Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(41)

Henry grabs the keys and jogs to the car as we begin to follow. Henry reaches the car first, but the rest of us are shortly behind. Maggie grabs one of the towels from Henry and drapes it over my shoulders. Nathan and Jared giggle as they watch Joe and Henry stare with stunned looks on their faces as Maggie’s hands rub me down, including my breasts, rear and thighs. Though I protest, she ignores me. I don’t think she realizes what’s happening, so I start to laugh at her innocence.


“Looks like we should change before heading to lunch,” Nathan states the obvious while trying to direct everyone's attention away from Maggie’s actions.

“Yep,” I agree as my suppressed laughter returns. “Maggie, I’m good. Thanks.”

“What? Oh, okay,” she replies. After a few more pats, Maggie leans in and asks, “Do you mind if I ride back with Henry?

“No,” I chuckle, taking the towel from her hand to stop her.

Maggie smiles eagerly. She’s so cute.

I put my running jacket back on as Jared opens the door for me. Does he really think that an act of chivalry will win him back into my favor? I signal for Sadie to get in after putting the towel on the seat to minimize the amount of moister from both of us. Nathan jumps behind the wheel and starts the car as Jared climbs in. Two seconds later the right back passenger door opens.

“You joining us?” Nathan says as more of a statement than a question.

“I figured I should give them a little privacy. Just in case,” Joe say, sliding across the seat still topless.

We all nod and I purposefully fix my gaze to the front of the car, not wanting to stare at Joe’s half naked body.

Joe looks over to me with a smile, “How are you feeling?”

“Better. Thanks,” I reply, keeping my eyes forward.

Nathan turns on the heat before pulling away from the parking spot and up to the street. Jared reaches back to hold my hand for the ride and I graciously take it.

“I’ve got the car registration and insurance in my bag,” I announce to Nathan. “Don’t let me forget to give it to you.”

“Why didn’t you give it to me yesterday?” he inquires.

“Wasn’t thinking about it. It popped into my head just now,” I confirm.

“Why do you have his car information?” Joe queries.

Great! Now here’s another item about me that shouldn’t be disclosed. What was I thinking?

“She technically owns it,” Jared explains.

“No, I don’t,” I protest.

“Okay. My bad. Actually her company owns it,” Jared corrects himself. “They’re all company cars.”

“All?” Joe searches.

“Yep. Nathan’s, mine and Maggie’s,” Jared confirms.

“Smart . . .” Joe comments. “. . . but, funny.”

“What’s funny?” I inquiry.

“You hate cars, but technically own three,” Joe replies with a chuckle. “I understand why. It’s just funny.”

“I know. Right?!” Nathan adds.

I don’t say anything because there is truth to the irony of it all.

Back at the condo, Nathan escorts Joe and Henry to the third bedroom which is on the other side of Maggie’s and my room that is divided by a joining bathroom. “You guys can stay the night, or weekend, if you’d like. We’ve got plenty of room and food.”

“Thanks,” Henry and Joe reply.

I shudder at the thought of Henry and Joe joining us as I make my way to the bathroom. Maggie is going to be obsessed with Henry the whole time.

“Nothing fancy,” Jared instructs with regards to clothing. “We’re just hanging out.”

“What do you boys like to eat?” Nathan questions.

“I’m not picky, “ Joe responds.

“Me either,” Henry agrees.

Looking to me as he opens the door further from the third bedroom into the bathroom where I am, Nathan inquires, “Where should we go to eat?”

“RFD?” I question back.

“Ohh, I haven’t eaten there in a long time,” admits Nathan.

“There’s only two and half bath here boys, so you’ll need to wait for the girls to finish showering before you can jump in,” Jared instructs.

“Unless you want to . . .” Nathan begins.

“Don’t even go there,” I reprimand him as I snap a towel on his backside. “Go rub each other down and leave us be,” I dictate with a glare.

“Okay, okay,” Nathan sheepishly retorts, grabbing Jared’s hand and leads him out the door.

“You girls can shower first,” Henry offers.

“Thanks,” Maggie says with bubbly enthusiasm. She gives me a look to see if I want to go first.

I know she wants to spend more time with Henry, so I don’t mind. Plus, I’m still a little chilled from Jared’s and Nathan’s dunking.

The shower is absolutely invigorating. I stand soaking for probably five minutes under the steaming hotness before moving to wash. There are no plans to have sex with anyone for the next couple of days, and since I got waxed a week ago, I’m good in the hair removal department. I start with shampoo, leaving it in while I lather up my body. As I rinse the soap off, my entire body tingles all the way down to my loins. If I knew I wouldn’t be heard and that I had time, I’d masturbate. I finish with conditioner, letting it sit for a few extra moments as I keep my body under the water.