Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(50)

As Nathan gets the stovetop warming for eggs and turkey bacon, I turn on the waffle maker.

Henry cheerfully comes out of the bedroom and all eyes are on him. Stopping in his tracks to the hush that falls upon the condo, Henry questions, “What?”

The elephant in the room has arrived. Did they or didn’t they? I really don’t want to know the answer.

“Good morning!” we all serenade as Maggie bounces over to him.

We dine with great conversations and lots of loud laughter as we enjoy eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, smoothies and waffles. Just like the night before, we all settle into a mode that feels like we’ve been doing this with each other for many years. Nothing but comfort, ease and joy. Though I see this regularly when I’m with Maggie’s family, with this small group of people, it feels different — a good kind of different. I get a shiver as the thought that this scenario will be playing out before me for years to come. This feeling invigorates me, but also intimidates me.

After our energetic meal, everyone helps to clean up before getting dressed into workout clothes. Jared, Nathan, Joe and I change pretty quickly and I only need to rush Maggie and Henry along once before they emerge from the bedroom ecstatic for the morning’s activities.





Eleven


“That was fun,” Henry exclaims as we are leaving the trampoline facility. “I would love to do that again.”

“Me too,” adds Joe with a smile. “I never knew jumping around like that would be so much fun and a great workout. I see why you like it, Emma.”

“And those flips she was doing . . .” Henry adds with astonishment.

“I know, right,” Joe says.

“Thanks,” I reply with a bashful smile. To direct attention away from myself, I commend to Nathan, “Looks like you’ve gotten a lot better.”

“I know. I have so much more control,” he answers with delight.

“He’s sexier too,” Jared adds with a wink.

Piling back into Nathan’s Tesla, I hear a few moans from the vigorous workout. Maggie holds my hand discretely for support with my car jitters. Her gesture helps, but my leg still pulses a little from my nerves.

Everyone is quick to shower. Jared and Nathan jump into one shower, as I head to the other, confident that I’ll probably get into the kitchen to begin lunch before Nathan. Maggie surprisingly joins me in the bathroom as I turn on the faucet. Thinking she just wants to talk a little, I’m surprised when she gets undressed. Now, I’m not sure if she wants to talk or needs to take the edge off.

“You okay?” I ask with a little concern.

Beaming, she replies, “I’m great. Just figured this would be faster and I’m starving.”

I shrug my shoulders and shift out of the way so she can get under the water. As she stands there, I grab the sea sponge and soap and begin to wash her back.

“Thanks,” she responds.

I don’t say anything as I wash her body and hair, patiently waiting for her to offer what she’s willing to share.

“I had so much fun last night,” she begins. “We talked until we feel asleep.”

“That’s cool. I’m happy for you,” I encourage.

She turns to rinse the shampoo from her hair before taking the sponge and turns me around. “You okay?” She questions.

“Yeah, why?” I lie, convinced she’s referring to this mornings episode.

Maggie doesn’t say anything and studies me carefully after I turn to face her before she answers, “Nothing. Just checking.” She steps aside to allow the water to rinse my back as I hear the snap of a bottle lid opening. Moving closer, Maggie starts to wash my hair. “Sorry for ditching you last night,” she confesses.

“It’s okay. I’m a big girl,” I deliver, wanting to ease her concern.


“I know,” she reveals with a touch of guilt. “I just don’t want you to think . . . .”

“Mags. We’re good,” I comfort her, taking her hands in mine.

“So, did you talk to Joe?” she questions.

I know she’s looking to see if I’ve discovered anything about Henry. He seems almost too good to be true, but so far I haven’t picked up a single warning flag.

“I think Henry really likes you,” I say bluntly.

My instincts are never wrong about people. I’m not thrilled at the idea of losing time with Maggie, but I’m happy that she’s happy. Who knows, Henry just might be the one.

“Really?” Maggie says excitedly.

“Really,” I reassure.

She doesn’t say anything else, but I can feel her smiling from ear to ear behind me. Maggie’s glowing and I can feel her body heat rising on my naked skin. She moves to let me rinse my hair and when I finish, Maggie hugs me.

We finish showering and dry off in silence. Maggie has her towel secured first and just as I’m tucking in my towel in front of me, Maggie opens the door to the boys’ room and offers, “We’re done.”

I spin around sharply, gripping my towel in my fist to see both Henry and Joe standing in their room wide-eyed and paralyzed. I swear the color drains from both of their faces while the look of confusion, disbelief and arousal swarms within them at the same time. I’m going to kill Maggie.

“Who’s next?” Maggie inquires innocently.