"Why? Is he an asshole?"
He laughs. "Not at all. And that's the problem. He's seems like a nice guy. Funny. Friendly. Has a killer collection of comic books. He even agrees that Captain Kirk would destroy every other Starfleet captain in the Star Trek universe."
"And, that's bad because ...?"
He walks over and sits beside me. "Don't you see? He's me. He's the tall, handsome, hot-bodied version."
"Josh, you're six-feet tall. That’s not exactly short. And you’re handsome."
"Yeah, but I'm normal-person handsome. He's movie star handsome. Why would Angel stay with me when he has everything I have and more? He's a hot geek in the body of Greek god."
"That's ridiculous. Angel was with Liam for years and didn't lust after him once, and yet from the day she met you, she wanted to jump your bones. Have you considered that she doesn't go for the Greek god type? Maybe she likes her hot geeks ... well ... geeky."
He takes a breath and lets it out. "I suppose."
"If your main concern is that this other guy is ripped, then fight fire with fire. Hit the gym. You have a great body. It wouldn't take much to create definition."
He narrows his gaze. "Did you just suggest I work out? Because if so, who are you, and what have you done with my best friend?"
"Hey, just trying to help. Liam's private gym is right down the hall. You wouldn't even have to leave the apartment."
Before he can hit me with a smartass response, there's a knock at the door that's so loud, I jump.
Josh puts down his beer and gives me a grin. "Sounds like your ride's here."
He opens the door to reveal a large black man wearing a charcoal suit. "Good afternoon, sir. My name is JT, and I'm here to collect Miss Holt."
"Hey, JT," Josh says, offering him a high five. "Loved your last album, man. Very cool."
The man looks at Josh without a hint of a smile. "Sir, I believe you're confusing me with Mr. Justin Timberlake. It's a common mistake. However, he's a funky white boy, while I'm a professional driver. We're different people."
Josh nods. "Ahh, I see. Sorry for the confusion."
"No problem. Happens all the time." He looks past Josh to me. "Good afternoon, Miss Holt. Are you ready to go?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." JT collects my bags as I go to hug Josh. "Bye, bestie. I'll try to call from wherever I end up to let you know I've arrived safely."
He squeezes me. "Have fun. When you get back, I expect to hear all about it, with the sex stuff edited out, of course."
"Wow, expect a short story, then."
He makes a disgusted noise then steps back, and I wave as JT escorts me out of the apartment and down to a stretch limo.
When I climb inside, I gasp. The entire car is filled with hundreds of fresh roses.
I'm not usually one for girly stereotypes, but this?
Well played, Mr. Quinn. Well played.
I open the card on the seat and read the message.
Darling Liss,
I'm not sure if you got the memo, but I intend to pamper the hell out of you on this trip. Too often, you neglect yourself to take care of others, me included. Well, now it's my turn to take care of you. Please don't fight it. You deserve this.
There's champagne to your left, and caviar to your right, and when you get to the airport, there'll be a surprise waiting for you.
Be prepared to get naked.
I'll see you soon.
All my love,
Liam x
A naked surprise at the airport, huh? Oh, please let it be him. Traveling together would be so much better than being stuck on a plane by myself.
I take two big mouthfuls of champagne before leaning back into the plush leather seat.
Well, I guess this is it. Let the adventure begin.
???
A moan vibrates in my throat, and I'm ashamed I'm unable to stop it.
"God," I say, my voice hoarse with pleasure. "So good."
"You're so tight," a husky voice says from above. "Let me know if I hurt you."
I exhale and try to relax. "It hurts, but it feels good. Don't stop. Please."
"As you wish, ma'am."
The large female masseuse digs her thumbs into the base of my spine, and I moan again. I've never had a massage before. Well, not by a professional, anyway. Liam massages me all the time, but he never gets far before he feels the need to massage places he can't reach with his hands.
When we reached the airport, JT handed me another note directing me to go to the first class lounge. I fully expected to find Liam here, gorgeous and smug. Instead, I found Jane. Right now, I'm not sure who I love more. Jane and her magical hands are the bomb. She goes to town on my shoulders and neck, and I'm so blissed out I nearly lose consciousness.