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

deal-breaker.
    Then, there’s the fact that breaking up with Ryan to be with Joe will never be an option. They are brothers, and if that doesn’t break the so called ‘bro code’, then I don’t know what does. With Gabby married to Bradley, and these guys being his best friends, having them out of my life completely is equally impossible. Call me selfish, but the thought of seeing either of them with another woman causes bile to rise in the back of my throat. The blood being pumped by my erratic heart boils.
    It simply isn’t an option.
    This is the only one.
    Besides, I can never explore this attraction with Joe. What a travesty it would be for me to hurt Ryan, break their bond as brothers, and have it be for nothing because maybe, probably, this is just lust with Joe.
    As we pull in Bradley and Gabby’s driveway, I’m blown away by the vehicle I see parked on one side. Joe’s. Dammit. Bradley didn’t say anything about him tagging along as a fifth wheel. Although, up until now, it was never an issue. This won’t be awkward at all. I gulp. “Your brother’s coming too?”
    “Again, I thought you and Bradley had talked more about this whole shindig?”
    “I did too.” I unhook the seatbelt. This is the first time I will have seen or spoken to Joe since October. “Maybe he just stopped by for something. Surely, he’s not coming with us. I mean, the whole point of this, Bradley said, was to establish traditions. Joe was never a part of this tradition.”
    Ryan cuts the ignition. “Would it bother you if we added him to the tradition?” He casts a glance toward me. “He is my brother.”
    I shrug. “No, of course not.” Because it wouldn’t. Maybe we could just pick up like old friends—like we were before feelings and words that can’t be taken back got in the way.
    “Let’s get inside.” Ryan leans over and gently brushes my lips with his. “Merry Christmas.”
    “It’s not Christmas yet.” I smile.
    “Eh, I consider the entire month of December Christmas. Can there ever be too much Christmas?”
    I shake my head. “No such thing, is there?”
    “Exactly.” He grabs our coats from the backseat and waits on me to reach the front of the car before placing his hand on the small of my back, guiding me to the door.
    Before I can ring the bell, Bradley snatches the door open. “I’m guessing you two would be late to your own funeral. Happy you decided to join us.”
    “If it involves Atlanta traffic, probably. You know Sam can’t stand being late.” Ryan extends his hand. Bradley takes it, pulls him close, pats his back, and motions for us to come in. “I don’t know how she puts up with me.”
    Truth. I smile as I embrace Bradley in a hug. “Says the man married to my habitually late sister. Sorry we were delayed in our arrival. It may have actually been my fault this time.” I shrug as he releases me. “I had to take a quick nap before I passed out on your doorstep from exhaustion. Didn’t want to be the party pooper.”
    “Eh, you’re forgiven. Gabby’s in the kitchen serving wine we saved from Italy and a cheese platter. You hungry?”
    “You have no idea. Thanks.” Once Ryan’s out of earshot, I contemplate asking what’s been on my mind since I first saw the driveway. “Joe’s here?” The words are out before I have time to think twice.
    “Yeah. Kitchen too. Can you believe it’s been two months since we were all together in Charleston? That was so much fun, I thought traditions should be modified. Besides, I have something I want to discuss with everyone on the way.”
    My heart begins to pound, and I’m thankful for the bulky sweater and scarf to hide the beating in my chest. “Seems like forever ago. I didn’t realize he was going to be here tonight.” I glance away. “Kinda different when you’re the fifth wheel on a romantic double date.”
    “No kidding. It worked out, though, because he’s been seeing someone for a few weeks, and so I figured they’d