Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(152)

Because I’ve already established a high value for the company from its inception, the Covelli family is offering a very interesting deal that I can not resist, which is one of the tweaks we agree to make during the meeting. The Covellis are taking a smaller percentage of ownership of Raven. Instead, they are purchasing the property that will house the physical location of the servers and will be charging Raven Media a monthly lease to rent most of the building. They’ve got their eye on several properties that can allow for other businesses to rent space as well, which expands their profit potential with refurbishing it as a green building. The Covellis are using their purchase of the property as the test pilot for greening any existing properties they own. If all goes well, this property will be the litmus test for redefining corporate and hospitality facilities and industries.

After the meeting, which took place at his penthouse, Joe takes me home. Suddenly, Joe hits the stop button on the elevator before pinning me to the side wall. Expecting a heated embrace, I’m surprised when Joe takes his time, trailing his fingers down my cheek, over my neck and back up as he delivers a sensually slow kiss. As I slide my hands up his chest, Joe creeps his tongue into my waiting, open mouth. It’s like he’s purposefully controlling himself as he relishes in every single sensation. My mouth seeks more when he pulls away just far enough out of reach.

“So, you’ve talked to Maggie about me?” he inquires.

“What are you talking about?” I check.

“The other day, when she came over and you hid me in the closet. You said I’m not talking about this with you again, meaning me,” he reminds.

“Did I?”

“You did,” he affirms. “How often do you talk about me?”

“I don’t,” I argue.

“Sounds like you do,” he challenges with a wicked grin.

“No,” I purposefully disagree.

“Hmmmm,” his throat groans.

Joe’s lips move in, seeking more of mine. There’s more force and desire behind each kiss.

“I want you,” he says in his low, sexy voice.

All I can do is nod my understanding. He’s completely seduced me with his mouth.

Anticipating another kiss, I’m sourly disappointed when Joe turns his head and seconds later the elevator resumes its ascent. He stays pressed against me, staring into my eyes, but doesn’t kiss me. I lean to capture a kiss, but he wickedly denies me of the pleasure. A devilish smirk emerges in the corner of his mouth when I moan my dissatisfaction. It’s like he’s taunting me, wanting me to tell him that I want him too and that I won’t get to taste his lips until I do. I try again, but he pulls away just as our lips are about to connect. I groan louder which gets a chuckle out of him. Reaching my hands up, I clasp the back of his neck and pull him towards me. Just as our lips brush, Joe suddenly has my wrists pressed against the wall and our lips are now inches apart. I whine my protest when he hits to button to make the elevator move again.

The door dings, and just before it opens, Joe shifts away from me, facing the entrance. He seems as cool as a cucumber; like nothing has happened and he’s completely unaffected by it. I know he is, though. I felt his erection pressing against me. I can see it bulging slightly through his dress pants when my eyes drift down to double check.

As the door opens, Joe takes my hand and leads us out of the box. My body jerks to the left as I had already started to go right to the main hallway. Seconds later, Joe has managed to direct us both beyond the stairway door and has me with my back to the cool concrete wall. He presses himself against me, and the rigidness of his penis is there from before. Cupping my face in his hands, Joe proceeds to tease and torture me with his mouth, barely making contact the first few times.

“Please,” I beg, unable to wait any longer. My hands grip his forearms out of desperation as I press my ass against the wall to help me reach is lips. I feel his erection stiffen.

I’ve never begged for a man to kiss me — but, I like begging him for some reason.

“Say it again . . .” he whispers.

“Please,” I force before he’s done directing me. “Please.” My chest heaves from the pent-up need and desire.

Our mouths converge as we both moan with satisfaction. We stay glued to each other for several minutes until we hear the ricochet of another door opening in the stairway below. We don’t move as we listen and watch each other’s eyes.

“My Dad, Mom and I have to head back to New York for some business.”

“When?”

“Tonight,” he says with frustration in his voice.

“Okay,” I barely mutter.


I wasn’t expecting news like this.

“I don’t know when I’ll be back,” he informs me with pain in his face. “At least a week . . . until just after Father’s Day weekend, but maybe longer.”

“Ohhh.” My stomach drops.

“Do you think . . .” he starts, but stops himself.

“What?” I search.

“Nothing,” he contends.

“What?” I press.

He doesn’t say another word. Joe wraps his arms around me, hugging me, holding me — like he doesn’t want to let go. I consciously take in the feel and scent of him.

“Promise me you won’t not talk to me,” he pleas after several lengthy kisses.