m expecting anything to happen between us—only hopeful.

My eyes follow where Navy stands a few feet from the shower opening, waiting for me to meet her. She’s covered head to toe in hardened mud, and once again, still manages to make me forget why I’ve fought this chemistry between us for so long.

My large frame stills at the sight of her. She’s breathtaking.

Her hair is a disheveled mess with crusted mud everywhere, and she’s never looked more beautiful.

It’s likely because I know what lies beneath her mud suit: a silver metallic bikini with the slinkiest strings and minimal fabric. Her perky ass is framed by the thin V that leads down the dip of her cheeks, enhancing the plumpness in them. All the yoga Navy does has paid off.

She’s slim, toned, and perfectly proportioned.

I send her a nod. “You go ahead, I’ll jump in after.”

She shakes her head. “Absolutely not. We’re covered in disgusting mud. Neither of us are waiting another second to get this shit off our bodies.”

I find myself advancing on her, but not for what she thinks.

I grab the shower curtain above her head and use my other hand to guide her into the shower, attempting to pull the curtain closed. “Go on, Navy. I’ll wait. Take your time.”

A loud giggle erupts from her mouth as she surprises me by pulling me into the shower alongside her. “Oops. Too late.”

Navy’s mischievous grin has me covering a chuckle.

I shouldn’t be in here with her, but I can’t make myself turn around to leave. Her body has already found its way under the shower stream, and I’m transfixed. I watch mud begin to slowly run down her legs, coloring the water at the drain.

The shower is large enough to bathe a family of ten.

It’s massive in size and luxurious in style. The rain shower head is close to two feet wide, allowing the water to cascade down in a healthy volume. Seafoam-textured tiles line the walls to the shower floor, giving the room a tranquil coastal vibe paired with the steam from the heat. A eucalyptus plant is wrapped around the bottom of the shower head, sending a relaxing and riveting aroma throughout the room.

It feels sexy and erotic.

Especially with my current view of Navy leaning her head back in the hot stream as I watch the mud slowly wash away from her soft skin.

I’m still standing on the outer perimeter, fucking biting my lip like a starved man ready to feast. And mother fucking god am I ready to dive in.

Fuck the consequences and claim her for myself.

“Come on in, catcher. The water feels incredible.” She smiles with her eyes closed, and my hands itch to caress her face as I drink in the freckles perfectly sprinkled across her rosy cheeks.

Navy covered in water and mud is any man’s wet dream.

At this moment, I lose the battle against myself.

I prowl to her, slowly and cautiously, trying my hardest not to scare her but to let her feel my steady approach.

“ Mhmm. B, this place is amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever had a shower this hot.”

Me neither, sweet girl. Me neither.

I’ll finally be able to gauge where Navy and I stand.

If I touch her and she pulls away, I’ll confirm she’s not interested, and we can revert back to normal—hopefully. But if I touch her and she leans in, or gives me any inkling she wants more, it’s game over.

Her hair is saturated in mud, and there is plenty still covering her body, giving me time to plan my next move. The arching of Navy’s back in the water outlines the perfect tilt of her neck and my eyes draw to the thin slope of her abs down the middle of her stomach.

Jesus. She’s glistening.

Where should I touch her first?

The mud covers her breasts and bottom half almost entirely, except for random areas, leaving that territory out for now.

“Bodhi?” she calls for me, but doesn’t dare leave the stream of warmth she’s bathing in.

My body is so close to hers I can feel the heat radiating from her skin, smell the lingering fragrance of her perfume, and see the pigment of her wet eyelashes brightening up the freckles across her skin.

If Navy were in a museum, she’d be the main exhibit—the selected showcase to be admired. I’d admire her as a sketch. A sketch that held so much depth it wouldn’t need paint to enhance its beauty.

“I’m here,” I whisper near her as my forefinger runs up the path of her side, causing goosebumps to flood her smooth, pale skin.

A sharp breath leaves her as my gentle touch wanders, only advancing further in my pursuit. With one hand touching her side, my opposite finds the sliver of her stomach and holds on.

“Bodhi…what…what are you doing?” She’s relaxed, no longer washing her hair, but standing steady with her eyes closed.

My mouth ghosts the side of her neck as I whisper loud enough for her to hear me, “I’m touching you. Is this okay?”

Her tiny whimpers stir something inside me, causing my dick to bulge against the hardened mud covering my boardshorts.

“Yes.” Navy nods quickly, sending my desire for her to its pinnacle.

“Thank fuck.”

And I’m on her. My arms find the bottom of Navy’s ass as I lift her and walk us to the wall at her back. Thankfully, everything in this shower is giant in size, leaving us plenty of room to move. Although Navy is tall, she feels weightless in my arms.

“Hold on, baby. Wrap those long legs around me tight.”

A moan escapes her, sending vibrations of heat to my aching cock.

“Fuck, Navy. I’ve wanted to touch you like this for so long.”

“Mhm. Me too, B. I never thought you would.”

I can’t hear anything past “me too.” Navy has wanted me to touch her, and I’ve been dealing her the friend card all this time? I’m an idiot.

I’ve always been a hands-on learner, though.

Consider this a lesson learned.

My mouth finds the center of her chest as I run my lips over every surface I can reach, not giving one single fuck about the mud. I won’t be satisfied until I’ve touched every inch of her.

I’m trying my best not to rush, but I’ve craved this woman for so damn long it feels nearly impossible to take it slow. I gently place her feet on the shower floor and notice her body still as if she thinks I’m retreating.

Not a chance, beautiful. “Lift your arms against the wall, Navy. Don’t move until I say so, understood? I’m going to taste you.”

Navy’s breathing picks up faster. “Hell yes.”

I can’t help but laugh, my lips meeting the curve of her left shoulder as she shudders against me. “There’s my queen of shit talk.”

I seem to have rendered her speechless because I don’t get a response from the woman who always has something to say.

“That’s fine, you don’t have to talk. Let me do the talking for you.”

My head descends the length of her body as my lips cover her warm skin. I work hard to edge my touch directly on her, lighting our bodies on fire. The feel of her small breasts against my chest, though covered in mud, ignites a feral passion inside of me.

Not only is Navy the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, but she’s the woman who has accepted every part of me.

She makes me deliriously happy.

Happy she sees something in me I’ve been convinced is nonexistent.

But this erotic side of her is the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.

Her body is naturally sexy—even more now, she knows how to roll her hips and tease me to the point of paralysis.

My hips can’t help but drive into her, making her moan loud enough to wake the dead. “Mhm. I…I…”

“Hmm. She’s speechless. Would you look at that?” I tease.

Navy’s words come out heavy and clear, “You wish. I’m waiting for you to grow some balls and touch me like a real man.”

There’s my snarky firecracker. You asked for it, baby.

My hands reach to squeeze the globes of her ass as I lower down to my knees and flip her body around swiftly, throwing her against the wall.

The bite I take into her full ass cheek sends a loud screech from her lips. Fuck, she’s silky and perfect. She’s perfect for me.

“Baby girl, I’m as real as it gets. Wait till you see my cock.”

A yelp leaves her mouth, showing me I surprised her.

So responsive .

Water cascades down my back as I rise to my feet, dragging my hands along the sides of Navy’s legs while I move.

My chest finds her upper back and I pull her body into me.

Navy is tall, but I’m taller. Tall women are my Achilles’ heel.

The stature of Navy’s legs, and how they elongate every curve across her body, drives me mad.

“How about we wash this mud off you, hmm?”

Her whispered agreement excites me. “Sure.”

My hand reaches for the body wash dispenser on the wall beside me, and I pump an allotted amount into my palm. Navy is painstakingly still as my hands find her back and massage small circles across her skin, washing the mud away.

She’s intoxicating like this.

Navy may have been dirty coming in here, but I’ll make sure she’s filthy when she leaves.

I run my calloused hands along the smoothness of her skin, following the path of her spine to the fullness of her ass, and back up to the valley of her breasts.

I move cautiously, testing how far she’ll let me explore.

My hands slide across the sensitive sides of her breasts before wrapping around her front and covering the roundness of them. The soap does well at rinsing away the mud in seconds, allowing the fabric of her tiny bikini to be felt against my touch. I know what’s underneath that little piece of cloth.

I haven’t seen it firsthand, but my fantasies have been well acquainted.

Navy’s body squirms for release. I can feel the anticipation seeping from her heated skin. She’s wound up tight, and right now, I’m the only one with the ability to control her pleasure.

At the feel of her breasts cupped in my hands, a loud grunt escapes my lips. “Fuck, these tits. The perfect handful.”

“They’re small,” Navy cries out with a moan.

I pinch the bud of her nipple through the triangular fabric. “I want to bury my face in them and watch my cock slip in and out.”

I drive my hard cock into her backside as a wild groan escapes me.

I’m still in my board shorts, but most of the mud is washed off, letting her feel the size of my length pressed against her.

“You…you feel huge. There’s no way that won’t break me,” Navy pleads.

My chuckle fades into moans as I caress the upper part of her breasts. I pull the tiny fabric to the side, baring her breasts free, and grabbing a handful of her fullness.

I pepper soft kisses across Navy’s back as my hands knead and massage her perfect little tits. They fit right, like I know her pussy will fit perfectly wrapped around my cock.

Soon.

Realizing I’m missing out on the view, I turn Navy rapidly and pin her back against the wall. My growl turns animalistic at the sight of her rosy pink nipples that have turned to sharp peaks, ready to be sucked.

“I had to see them.” Adrenaline courses through my body, trying to slow down my doubling heart rate and take her in—to appreciate the jaw-dropping view standing almost naked before me.

Navy’s skin is washed clean of mud except for her legs. The clean slate allows me to witness the ramifications of my kissing and biting across her body. She trembles in mind-numbing pleasure and her eyes are hazy with lust.

I’m likely her doppelg?nger because I feel equivalent.

It’s almost as if in this moment we’re taking a breather and letting the extent of how far we’ve gone settle. This woman is the entire package, and yet she’s granting me the honor of seeing her this way—vulnerable and bare.

It’s a beautiful indication of her trust in me.

My trust in her is the same. My guard around Navy was lifted long before I realized it, making me comfortable enough to risk any long-term problems.

I stalk toward her again, watching as her eyes graze over me. “You should take something off. It’s only fair,” she says.

I should.

My lips smirk and I know she sees it because she moans again, deliriously anticipating my next move.

“That would make it too easy for you. Gotta keep you on the edge, sweet girl.”

Navy bites back, “Fuck you, Bodhi.”

“Trust me, I’m trying. These things take time, and I like to enjoy my favorite things.”

My tall frame meets her front as I bend down to take her deliciously swollen nipple into my mouth.

“You…are…an arrogant…tease,” she whimpers on bated breath.

I chuckle at her. “Happy to serve you.”

“Oh, god. Bodhi. I’ve wanted you for so long, and to finally have you like this…it’s everything.”

My lips cover her tight bud as my tongue licks and sucks it into my mouth.

“You feel perfect on my lips.”

“ Mhm. Jesus fuck. That feels so good. Again, please,” Navy pants out.

Goddamn, she tastes like sin. Delectably sweet with her lingering eucalyptus incense flooding my senses. The warmth of the vanilla body wash I lathered on her and the earthy scent from the mud creates a grounding aroma that feels toxic for my infatuation.

“Your taste is debilitating. Makes me want to fall at your feet and worship you, Navy.”

I shift to her other nipple.

“Maybe you should, catcher. On your knees is a useful place to be.”

Navy’s right hand firmly grips my hair as the other holds onto my shoulder, using me as a stabilizer for her overload of pleasure.

“Likewise.”

I run my tongue up the length of her toned stomach as I wait for her to tell me what she needs.

I don’t want to push Navy too far or expect something more than she’s willing to give me.

“How about you taste me now?” Fuckkkk.

I was not expecting that kind of forwardness. But Navy has always said what’s on her mind, so I shouldn’t be so thrown off.

I am, however, horny as a motherfucker, and ready to throw her over my shoulder and find the nearest flat surface to fuck her on.

The ringing of my phone in the distance echoes throughout the bathroom. Nothing could make me leave this spot on my knees right now.

“Do you need to get that?” Navy asks.

“Nope. Whoever it is, they can wait.” That’s right, I’m busy.

“Tell me what you want, Navy. I need you to use your words,” I plead as my lips trail the length of her legs, avoiding the swollen pussy so close to my face I can smell her desire seeping from here.

Ding.

Ding.

Who in the hell is calling me? I ignore it, searching for answers in Navy’s stare.

“I want your coc?—”

Ding.

Ding.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. No one ever calls me. Should I check it? But goddamn, Navy was about to tell me she wanted my cock, and I’m not sure if we’ll get this moment back once it’s gone.

“Go. It’s okay. It seems important.” Thankfully, I don’t see her face fall. She looks patient and genuinely concerned that something happened.

I rise to stand and hold Navy’s face in my hands. “We’re not done here. I want this. I want you.”

She smiles and nods, which provides me with a brief moment of comfort while I check my phone.

“Be right back.”

Exiting the shower, I tiptoe to the towel warmer off the side of the drying mat and secure a warm towel around my waist.

Whoever it is, they better have something important to say. I’ve got the woman I’ve always wanted, half-naked and waiting in the shower for me—plus a raging set of blue balls.

I find my backpack, which I hurriedly threw by a nearby bench, and shuffle through the front pocket to locate my phone.

Got it.

Damn it. Five missed calls and ten text messages.

I click my notification bar and scroll through the unread messages first.

Penelope: Call me, loser! I’m coming to visit soon!

Okay, cool.

Dad: Where are you, son? I stopped by your house and Gus said you weren’t home.

How convenient he shows up when I’m on the opposite side of the equator. I’ll call him on the flight home.

Cal: Yo, B. Thanks for everything. Best day of my life.

Cal: *Our lives. It will probably be a while before we talk, but take pics of the mud pool and hot springs. I’m betting on pops hating it. haha

Kodi: Yes, thank you, Bodhi. We love you, and we trust you to take care of our best friend!

Jesus, it’s a group chat.

Cal: What she said. Watch over her for me, bro. Navy is a wild card, as you know. I want her protected and unharmed.

Cal: You’re a brother to me, man. That’s why I chose you as my best man. But I’ll kill you if something happens to her. Especially after what happened with Luke.

Kodi: Fuck that guy.

Cal: Angel, you know how much I love it when you get fired up.

Cal: Gotta go, B. Text me when you get back home and have Navy do the same. Later.

Shit. Motherfucker. I fucked up, and bad.

What was I thinking?

I wasn’t. I was stuck in a haze of lust and adoration for my best friend’s little sister. The sister I’ve become friends with, and started to see as more than her title to Cal.

God. The way I touched her in there…how could I have been so stupid?

Navy is newly single, and I know she wants a genuine relationship in the future. I am in no shape to give that to her, so why the fuck would I think getting her naked and copping a feel would be okay?

Fuck, if Cal hadn’t texted me, I would be balls deep inside of her by now. He’s going to kill me.

But I can’t let him find out.

Shit, Navy is still waiting for me.

Why do I have to want her so badly? Why do I have to always want things I’ll never be able to have? I can barely take care of myself and my issues, I know I’d never be enough for her. She would grow to hate me because I surely hate myself.

I don’t want to hate myself, but I do.

I have too many things to work through.

I held Navy like I envisioned for so long, and now I have to step away.

She’ll never forgive me, and the worst part of it all is that I have to make her hate me—or at least be angry for a little while. I can’t handle her hatred, but that’s the only way for her to truly let go of her feelings for me.

Navy is smart. She will know something happened if I don’t play my part, especially after my declaration in there.

This is gonna hurt.

I’ve finally gotten to a place where I’m ready to enjoy something for myself— someone, in this case—and it’s being taken away from me.

I’m doing this for my best friend.

Callaway has been by my side through the deepest of trenches in my life, and I owe him everything. He would likely argue that, but the guys came to visit me while I was locked up every week for two years. He held down the fort with all my personal affairs while I was gone, and most importantly, he looked out for Penelope. My relationship with my sister is much like Cal’s is with Navy; we’re close and protective of each other—an unshakable solid ground.

I could never betray his loyalty after all he’s done for me. I have a limited number of good people in my life, and my friendship with my boy isn’t transferable.

I know what I need to do.

I can’t help but wonder if Cal knew, would he hate me more for acting on my feelings for Navy or for how deeply I’m about to hurt her?

I’m running out of time, and I need to get back.

I send Cal and Kodi a text ensuring them Navy’s safety and head to break the heart of a woman who is so easy to love.

Bodhi: Navy is fine. Hot springs got rained out. I’ll tell her to call you. Wear sunscreen.

* * *

“Oh, hey. Is everything okay? Who was it?”

How am I supposed to do this when walking away from her is the opposite of what I want? Navy has washed her hair completely now and is enjoying the heat of the stream.

My hand reaches to rub against the back of my head, staring at the floor below me, a mindless mannerism I do when I’m nervous. I may be dreading this, but I won’t be a pussy about it—although the ground looks a lot better than I’m sure Navy’s hurt will.

For some reason, the saying my father always told me as a child rings in my ears— if you’re gonna play rough, you’ve got to be tough.

That truth can be applied now, I’m seeing.

I never should have touched her if I wasn’t prepared for the consequences that came after. I’d like to say it was lust that took over, but that’s simply not the case. I’ve longed for Navy since before my brain could catch up to the feeling—she’s tethered to my heart, and now I need to do the unbearable and sever the tension for her to be free.

Free of me.

My eyes find Navy as I work to build up my confidence. “Everything is fine. It was your mom and Cal checking in.”

She sends me a small smile. “That was sweet. I hope she’s feeling better.”

“She is. Listen, Nav?—”

“Now you can get back to tasting me,” Navy announces. Jesus.

A mischievously sweet look paints Navy’s face, and I hopelessly commit her happiness to memory because I’m confident this is the last time it will be directed at me.

“That’s not going to happen.”

Her giggle muffles under the water. “Very funny. Come on, B. There are so many things I want to try with you.”

She’s so fucking sweet it tears me apart.

“I meant what I said, Navy. It will never happen. This was a mistake.” My tone is cold, coming across serious and ruthless.

Her face falls in an instant, and tears pool heavily in her beautiful eyes. “What? You’re serious? What happened?”

I cross my arms at my chest, and I immediately hate myself for it. It feels disrespectful, and surely the first physical sign of the magnitude of my decision. “Nothing happened. I realized the error in my judgment, and I’m ashamed I gave in to a moment of desire. I’m better than that.”

Navy’s flinch catapults my hatred for myself. I’m hurting her and there’s no going back. “You’re better than…wanting me?”

I reply, “No, I’m better than giving you the idea that this was a possibility. I led you on, and that was unfair of me.”

I’m surprised she’s able to speak because her body looks close to convulsing as pain takes over her features. “What about all the things you said to me in here? Were they all a lie?”

She stands still under the hot stream, her hands and body likely pruning from how long she’s been in the shower, but Navy doesn’t seem to care.

She wants answers.

I answer her, “Yes. You’re my friend, and nothing more. I’ve never felt more for you than that.”

Gone is the hurt side of Navy—I’m now greeted with anger and bitterness. Rightfully so. She nods to herself repetitively as if she’s confirming the details of my admission to her thoughts. “Hmm. Is that right?”

I nod.

Navy nods back and begins to move swiftly, turning the shower water off, grabbing a white towel from the warmer, and wrapping it around her chest to cover up, before standing in front of me outside the shower enclosure. “You’re a coward.”

She looks at me dead on with outrage.

Her words strike me like a knife to the throat. My stomach churns with anxiety and my heart fucking breaks at the evidence of my cruelty toward her.

I ignore her, and give her the chance to get out whatever words will make her feel better. I can take it. I’d gladly take it after what I made myself do.

Navy’s face crumbles. “Fuck, Bodhi. You’re serious right now? You’re breaking my fucking heart. Is this about Callaway?”

I thought prison was hell, this is worse.

Hurting a woman who has never once intentionally wished wrong for anyone is a tragedy, and I’m the unfortunate bastard who caused it.

“I am. I decided this on my own,” I reply. I hate this.

Fuck fuck fuck.

Navy attempts to wipe away the tears running down her cheeks, but it’s useless because they’re uncontrollable. Her face is swollen from the heaviness of them and it takes all my strength not to reach out and wipe away her beautiful tears.

But it’s not my place anymore. Technically it never was, I’m only making it permanent now.

Navy’s exterior goes cold. “Sure, right. You know what? Forget about it. I’d never want to be known as the mistake you made in a weak moment. I’ve got more dignity than that.” Her words bleed with despair.

That’s not…

“Navy—”

She holds her hand up to stop me. “Nope. You’ve said enough and I’ve reached my limit of bullshit excuses for today.”

I have nothing left in me but to nod.

I stand isolated as Navy rushes to gather her things, shoving them into her arms, and throwing her sundress over her body. She doesn’t spare me a glance and proceeds to breeze past me before finally stopping.

“Bodhi.” She doesn’t turn around as she speaks.

I exhale deeply. “Yes?”

“I never thought you’d be the one to hurt me next. I see now how wrong I was.”

That’ll do it. Those words right there are the truth behind my spot in the offender’s chair. Navy trusted me, and despite what happened today, she feels betrayed.

I have to ignore her admission and pretend she didn’t sever every last hope for us I had. Or maybe that was me. Not that there was much, but in the back of my mind I hoped later on down the road for that to be true.

Her steps move her forward, and now it’s my turn to tell her, “Cal can’t know.”

Navy stills. “I know.” She walks away from me without another word, leaving me alone on the island of Fiji, in the bathroom with walls painted with our heated desire.