Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(136)

“If I’m going to go . . .” he states, keeping his lips to mine. “We need stop.”

“Mmm hmm,” I agree, continuing my embrace.

“Emma . . .” he hums.

“Mmm . . .” I take another kiss before he pulls away.

“Do you want me to stay?” he questions, keeping his mouth an inch away.

My body wants him to stay. I can’t take it anymore, but my brain is still a contender on the debate — a weakening contender — and I’m not sure for how much longer. Rules, Emma. You have rules and now is not the time, especially if we factor in his family. They know he drove me home and the longer he stays the easier suspicion arises even if Joe hides the truth.

“My rules . . .” I weakly answer.

“We’ve broken a few already,” he reminds.

“Your family . . .” I add.

Joe and I kiss a few times with slow, lingering pecks.

“Can I see you tomorrow?” he searches with longing in his voice.

“I’ll be tied up with Jared and Nathan for business,” I affirm.

“All day?” he slightly huffs disappointment.

“And night,” I announce.

“Monday?”

“I’ll still be with Nathan and Jared,” I explain.

“Tuesday?”

“I’ll see you in the morning for the meeting with your dad, but then I have wedding things to attend to with Maggie and Amelia,” I explain.

Without saying another word, Joe sweetly kisses me, keeping his hands only on my face. He groans as he reluctantly peels away. I don’t make it easier when my mouth chases his. My body instinctually follows him and Joe doesn’t seem to mind as his hands return to my hips and our lips reach for contact. Holding on to each other, we gradually move towards the door.

“Goodnight, beautiful,” he lulls, creeping away from my body, opening the door behind him.

“Goodnight Joe,” I reply as he closes the door between us.





Thirty Five


After a restless night’s sleep, mostly waking up with the insatiable need to pleasure myself, even after having three intense orgasms courtesy of B.O.B. before bed, I leave Pasadena to visit with Jared, Nathan and Pop-Pop, taking Sadie with me. We meet up in WeHo at Nathaniel’s late in the morning so Nathan can check in on the store before we have a day of just the five of us. Sales have been doing really well and Nathan eagerly shares with me three different sketches he has for Chris’ custom suit along with sample fabrics. Whichever ones Chris doesn’t choose, Nathan will just put them out as one of a kind items. We’re apparently waiting for Chris to arrive to decided which suit he wants before we go to lunch.

Just as Chris literally walks into the store, he’s followed by Jimmy, Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Covelli and Joe.

What is everyone doing here? I wasn’t excited about the fact that I would be seeing Chris today and now with all of them here, who knows what might happen. I can handle Chris or Joe alone, but having them both here — shit! This is not good.

We all begin to greet each other and exchange introductions. I immediately feel awkward when Chris moves in to greet me with Joe standing by, waiting to do the same. Chris tries to kiss me on the lips, but I’m able to deflect his attempt. After Chris kisses me on the cheek, he maintains a lingering hug. I feel awkward with Chris touching me — he’s not the one my body craves. Chris stays next to me with his hand on my hip as I try to pull away when I greet Joe.


There’s definitely some peacocking going on by Chris. He better not be trying to claim me like Caleb did the last time I was at Ayana’s. Jared sees my signals and swoops in flawlessly to get distance between Chris and me.

After a few minutes of pleasantries, everyone gathers around as Nathan show’s Chris the three suit options. Nathan has outdone himself again. He has created three distinct outfits that alter the style of a customary suit just enough for it to stand out. There are three specific suits with flecks of color to pop and accentuate a mood, as well as define a particular statement that go with the color scheme of the sci-fi action movie. Chris’ reaction gives it away that he’s not much of a fashion guy despite his interest and awe for what Nathan has designed. Jimmy and Allen offer their comments, as well as Mrs. Covelli, on which outfit would be the most stylish for Chris’ body type.

“This one. Don’t you agree, Emma?” Mrs. Covelli addresses, snapping my attention away from my thoughts of Joe and me together last night.

I was picturing Joe naked from the waist up since I know what that looks like.

“I”m sorry. What?” I return hoping not to sound flustered.

“This one,” she points at the charcoal grey design that has gold pieces for the vest, tie and handkerchief. She takes the fabric pieces and holds them just under Chris’ chin. “See. This is the one would be the most dashing on Chris.”

“Yes,” I force out quickly, tightening my grip around Jared’s waist.

I’d much rather see Joe wear it — and then not, with it ending up on my bedroom floor. Mrs. Covelli could have held up a photo of Chris, naked, and I wouldn’t have even noticed. Joe naked, on the other hand — I feel my mounds tingle at the idea — ow that would be dashing. Joe naked with me on top of him. Yes. That would be —