Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(106)

Peeling off my sweater and shorts, I braid my hair back and then run to the water. Sadie follows me, but quickly returns to the guys, too tired to swim out and join me. Sometime later, after enjoying the night swim alone, I head back to my friends. I curl up with Jared and Nathan on one of the extra long chairs as Joe, Jimmy and Allen sit side by side on the other facing us. We all talk and laugh as the night moves on until Jimmy and Allen turn in first. Jared and Nathan follow about twenty minutes later while Joe and I decide to wait a little before returning to our rooms. We’re not interested in walk in seeing or hearing anything.

Once Jared and Nathan are out of sight, Joe slides over to my chair to snuggle. He claims it’s to keep me warm because my hair is still wet. He adds that it’s better to be sandwiched between him and Sadie than just Sadie alone. I disagree with his statement knowing his intentions, but I don’t argue with him. There is a little, cool breeze and I’m grateful for the warmth of his body.

Soaking in the heat of each other’s body, Joe starts to massage my shoulders. “I think we should schedule a massage after zip-lining tomorrow,” he suggests.

“Why?”

“You’re really tense.” He presses harder on a knot and I moan out of pain and pleasure wrapped together. “See,” he confirms.

“I won’t need a masseuse at the rate you’re going,” I praise, not wanting him to stop.

“Careful, beautiful. Don’t tempt me,” he sinfully teases.

“What?” I innocently plea.

“You know what I mean.”

Moving his hands, Joe finds another knot in my back causing me to whimper with delight.

What feels like ten minutes later, as his hands glide down to my lower back, my upper body is like putty and it curls back into his chest. Keeping my eyes shut, I relish his touch, not wanting it to end. Over time, my consciousness fades in and out as the sound and feel of his steady breathing and the ocean in my ear lulls me.

“Emma?” he whispers.

“Hmm,” I breathe out.

He tilts my face closer to his. “Emma. You asleep?”

“Not yet. Soon,” I mumble.

“Let’s head inside.”

“No,” I whine.

“Why not?”

“Feels good,” I acknowledge.

He chuckles lightly and wraps his arms around me tighter. “Five more minutes.”

“Okay,” my voice slurs.

I must have fallen asleep because my eyes fling open at the threat of being kissed again. “I’m up. I’m up,” my voice retorts groggily.

We return to a quiet and peaceful suite. Sadie passes out on my bed before I start getting ready to turn in for the night. My eyes flutter under the warm shower, informing me that mental and physical exhaustion are approaching. I quickly dry off, brush my teeth and dress as my body staggers to stay standing. Concern increases at the thought of repeating last night, so I get the gumption up to talk to Joe. His bedroom door is open, but I knock lightly to be sure I don’t catch either of us off guard.


“It’s open.”

I take a reluctant step in.

“Hey,” he says upon seeing me and puts his book down.

“Hey,” I return.

“You okay?”

“Yeah . . .” I timidly reply.

“What’s wrong?” The worry in his voice has risen. He gets up from the bed and takes a few steps towards me.

“Nothing . . . just . . . .”

How do I ask him?

“I was wondering . . . if . . .” my voice trails, searching for the right words to ask without sounding dumb. “Would you mind sleeping in there . . . or here . . . with me tonight?”

“Of course,” he immediately agrees.

Leading me by the hand, Joe turns the light off in his room, closes the door and takes us both back to mine. Seeing a knocked out Sadie on my bed, Joe laughs and quietly shuts the door before turning off the lights.

We climb under the covers, snuggling right into each other.

“Thank you,” I mention.

He brushes his knuckles across my cheek. “I’m here anytime you need me.”

“I just don’t want to lead . . .” his lips sweep across mine before I finish. My mouth seeks more of his. “Joe,” I breathe in with our lips still touching.

He strokes my face again, “You don’t ever have to worry about that.” He lowers his mouth to mine again.

I’m too tired to fight. Mentally and physically, I’m wiped.

“Joe,” I whimper again as the memory of me kissing him last night emerges.

“I know,” he announces connecting his lips to mine. “Just friends.”

I nod in agreement as we sweetly explore each other’s mouth. Taking a breath, I repeat, “Just friends.”

“Mmm hmm,” he agrees, pulling me back into him.

We kiss a few more times as my body and mind are officially met with exhaustion.

Kissing my temple, he says, “Emma.”

“Hmm,” I mutter.

“Looks like I owe you a song on the piano.”

“Mmm,” I concur.

“Emma,” he continues.

“Hmm . . . .”

“Goodnight, beautiful.”

“Nigh’ . . . ” my voice trails into slumber.