Free Boyfriend's Brother by ML Skye Page A

years from now?"
    Jace. She didn't even have to ponder. When she thought about the future, Jace stood front and center in her head.
    Raf nodded. "And there's your answer. Maybe not the one you want, but you've got it."
    Chloe slumped back in her chair. "Shit. This sucks." She amended her sentiment. "No, I suck." She met Raf's gaze. "How the hell do I tell him?"
    Raf shook his head. "Oh no, I'm not touching that one." He leaned forward again. "But you'll figure it out. You've done the hard part."
    Right. Somehow, that didn't make her feel much better.
     
    * * * *
     
    Jason entered the pilots' quarters for the last time and cleared his locker out, packing his gear. He'd had a good run with his squadron and had a feeling they'd be sending him off with the usual bottle of rum, which he'd be expected to open and down a shot of before passing it around to the rest of his crew. Jace's lips quirked. He had no doubt Jagger would lead the charge for the first drink.
    Paul Jaginski must be part mind-reader because he entered quarters and plopped down on his bunk, two down from Jace's. "Deuce filled us in. You're really giving all this up to take a land job?"
    Jace snorted. "Jag, I'll still be flying planes, just not from a space carrier. Hell, we spend three months a year flying planetary shows anyway. This won't be that different." He shoved his fatigues in his rucksack, then grabbed his socks.
    Jagger shrugged. "True. But what if it doesn't work out with the woman?"
    Jace heaved a sigh. Damn Deuce and his inability to keep his mouth shut.
    Paul continued talking. "I mean, if things don't work out, you're stuck." He grabbed his stress ball from underneath his pillow and rolled it back and forth. "You sure about this?"
    Jace nodded. "I'm sure. Been thinking about this for a while, Jag. It's time. Woman or no woman."
    Jaginski leaned back on his elbows, dropping the ball on the bunk. "Then okay. You gotta go where your heart takes you."
    Jace barely kept his mouth from dropping open. "Jag, you've never struck me as the type to credit the heart with leading anyone anywhere." Finished with his rucksack, Jace grabbed his formal blues and put the protective covering over them.
    Paul grinned. "Look, I might follow my dick, and you know I love walking on the wild side of life, but you're different, Jace. You like stability. It's why you've been such a drag lately. Re-up time is just around the corner, and you have to figure out if you're in or out." He sat up again. "The base posting gives you a chance to stand in both worlds for a while. I get it."
    Jace shook his head. "No, Jag, you don't. Right now, my life is upside down. I crossed a line not long ago, and even if I wanted to stay on the other side, too many people will get hurt."
    Paul rose. "You know, Jace. I do get it. The whole reason you're all bent about this is because you're a standup guy, not the shit human you seem to think you are. Why do you think we all look up to you?"
    Jason frowned. "I didn't know you did." He zipped the plastic cover and reached inside his locker for the last odds and ends.
    Jagger snorted. "Hell, yes, we do. And you know what, Jace? Sometimes having something tilt upside down provides a new perspective. Try looking at it that way, okay?" He started for the exit. "And hurry up. We're all gathered and ready to send you off." He undogged the hatch and stepped over the threshold.
    A little stunned, Jason blinked and shook his head. Who knew Paul Jaginski would end up giving him something to think about on the long transport flight back planet-side.

Chapter Eleven
     
    Chloe waited two days before contacting Marc. She might have her answers, but she also wanted to be steady and strong when she broke things off. Once she placed the call, she did busywork around the flat, putting the trash out, straightening the cushions on the couch, counting the minutes it would take for Marc to arrive.
    His key sounded in the lock, and she dropped a stack of videos on the