Page 80 of Shared By the Pilots

“We weren’t the most supportive, were we,” Adam muttered.

“But you were!” I said. “Eventually, I mean. That’s why we’re all here today, because you eventually supported me. I’m grateful for that. And I promise not to keep anything from you in the future.”

Luke picked up his glass. “I’ll toast to that.”

“And from now on,” Adam added, “we’ll trust you from the start.”

“Hey now,” Taylor said smoothly. “I trusted the lady the moment she came to me. Canceled my plans and flew her down to Cabo, no questions asked.”

The other two became quiet.

“I know what you’re wondering,” I said. “And the answer is yes. Taylor and I… well, I don’t knowwhatwe are, but we’re something.”

I expected them to get upset, but neither of them reacted angrily. “That’s what I get for taking so long to come to my senses,” Luke said.

“I knew we weren’t exclusive,” Adam explained. “Not with Luke sort of in the picture, and with you needing to sayyesto one more man who asked you out.”

Taylor cleared his throat. “Actually, I never asked her out. Veronica asked for my help, and then we hooked up while we were down there. It was a freebie, outside of that weird agreement she made.”

Adam groaned. “I can share you with two other men, but a third one in the future? That’s too many.”

“Agreed on all counts,” Luke nodded.

“We’ll see,” I said, raising my glass. “But for now, cheers to us for stopping an international turtle-smuggling ring.”

“Never thought I’d hear those words in that order,” Taylor muttered.

We clinked glasses, and drank the tequila. Then we drank some more. The four of us sat around the table discussing everything that had happened that day, and what had happened to Taylor and I yesterday when we tried catching Broussard in the act.

“Hot damn,” Luke said after receiving a text message. “Bernard Langston was just arrested at his house. One of my pilot buddies was having dinner with him when the cops barged in.”

“Broussard must have flipped on him,” Adam speculated.

“Which means he was actually part of the scheme,” I said. “And not just turning a blind eye to whatever his customers were doing.”

“Figures,” Taylor said. “He wouldn’t let those flights take off with just one or two passengers. He’d want a cut of the profits.”

“He was already a multi-millionaire with his own private airline,” I said. “And he wanted to makemoremoney? Just goes to show you: greed never pays.”

“Speak for yourself,” Taylor said, hefting a piece of pizza. “I greedily took the last slice of pepperoni, and it feels good.” He took a bite. “Real good.”

Luke was staring at him hard. “You’re good at swooping in at the right time, aren’t you?”

Taylor smiled around a full mouth. “Sure am.”

“Luke…” I warned.

He turned to me. He wasn’t slurring his words, but he was almost there. “Veronica. I want you to know that I made a mistake, but I learned my lesson. I care about you.So much. I won’t let go of you again.” He glanced at Taylor. “Even if it means sharing you for the time being.”

“Time being,” Taylor muttered. “Sure thing, pal.”

“No ultimatums from me,” Adam chimed in. “I won’t make you choose. I think I can outclass these two guys, so I’m going to ride it out.”

“Fine by me!” Taylor said, holding up a palm to high-five Adam. “I’m not one to turn away from friendly competition.”

Adam looked at his palm. “Who says it’s friendly?”

“It had better be,” Taylor replied, “if we’re fighting over this lovely lady. I don’t think she’ll tolerate any other kind.”

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