Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(141)
What the hell am I doing?
“I think I should stay on. Make sure you’re good,” his voice cracks as he disagrees.
“I’m good . . .” I report.
“I”m not so sure,” he suggests.
“Jared and Nathan are nearby if . . .” I begin to say before he cuts me off.
“I doubt that they’ll be able to assist you properly,” he advises.
I laugh a little which gets him to laugh too.
“I should get to bed. I’ve got a long day tomorrow,” I mention.
I don’t really want to rush him off the phone, but I’m so horny and I don’t want to masturbate with him on the phone. He already suspects enough.
Joe groans his disappointment into my ear. “Is that want you want?”
“I want a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean I should,” I profess with hidden undertones.
Clearing his throat first, Joe asks, “What do you want?”
My smile widens as my hand dips down to my lips again. “Bed. I . . .” my voice trails as I bite my lip to stifle any noises from coming out as my traitorous fingers gloriously torment me. “Goodnight, Joe,” I manage to mutter.
After an outward breath into the phone, Joe returns with his sexy voice, “Goodnight, beautiful. Sweet dreams.”
“You too,” I mumble as my fingers slide below my underwear before I hit the red, end button.
Thirty Six
I wake rested, but my mood is a little funky even after masturbating from the borderline phone sex Joe and I almost had. When I relieve myself, I realize why I’m not so chipper, that time of the month has arrived. I must not have been paying attention to my calendar. My period starting will help me adhere to my rules — at least for another few days.
I still can’t wrap my head around what’s going on with me and my blatant forwardness with Joe last night, but I must move forward and not let it distract me while I conduct business. I can’t loose focus. There are too many things that need to be taken care of that are important, including Maggie’s wedding. I may not still be one hundred percent elated about how quickly Maggie and Henry are getting married, but my feelings will not hinder me from doing my maid of honor duties or make sure that Maggie’s wedding is flawlessly joyful.
Jared and Nathan are still sleeping, but Pop-Pop is out in the living room reading a newspaper when Sadie and I exit the bedroom. We exchange pleasantries before Pop-Pop joins us on our morning walk.
Back at the condo, I fall right into the rest of my morning routine of rebounding, stretching, showering and then start preparing a hearty breakfast for my companions and myself. While I work on my computer in the living room, Nathan and Jared finish getting ready for the day as Pop-Pop putters. The four of us, plus Sadie, hop into Nathan’s Tesla and head on over to Nathaniel’s.
After Nathan double checks my measurements for the one-of-a-kind dress he’s making for the September movie premier with Chris, I hide in his back office to work on the computer, bouncing from tasks for Nathaniel’s and Naturally Me, but mostly on the software for Raven Media. I slip out of the office from time to time, needing a stretch or a drink, but I work straight through lunch. Jared brings some food, but I barely taste it because I’m so focused. I’m not even sure what I had to eat.
Jared’s been doing a great job taking on extra tasks for Naturally Me as I work with Hannah and Brandon on the coding for the first round of the Raven 1.0 software. If things go smoothly and there is an immediate demand for our new service, moving forward on the business investment deal with Joe and his father will come much quicker, leaving me with less time for Naturally Me. I’m considering on speaking with Jared about taking over, giving him a percentage of Naturally me, but I’m not sure how receptive he’ll be or if I’m willing to let go of it. I trust Jared completely there’s no challenge there. It’s just that for me, things are changing all across the board in all aspects of my life; Maggie and Henry getting married, Jared and Nathan being in a committed relationship, Pop-Pop joining the family, Naturally Me, Raven Media and Joe. Chris — he’s a temporary state that will be finalized the night of the premier.
Pop-Pop is an adorable man. During one of my breaks, I watch him without hesitation walk around checking the store and fixing little things that need to be fixed. The front door hinge squeaked each time someone came in; not anymore. When Jared and I discuss Naturally Me, Pop-Pop listens quietly and asks questions once Jared and I are finished. I think I’m going to have to talk to Jared about finding a permanent position, full or part-time, for Pop-Pop. He’s eager and happy to help so we might as well add him to the roaster based off of what he feels most comfortable doing.
With headphones in my ears streaming classical music, Jared practically scares me to death when he taps me on the shoulder. I almost scream — I am that focused.
“Come on, we’re leaving for dinner,” Jared announces.
“I have to feed Sadie. Where are we going?” I ask, checking the time — it’s almost five.
“Pop-Pop and I took care of her already knowing you were working. Joe’s parents invited us over. Didn’t I tell you?”
“No,” I contend, squinting my eyes in an as playful manner as I can.
“Sorry,” Jared sheepishly states.