Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(135)

As the sun begins to set, I start to hover around Jared since a few of Henry’s friends and some of the other single men haven been trying to strike up conversation and blatantly pick me up. Jared immediately knows what I’m doing and places his arms around me. I stand quietly as Pop-Pop shares story after story about Jared from before Jared and I met. I haven’t seen Maggie much other than her off in the distance, chatting away with all of the guests.

At one point, Joe, Jimmy, Allen, Jared, Nathan, Pop-Pop and myself are sitting around a single table and Jade is on my lap — she plays with a lock of my hair as she swings her feet on either side. A few other men and women our age hang around too. Everyone is chatting freely as I watch filled with contentment. Half of the guests have left and it’s still a little early for the rest of us to head home. Joe’s parents are still catching up with many people they know.

“Hey Jade,” Joe calls. “Did you see what I’ve been wearing today?” Joe holds up his right wrist and shifts his cuff.

I notice what he’s showing her, but my attention is captivated by the ruby cufflinks.

Jade beams with excitement when she sees the bracelet she bought Joe at New Year’s. “You still have it?!”

“Of course I do,” he replies. “I’ll keep it forever.”

Jade is now bouncing a little on my lap full of happiness.

Joe gets up and returns a minute later with an extra plate of dessert. “Want one?” he asks Jade.

“Mommy said I can’t have anymore,” Jade pouts.

“I don’t see Mommy around. Do you?” he returns.

“No . . .” she confirms, shaking her head.

“Then, this is just between you, me and Emma,” he sweetly states.

“Don’t bring me into this,” I tease.

Jade laughs taking a small cupcake for her first round of over indulgence. After Jade’s first bite, Joe takes her off my lap, suggesting it’s better to get his suit dirty than my dress. I sit watching the two of them, quietly giggling at their secrecy. Joe reaches towards me offering a bit and I gladly take one, leaning in with my mouth without thinking. The fire in my body roars when my lips make contact with one of Joe’s fingers. I wasn’t paying complete attention, nor was Joe, because our eyes have been locked the entire time. As I whip my lips with a finger, I check to make sure no one saw our exchange — looks like we’re in the clear.

About an hour later, Jade is asleep on my lap and the crowd of guests has diminished. Kim and Peter come over to say goodnight and carry Jade home. Not much later, Joe, Jimmy, Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Covelli and I are back in the limo on our way to Pasadena.

Joe drives Sadie and me home after saying goodnight to his family. When we get to my apartment, without thinking, I unlock the door and proceed in. Sadie stays nearby laying on the floor as I put her bags on the counter. Before I turn around, Joe’s hands are on my waist pulling me into him as he kisses my shoulder. He tickles the base of my neck with his lips, gradually moving up all the way to where he grabs the bottom of my earlobe with his teeth.

I emphatically moan louder under his seduction and my hand reaches up, seizing his hair. “What are you doing?” I manage to utter when his lips temporarily move to their next target.

“Having a little fun before I have to go,” he teases into my ear as he spins me around to face him. “Unless you let me stay.”

“You can’t stay. You know that,” I comment after our lips lock several times.

“Why not?” he whines a little, enticing me to reconsider.

“To start, people know you are here,” I contend, taking his mouth with mine.

“Mmmm.” Joe keeps himself locked to me. “Then I better make this count.”


Within seconds, I find myself pressed up against something, probably a wall, but I’m too distracted to really care by his tongue swirling with mine. My hands grip onto his shirt, pulling him closer. One of Joe’s hands slides up over my ribs and I gasp in ecstasy as he cups my breast. He pulls away from my wanting mouth and resumes his previous lure on my Achilles’ heel.

“Not . . . the . . . neck,” I whimper, rilled with pleasure.

He chuckles lightly as he continues his pursuit. My fingers tighten in his hair and my eyes flutter as the desire to rip our clothes off rises inside of me.

“Joe . . .” I plea.

“Not yet,” he taunts while adding his tongue into his persuasion.

“Mmmmm . . . Joe . . . nooooo . . .” I beg, unable to stop moaning.

He temporarily relieves me of his fiery torture by returning to my mouth. I grab the back of his neck, yanking him into me, needing more. Joe tightens his grip around my waist before sliding one of his hands up my back and the other over my ass. Pulling him into me further, I feel his hot, swollen erection twitch on my lower belly.

Knowing, no, feeling his desire for me, entices my itch. He wants me. I want him.

“No . . .” I weakly command, pushing him away.

My brain hasn’t completely failed me yet.

We both pant, trying to regain our composure which is not so easy when you’re still locked in a steamy embrace.

“Sorry,” he stammers, shifting slightly back, but continues to hold onto me.

I step into him seeking his lips. I’m not sure if I am trying to console him, myself, or both of us from our heated outburst.