Forever (This #5) by J. B. McGee

looking back into her round, hazel eyes. “Are we done yet?”
    She steps to the side. “The difference between Joe and Bradley is he’s not waiting on you. So, if you’re going to stake a claim, you better get on that.”
    “Can we just go, please?”
    She puts her palms up, facing me. “Whatever.”
    “Thank. You.” I pull the door open and walk to the limo.
    Gabby hangs behind to lock up, then jogs to my side. “I still don’t know where we’re going.”
    “I’m not telling. Nice try, though. Bradley will tell you when he wants you to know.”
    She sighs as we crawl into the back. Ryan, Joe, and Rebecca are on the long bench facing the bar, which also has platters of chicken nuggets, sub sandwiches, fruit, and cookies. I can’t contain my relief. Ryan pats the leather in between him and Joe. I swallow back the lump forming in my throat. As I sit, my nostrils fill with a mix of leather, rum, vanilla, and Joe, spurring my insides to open the gate to the butterflies I’ve demanded to stay put tonight. Inhaling a breath, I reach for a chocolate chip cookie. Based on the size and shape they are from my favorite place. “Yum. Yum. Yum.” I catch a crumb.
    Bradley chuckles. “I knew there wouldn’t be time for a fancy dinner. Instead of stopping for fast food, I arranged for it to come to us.”
    “It’s exactly what the doctor ordered.” I cover my full mouth with my hand. “You hit the spot.”
    Once Gabby’s seated on the shorter bench next to Bradley, the chauffeur closes the door. Her eyes skate past me to Joe. She gives him a half smile, then takes his date in. “Rebecca, tell us a little bit about yourself.”
    Oh, this should be interesting. I still can’t believe Bradley thought this was a good idea, but I’m interested to hear about the bimbo. My attention is drawn to her knee as Joe places his palm on it, then gives it a squeeze, causing the butterflies that have taken flight in my stomach to take a nose dive.
    She licks her lips and smiles, putting her hand on Joe’s before leaning forward. “I’m twenty-nine, grew up in Alabama.” Her accent gave that tidbit away the moment she opened her mouth earlier. “I moved to Georgia right outta high school to attend Georgia Tech and graduated top of my class in electrical engineering. I went on to get my Master’s in aerospace engineering.” Damn. She leans into Joe, her blue eyes dancing. I hadn’t appreciated them at Gabby’s. They really are quite stunning, like blue waves with white foam peaks speckled throughout. Does Joe get lost in them? A flash of heat zings against my neck, then up to my face, enveloping me at thoughts of his lips on hers.
    Gabby looks dazed, and I wonder if I’m wearing the same expression.
    “I work here in Atlanta now as a project engineer.”
    Ryan grabs a cookie. I’d forgotten there was food, and my appetite must have left with the butterflies. “And what exactly does a project engineer do, Rebecca?” he asks.
    “I…” She clears her throat. “I manage projects to get FAA manufacturing approval for aircraft hardware.” Her leg starts to bounce.
    Ryan regards her. Her shoulders are no longer back, her chin no longer held high.
    Joe’s fingers brush my leg as he moves his hand from his knee to his hair, and I jump as a volt of electricity surges through my body. “Sorry ‘bout that.” His lips are in a firm line.
    My mouth dries. “It’s okay. Kinda tight ride, but at least we’re not having to drive.” I reach for a bottle of wine, not even caring whether it’s red or white, so long as it’s got something in it to dull the pyrotechnics bursting within me. After pouring a glass, I replace the bottle, but not before contemplating turning it up and drinking it dry first. “Maybe next time your sophisticated girlfriend can get us a hookup with a private jet.” I take a long swig before nodding my head toward Bradley. “Mr. Moneybags can pay for it.”
    Joe’s eyes are hooded as he smirks my