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“Ben, how long have you been flying?” She thought they had to be about the same age, but she wasn’t sure. After she passed twenty-five, age took on a whole new meaning. This was supposed to be the phase of responsibility and goal-building. She didn’t want to waste time on men who were still searching for themselves or were life-long college students. She crossed her fingers, hoping he was at least twenty-five.
Ben took a sip of beer. “Let’s see, after college I did Officer Candidates School, TBS, which is Marine basic school, then I went to flight school, and did a year at the RAG after that. That’s where I learned to fly the F/A-18. If I count the flight school, I’d say four years.”
Skye counted up the years in her head and smiled. Good he was probably twenty-six, like her. Although she had no idea what all these acronyms stood for. Marine speak was weird.
“And what about you two?” She looked at Hollywood and Eagle.
“The same.” Hollywood grinned.
Eagle put his hand in air. “I have to confess. I’m a wizzo.”
“Wizzo?” She had never heard of it before.
Ben smiled. “Yeah, it’s easier than always saying WSO. It stands for weapons systems operator. Eagle’s my backseat. He’s responsible for all of the instruments, weather checks, that kind of thing. I don’t like flying with anyone else.”
“That hurts, man. That hurts.” Hollywood covered his heart with his palms. He looked at Skye. “I’m a wizzo too. I usually fly with a guy named Ranger. We try to keep the same flight teams in our squadron. It’s sort of a tradition with the Rebels.”
All of it was new lingo and information for her. But it was thrilling and exciting. Her days were spent analyzing consumer trends and targeting buying habits. Flying was something completely different and foreign. It sounded dangerous, but extremely fun.
“What other kind of traditions do you have?”
Ben slid his arm around her shoulder. She liked the gesture, but hoped she didn’t look too surprised. It was the kind of thing a boyfriend would do, or at least someone you had been dating awhile would do.
“We can’t tell you all our top secret intel.” He grinned, showing off his white teeth.
Eagle spit out a mouthful of beer. “Secret intel? Dude, do you want her to think we’re spies or something?”
Ben shook him off. “No, but enough work talk. We talk shop too much.”
Hollywood leaned in his seat. “What about you, Skye? What do you do?”
All eyes were on her. “Oh, nothing as exciting as you guys. I’m a campaign executive for an advertising company.”
She wasn’t sure if they were legitimately interested, or really skilled at pretending, but each one nodded.
“I work with different companies to help them launch new brands, or either create a campaign for them to remarket an older product. I like it.” Her answer sounded canned, as if she were trying to convince them she loved her job.
Ben added, “You should see some of the spreadsheets she’s made.” He winked at her, and she smiled. She hadn’t realized Ben was paying attention to her work when they were at her apartment. Then she remembered she had left him alone in her living room while she changed clothes. What else could he have seen?
Hollywood and Eagle stayed for another round then Hollywood stretched his arms to the stars. “Man, it’s late. I think we better get going, Eagle.”
“Why? It’s not that late.” Eagle looked disappointed.
Skye giggled when she saw Hollywood jab the skinny friend in the ribs. “Oh, right. We should be going. Nice to meet you, Skye. See you at work, Bolt.”
“It was nice to meet you both.” She smiled.
Hollywood threw a wad of bills on the table. “Have a good night.” He winked at Skye one last time before following Eagle down the boardwalk and toward the parking lot.
“What’d you think of my friends?” Ben moved his stool closer to hers now that they had the table to themselves. It seemed quieter and more intimate.
“They’re nice. A little crazy, but nice.” In only a matter of minutes they had taken her in like she had been a part of their group forever.
He tipped the bottle back and she watched as his throat moved. No one should be this sexy just drinking a beer. She shivered as he moved his free hand to rest on the top of her thigh. It felt warm through her jeans.
“You think you’re going to finish that beer?” His expression was playful.
“Why?” she teased.
