Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(123)
“She’s off for the rest of the night. Why?” he questions.
“Is it just us?”
“Yes,” he confirms with a boyish grin. “Is that okay?”
“Yeah,” I say tentatively.
What have I gotten myself into? Was this a good idea?
“I promise to behave,” he offers.
“Yeah . . . that was really convincing and reassuring,” I present in a mocking tone.
The thought of being alone with Joe makes me edgy. There’s no one here to interrupt or catch us snuggling, but there isn’t anyone her to caution other things from possibly happening.
Just snuggling, Emma. That’s what he said. Joe said he’d behave. You can just snuggle. You can. Can you?
After scooping some ice cream for dessert, Joe and I settle in the left corner of his couch. He sits down first and guides me to sit between his legs with my head against his chest. Once Sadie gets settled, Joe covers us with a blanket before handing me the bowl of salted caramel yumminess.
“This is good, but not as good as my homemade recipe,” I comment.
“You make your own ice cream?”
“Mmm hmm,” I return with a third mouthful.
“Do you plan on sharing? You know I made that big bowl for us to share?”
“And here I thought you were just trying to give me a sugar rush,” I say sarcastically.
In less than ten minutes, Joe and I finish the huge bowl of ice cream. We play fight over the last few spoonfuls, accusing the other of sneaking some extra bites.
Joe sweetly caresses his fingers over my bare forearm as I try to watch the movie. My brain bounces between everything that’s going on and the insatiable itch this Sex Kitten has and is having bad for the man behind her. Periodically, Joe kisses me on the top of my head and I’m left wondering if this was a good idea. My kissing theory is a dud so far. All I want to do is to continue kissing him and there are other lustful vision of desire dancing in my head.
At some point during the movie, I shift to reposition my body and end up looking at Joe. Why am I compelled to look at him?! I have no idea. He immediately makes eye contact before lowering his lips to mine. Joe’s hand leaves my arm to find and hold my neck as he continues to ardently kiss me with only a little tongue on occasion. Joe breaks the embrace each time, but a couple of times he initiates first by repositioning my head for easier access to my lips.
As the movie comes to an end, Joe squeezes me tight. “Will you stay tonight?”
“No,” I politely refuse, looking deep into his eyes. Leaning forward, I kiss him fervently.
“No one is here,” he coaxes before returning the passionate embrace and pulling me onto his lap.
“All the more reason for me to leave,” I let out in a breathy voice.
Joe moans his disappointment but doesn’t push.
Fifteen minutes later, after making out, Joe walks Sadie and me home before we partake in our regular departure ritual.
After delicately mauling each other’s mouths, Joe bids, “Goodnight, beautiful.”
“Goodnight Joe,” I return with a smile.
Thirty One
Over the course of the rest of the work week and into the weekend, when I’m not tied up with working or personal items, my time is dedicated to Maggie and assisting her with wedding choices and planning. My schedule is booked from sunup to well past sundown.
Come Friday afternoon, there still isn’t an official wedding date or venue. However, we do have Maggie’s custom wedding dress, a mother of the bride, a mother of the groom, a grandmother of the bride and three bridesmaids’ dresses being created all thanks to one of Jimmy Covelli’s designer friends, Ali Jacobs. Maggie, Amy, Kim, M?qīn, Nǎinai, Mrs. Wú and I were measured on Thursday, and hopefully within a month, the dresses will be at a point for us to do the first fitting.
To help take the edge off of Maggie’s anxiety, I arrange for us to visit a baker with all the girls who were fitted along with Henry, Jared and Amelia to taste wedding cakes and desserts. Maggie and Henry didn’t select what they wanted, but they did enjoy the sugar high before Henry has to leave for a business trip.
Certain things like flower arrangements, a photographer, a band or DJ, place settings and other things can’t be finalized due to not having the venue yet, but Maggie and Henry have half of their gift registry completed as well as all the details for the engagement party. In the meantime, I have Kim, Amy and Jared assisting with the bridal shower. We’re scheduling to have the shower sometime in June at Kim’s house in San Marino.
Nathan, as busy as he is, graciously takes the lead on finalizing Jared’s birthday party that is scheduled this Wednesday, three days before the engagement party. I instruct Nathan to oversee the final arrangements since the bills have already been handled.
With Henry away for business this weekend and into next week, Maggie plans to stay with me. She voices that she loves and appreciates everything that M?qīn and Mrs. Wú are doing, but needs a break from all of their help and opinions. Aside from a much quieter environment as a de-stressor, I’m also able to provide Maggie with some much-needed physical relief and satisfaction which I selfishly enjoy.
“Do you think we’ll find a venue soon?” Maggie asks with concern.
“Of course, Mags,” I assure.