Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(138)

A few feet away from the table, I take out the phone and raise it to my ear as I walk to the front of the restaurant. Aware that I’m not as skillful at pretending to be a person talking on the phone, just in case anyone follows me, I press the button to call my most recent contact. Please pick up, please pick up I coax as I turn the corner just beyond the front doors.

“Amy here,” Joe’s voice sings with a wicked grin hanging in his tone.

He’s playing along. Good.

“Hey,” I eke, feeling embarrassed.

“So what kind of questions should I be asking you about the bridal shower?” he continues with a hint of amusement.

“Where are you?” I question, panicked to who might hear him.

“By the bar. Don’t worry. You secret is safe with me,” he teases.

“Thanks,” I greet.

“So, why did you call me?”

“You were the last person on my most recent,” I admit.

It’s true. He had texted me earlier in the day.

“I’m flattered,” he says.

I don’t say anything for a moment, not sure what to say.

“You okay?” he searches.

“I’ll be all right,” I offer, trying to sound confident.

“You’re a good friend,” he mentions.

“What do you mean?” I reply confused.

How am I a good friend by calling him?

“To do what you are doing for Nathan,” his voice falters a little, implying his true feelings.

“I’m doing it for Nathan . . . because he’s family. It’s just a business transaction,” I assure.

I think I’m trying to console both of us. I didn’t realize he’d be affected by this, let alone myself.

“I know,” Joe agrees without judgment. “I would have done the same if I was in your position.”

He’s clearly not happy with the idea of me going on a date with Chris and neither am I.

“Chris can consider it our first and last date . . . not that it will even be a date,” I blurt.

Joe laughs a little which eases my nerves. With a lightness in his words, he asks, “Can I get the first kiss of the night, then?”


“Sure,” I agree a little too quickly.

Joe laughs again at my directness.

“I might even let you take me home,” I bait, wanting to continue our playfulness.

I’m so glad that he’s not making this awkward.

“You have yourself a deal,” he consents.

“Will that be a challenge for your date?” I press, flirting a little.

“Won’t have one,” he admits.

Flattered by his words, my curiosity gets to me and I’m compelled to ask, “Why not?”

“Never bothered with dates to big events, actually to any event . . . and the one who I’d want as my date is already taken,” he sensually confesses.

“Joe . . .” I plea.

I know he’s referring to me.

“It’s the truth,” he affirms.

I can’t help but smile as I bite my lip to curb any outward expression.

“How will your date handle another man taking you home?”

“Don’t know. Don’t care,” I say without thinking.

Joe does his best to suppress a laugh.

“Besides, he’s not going to be picking me up at my place. We’ll meet at Nathaniel’s.”

“This is a time I’m grateful for your rules,” he openly declares.

I blush at his forwardness. I’m grateful for my rules too. It’ll make that night be less complicated, stressful and easier to cope — well, at least with Chris.

“We should head back to the table,” I suggest.

“You first,” he offers. “I’ll arrive a few minutes later.”

“Okay,” I agree.

“Thanks, beautiful,” he sweetly states.

“For what?”

“Calling me.”

“See you in a minute,” I disclose.

“See you in a minute, beautiful,” he hums.

Jared helps make things more bearable when I return to the table by placing his arm along the back of my seat before Chris. When he needs a bite of food or a drink, Jared awkwardly reaches with his non-dominate hand. Something he’s had to do a few times in the past for me.

When lunch concludes, our group bids farewell and Chris gives me a lengthy goodbye, which entails one of his hands on the small of my back while the other holds my face so he can kiss me on the lips. From this action, I have decided that Chris must be put in his place, letting him know exactly how things stand, but in a less public manner — no need to embarrass the man. Chris is a very good looking guy, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not turned on by him anymore. When he kisses me, it’s like I’m kissing Jared. I guess this is what women equate to as kissing their brother.

I elect to stay with Jared, Nathan and Pop-Pop at Nathan’s in the spare bedroom. I’ve always left a few items at Jared’s for when I do stay because it’s like my second home, so we stop at his place for me to grab a few things before going straight to Nathan’s.

Around ten-thirty at night, Sadie and I are on the bed while I work on my iPad. I try to busy myself with work as a distraction from thinking about Chris peacocking and what’s happening with Joe. I wish Joe was with me right now. I need someone to snuggle with.