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BODHI

I’ve been spinning my fidget for what feels like hours.

I’m not nervous about tonight; I’m excited.

My mind is racing with the millions of ways I can show Navy how much I care for her.

I need to be strategic.

Although Cal insisted we go together, that doesn’t mean Navy is excited to be my date. She seemed less than thrilled, and I hate that. I hate that I created that feeling in her, and I’m ready to fucking demolish it to finally have her for myself.

Navy needs actions to show genuineness. If I can’t show her my feelings through my actions publicly or even in private, words will never be enough for her. She’s been hurt too many times.

I need a grand gesture.

But I also need to get a good read on Cal and his plan. He’s always been against shitting where you eat. Navy is a reporter for the Strikers and I’m a player—it’s always been a no-go for him.

After all my sessions with Dr. Banks, I’m confident I can make her happy. I feel better—ready to enjoy my life and the happiness I now see Navy brings me.

And fuck, does she.

I’m smitten even when she’s angry and aiming unnamed objects at my head.

I’ve got some plans up my sleeve for tonight, but I know Navy well enough to know she has a plan, too.

However, I’m not sure if her plan will be in my favor.

It takes me a whopping five minutes to get ready, which is why I’ve been pacing my bedroom for longer than I care to admit.

I should be more excited about the prospect of new sponsors tonight than going out with my best friend’s younger sister. I’ve never been normal. I’m the exact opposite of what people expect me to be.

Thankfully, the clock reads 6 p.m., meaning it’s time to get my little earthquake and make the most of our night together.

The remaining guys are downstairs with their dates, waiting on Navy and me. But I’ll wait all night if it means I get to see her in that sinful green dress.

Fuck. When I saw it at Lola Lux, I knew it was perfect for her. Green is her color, and seeing her wear something I chose for her brings me more delight than I care to admit.

Approaching Navy’s bedroom door, I knock anxiously and wait for her to reveal herself. And reveal herself she does.

The smirk that crosses my face is as fatal as hers.

However, I don’t think she expects mine to be out of excitement.

I’m thrilled like never before.

She looks empowered by her beauty—beauty that allows me to be the beholder.

Navy and I are one and the same because like me, Navy has done the unexpected, likely to cause a frenzy with her boldness.

I’m ready to fucking embrace it. I know she’s ready to battle, claiming to put up a fight, so I’ll go along with it…until I can’t take it any longer.

But fuck if she doesn’t make me proud.

My eyes do nothing to conceal their perusal of her.

She’s magnificent.

I meet her playful stare. “Navy…looking more beautiful than ever.”

Navy’s head falls back as a loud chuckle fills the space between us. “Oh, Bodhi. Aren’t you just a load of shit?”

I smirk. That’s what she thinks—my thoughts exactly.

I hoped to see my little minx in the beautiful satin gown I paid thousands for, but no. Navy stands before me wearing a long-sleeved, floor-length zebra dress with fringe at the ends, doing nothing for the figure I know she has. She’s wearing cheetah-print stiletto heels, purple sparkly jewelry covering her wrists and neck, and a fuzzy green scarf.

Holy shit. She did this on purpose, and it’s the greatest thing anyone has ever done for me.

I allow myself to scan her beautiful face. She used the entire color wheel for eyeshadow, and her lips have a teal-ish hue.

Her red curls are wild and untamed, my favorite style on her.

Interesting. This is nothing at all like I was expecting, but I can work with it.

She still takes my breath away without trying.

Little does she know, I like her best like this—unapologetically her.

I hand her the flowers I’ve been holding like a lifeline before saying, “I would never. When will you learn it’s useless to argue with me?” I look her over again. “You look like a gift…just for me.”

“Yep, just for you,” she says sarcastically.

Navy takes a moment to look down, eyes catching onto the flowers I hand-picked for her. “Marigolds?” she asks me.

“I know they’re your favorite,” I tell her matter-of-factly.

She nods and stares at them with a look of melancholy.

“Shall we?” I say, holding my arm out for her to latch on to.

She hesitates before looking my way. “I hope you brought your dancing shoes, catcher.”

I chuckle to myself and lead her downstairs.

If that’s what Navy wants, then that’s what Navy gets.