Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(58)
I deny the offer of his phone by picking up my book to resume reading. I do want to see what’s on his phone, but I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that I do. He slides the phone down the ridge my book and I immediately toss it back to him. He gives up after one more attempt and returns to reading as well.
After some more time passes, my head jerks to the sound of Joe’s voice. I must have been so focused on my book that I forgot he was even in the room. “Huh?”
Grinning, Joe repeats himself, “What are you reading?”
“Oh, sorry. Ask and It Is Given,” I mention as I place my bookmark in the page and hand him the book.
He takes it eagerly and begins reading the description on the back. “Looks like you’ve read this a few times,” he states, looking up after examining the book closer.
“Yeah,” I reply. “It’s one of my favorites.”
Flipping open to a page, he begins studying it further. Realizing that I’m not going to get my book back right away, I reach to investigate what had his attention. “What are you . . . oh, never mind,” I declare.
It’s the book I gave him yesterday. I’m shocked to find a variety of pages already highlighted with notes in the margins. My heart melts a little when I notice that he’s almost done with chapter three.
Control yourself and your thoughts, Emma.
Expecting to get my book back, I regard him as he continues reading and turns a page. I finally request with a smile, “Can I please have my book back?”
Taking a few seconds to respond he hands it to me. Sheepishly grinning Joe says, “Sure. Sorry. It just seems really interesting.”
As we swap books, Joe mentions and praises the book I gave him while holding it up, “I wish I had this during the first semester. It’s really insightful and helpful. I can see why you’re successful with your businesses.”
I blush at his compliment, “Thanks. I’m glad you like it.”
We resume reading and midnight is abruptly upon us, requiring us to get some sleep. Joe slips underneath the covers as I get up to use the bathroom for a moment. When I return to the bedroom, all of the lights are off except the one on the nightstand on my side of the bed. Before turning off the light, I slide under the covers and adjust the dividing pillow and turn off the music. The condo is silent.
“Goodnight, Emma,” bids Joe.
“Goodnight.”
Laying, my eyes stare blankly at the ceiling. What am I doing? What was I thinking? I can’t believe that I’m sharing a bed with Joe. It’s not like I don’t trust him or feel uncomfortable with him. I’ve slept in a bed with Jared, Maggie and Nathan before. So What’s the big deal? It’s just that I’ve never shared a bed with a man before. Okay, I’ve never shared a bed with a man who wasn’t Jared or Nathan before. A man who is heterosexual. A man who I’m attracted to. A man who Maggie says likes me. Focus, Emma. Yes, there is sexual tension. Yes, there is desire. Yes, I am horny. So what? You have rules. Rules that protect you. Just go to sleep.
Fourteen
My mind stirs before I open my eyes. Laying comfortably in a foggy haze, I comprehend that there are three distinct breaths in the room. I keep my eyes closed and do not move as I relish the warmth around me. The chest that my head rests on is definitely male and the deeper tone in his throat supports the thought.
Long, steady, strong inhales and exhales gently lift my head up and down. My eyes remain sealed as I lounge quietly and motionless, listening for others noises that will give me an indication of where I am and who I’m with since I’m in no hurry to get up. Nothing.
I know Sadie’s breathing without a doubt and the second one is mine. But, who is the third? Jared? No. Nathan? No.
Panic rises inside of me as I’m frozen in place and my eyes fly open. Keeping my body still, my gaze darts around to gain clues. The color of the comforter and decor of the one side of the room verifies that I’m at Nathan’s. I feel my heartbeat regain its relaxed pace. Breathing in through my nose, an arousing aroma fills my nostrils and excites my lady parts. It’s a familiar smell, but it takes a few extra seconds before my waking brain recognizes it — Joe.
My eyes widen as I discover that my body is pressed up against Joe’s, with my head on his chest, my right arm draped over him and my right leg down the remainder of his body. Why am I sleeping with Joe? Oh yeah — I remember now. Where the hell is the divider pillow? I pull my right arm towards me a little, but am met with resistance when his left hand squeezes to keep hold. Crap. I shift backward somewhat only to find that his other arm is underneath my body and wrapped around me with his right hand cupping my waist. Joe pulls me back into him as I tug to get away. Double crap. I seriously hope that he’s not awake. If he is, this will be utterly awkward and embarrassing.
Sadie shifts, revealing that she is at the lower right corner of the bed. Her location gives me enough room to wiggle my way out of this situation. I decide to go for one, full, quick roll to face the other side of the bed. As soon as I make it, I’m immediately drawn into Joe’s body as his arm wraps around my upper frame and spoons me. Shit!
My brain is freaking out as my traitorous body succumbs to the sensation of his. The intoxicating scent of him only makes matters worse and my sex tingles with absolute delight. God, he feels and smells so good. Is this what it feels like to wake up next to a man? A sinfully, delicious man? Joe nuzzles his face into the crook of my neck, sending mouth-watering shivers down my spine. His hips press forward into my rear and to my surprise, my body curls into him. A craving erupts inside of me that I’ve never felt before and my mind surrenders to the idea that if he wants to have his way with me at this very instant, I’ll let him. No. No. Focus, Emma.