Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(150)

Maggie is right. I have yet to find a man who can satisfy my sexual needs, a real man, that is, who isn’t named B.O.B..

“If we’re going to get out of here anytime soon, I need to shower,” I announce.

“We should hit the spa sometime this week,” she says graciously dropping my sex life from the current topic list. “I think we could both use it.”

“Definitely!” I agree.

“Oooh, do you mind if I borrow some jewelry?”

“No, not at all,” I offer, heading towards my bedroom with Maggie close behind. “You know where they are.”

When Maggie and I get back to the kitchen for a small bite before continuing with the rest of our day, I notice writing on the notepad attached to the side of my fridge. It says;



     Glad to know you talk about me. See you soon, beautiful!

             xoxo Joe



It quickly rip it off before Maggie can see it and shove it into my wallet.

The rest of the day, it’s just Maggie, Sadie and me until we head over to Nathan’s for dinner with him, Jared and Pop-Pop. I decide that it’s time to fill them in on the business deal that I’m working on with Joe and his parents.


“So, that’s why you two have been spending so much extra time together,” Nathan states.

“Yes. For business and planning the joint bachelor-bachelorette weekend.”

“And, getting Pop-Pop here for Jared’s party,” adds Maggie.

“Well, that explains a lot,” Nathan confesses. “And, here we thought you two were having sex.”

So the truth comes out. That’s what they’ve been talking about.

“Makes sense,” Jared adds with an expression like he’s still not completely convinced.

I don’t want to lie to my friends, but I don’t want to admit to them either that there is something, what I’m not exactly sure, happening with Joe. I’d rather use him for his body to satisfy my itch and once I’m ready to move on, like I do with all men, I’ll eventually admit to it — maybe. All I know is that Joe and I want to f*ck each other, and I desperately need to f*ck him so I can get back into my regular trolling routine.

“So what does this all mean for us?” Maggie searches.

“It means that you’ll still be COO, you’ll have more staff to run everything and you’ll be making a lot more money . . . that is, if you still want the job.”

“Of course I do. Wow! I’m so excited. This is so much fun,” she beams.

I smile at Maggie, happy and relieved to hear that she’s still on board. Turning my attention to Jared, I continue with more explanation. “Jared.”

“Yeah, Kitten,” he says.

“Because this expansion is going to take up more of my time . . .” I start.

“Yeah?” he replies.

“That means I’ll have less time to work and focus on Naturally Me,” I explain.

“What do you need from me? I can easily do more if you need. I’d be happy to,” he eagerly supports.

I take a moment to think about how I want to phrase my next statement. “I was thinking about more than that.”

Jared cocks his head to the side, showing that his interest is piqued.

“I was thinking of turning over fifty percent of the company’s ownerships over to you. You ultimately do what I do, but we can . . . .”

“Oh my God! Are you serious?!” he shouts, almost on the verge of tears.

Nodding, I continue, “We can hire some more staff, maybe even find a place for Pop-Pop if he’d like.”

“Of course!” Jared shouts, jumping up and hugging me. “Thank you for believing that I can . . . I love you!”

“I wouldn’t trust anyone else,” I return, fighting back tears. “I love you too!”

“Looks like you’re going to be my sugar daddy!” Nathan teases.

“Hell yeah!” Jared confirms. “I don’t mind being one.”

Pop-Pop is emotional too, especially after hearing how determined Jared and I are to find a place for him as well.

Once we get settled with our emotions, Nathan grabs two bottles of wine and we pop them open to celebrate. Our conversation for the rest of the night turns into questions and ideas for both companies and eventually over to incidentals where we are laughing into the night.

Back at my apartment and laying in bed with Maggie, who is already asleep next to me, I stare at the ceiling with contentedness surrounding my heart. I knew my friends would be excited and happy for me, but I didn’t expect them to be this enamored with how things are changing, let alone myself. This is one point in my life where I don’t mind the change. The pride and love I have for Maggie and Jared is at a level I can’t even describe. I’m even more thankful and grateful for them being in my life.





Thirty Nine


Come Monday night, Maggie is still sleeping over, working and conducting wedding stuff as Henry has yet to return from China. She’s needing more down time in between being around family and checks with Amelia for wedding needs and details. Maggie reports that business is going very well for Henry, he’s just really busy. I don’t doubt that he’s trying to get additional things done prior to the wedding.