Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(163)

“I have a confession,” I begin.

“You did sleep with Joe,” she yells.

“What?! No!” I return with shock.

“Ohh. Sorry,” she apologies.

“Why does everyone think that something is going on with Joe and me?”

“Do you really want to know the answer to that?”

“Yes!”

“Because of how you two are together.”

“What does that mean?” I say confused.

“You’ve never gotten along with a man before. A non-gay man,” she offers.

“So.”

“You two have very similar personalities. He’s clearly into you and you do flirt back,” she explains.

“Why would that lead my friends to thinking that Joe and I are sleeping together?”

“We’ve never seen you this comfortable with a man . . . especially, a man who you know has the hots for you,” she reports.

I’m rendered speechless for a moment. “It’s nice to be pursued . . . especially in a non-weird way. I swear. We haven’t had sex. Joe and I are just friends.”

“I believe you. Honestly, I do. It would make the most sense, though.”

“What would?”

“You and Joe hooking up.”

“Why is that?”

“Because, like I said, you two get along. You’re compatible. The logical conclusion would be that you two would have or eventually would have sex.” Seeing my lack of response, Maggie continues. “The ease in which you and Joe are friends is like Jared and Nathan . . . or Henry and Me.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means that the two of you are a perfect match for each other . . . if you would only get out of your own way and date, that is.”

I sit stunned for another minute. “Shit. And here I was just going to tell you that I didn’t sleep with Javier.”

“What?!” Maggie’s jaw drops. “What? He’s so hot. Why didn’t you sleep with him?”

All I do is give her a look.

“What?! Seriously? He’s gay?” Maggie responds with absolute astonishment.

“You can’t tell Jared or Nathan!” I disclose.

“Crap! I would never have guessed . . . when did you know?”

“Right when I saw him. He flirted with the bartender. I knew it was the prime opportunity to bait Nathan and Jared to get them off my back.”

“So, are you still going with Chris to the premier?”

“Of course. Regardless of the shit Nathan pulls, it’s a business transaction that I want to happen. I’m an investor in his company. Remember?” I explain.

“Damn, you’re good!”

“Thanks!”

We giggle a little.

“I swear I will take that to the grave,” Maggie confirms.

“Thanks. You know you can’t tell Henry.”

“Why not?”

“He’ll just tell Joe who will tell Jared.”

“No, he won’t,” she defends.

“There’s a guy code just like there’s a girl code.”

“But, there’s a code between husbands and wives too,” she stipulates.

“True,” I agree. “But, you’re not married yet!”

“So, I’ll tell him on our wedding night.”

“How about after the night of the premier. I don’t want Jared and Nathan to find out before then,” I suggest.

“Good idea! I know nothing.”

After Maggie leaves, I snuggle into bed with Sadie and a book. Jared and Nathan come knocking on the door — actually doors. They each take a door and keep knocking until I finally let them in after five minutes of the irritating sound.


“What?” I whine, opening the door.

Jared tackles me, wrapping himself around my body. “I love you!” he shouts, kissing me all over my face.

“We both love you!” Nathan says, adding himself to the human pile of bodies.

“I love you two too . . .” I mutter, barely able to breathe from them squishing me. They continue to shout several more times, “We love you, we love you . . . !”

“So, you aren’t mad anymore?” Nathan seeks.

“Javier took care of that,” I offer with a smile. “I just wanted to make you two sweat a little.”

“I want details . . .” Nathan shouts.

“You are excluded from details,” I object.

“Why? You always give details,” quips Jared.

“You two don’t deserve them. Not right now, anyway,” I counter.

“Awww . . . come on,” Nathan whines.

“No.”

“Maggie will tell us,” Nathan protests.

“No, she won’t. I didn’t tell her anything either because I know you two will try to get it from her,” I oppose.

“Damn,” Jared exclaims.

“Seriously?!” Nathan pouts.

“Well, we all need to go,” Jared instructs.

“What do you mean?”

“I got a text from Maggie summoning all of us to her and Henry’s suite. She said to make amends and pick you up on they way.”