Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(62)

“Don’t worry. I won’t give him your number or anything,” Nathan assures. “Don’t get your panties all in a bunch. I know you’re trying to play it cool with Joe sitting here.”

I shoot Nathan a look that gets a roaring laugh from him.

“Come on,” he playfully teases. “I’m just having a little fun.”

“A little too much fun,” I retort, eyeing him.

“Babe,” Jared quietly interjects.

Leaning his head to the left, Nathan catches Joe’s eyes. “She’s a heartbreaker, this one! Her and her rules.”

I don’t give Nathan the satisfaction of a verbal response and keep my eyes on my book.

“Babe, leave her alone,” Jared commands with a quiet, stern voice.

“What? Okay. Fine,” Nathan replies, trying to sound innocent from his words and actions.

I continue to ignore Nathan as Jared squeezes my hand. Jared knows I’m a big girl and can take care of myself, but I appreciate the sentiment. Jared’s been very protective of me, and I of him, since we met.

My attention stays on my book as Jared and Nathan whisper to each other. Jared starts playing with my hair as Nathan shifts and lays his upper body across Jared’s lap.

“I love you!” Nathan professes in a cutesy voice.

I glance at him for a moment before returning to my book.

“I love you,” he repeats, then bites my thigh.

“Ouch,” I cry. I immediately spring up, jumping on top of him.

Screaming, Nathan calls to Jared, “Help. . . help!”

Nathan and I spar for four seconds until I’ve got him pinned to the floor.

Laughing, Jared stays where he is and insists, “Hell no. You did that yourself.”

Sadie makes her way over to Nathan’s face and starts licking and sniffing him.

Maggie flies through the bedroom door to see what the commotion is about. “What are you two doing?” she scolds.

“It serves him right,” Jared contends. “He started it. She’s going to finish it.”

Everyone stares, muffling snickers.

Breaking the silence, Jared comments, “My bet is on Emma. Anyone think that Nathan has a chance?”

I smile when they all shake their heads. For a little fun, I decide to let Nathan think he’s winning from time to time before returning him to a fully pinned status.

Maggie takes Henry back to the bedroom before Nathan and I are done. Jared turns on the television a minute before Nathan taps out of our match. When I get back to the couch, Jared gives me a high-five just before Nathan turns his playfulness on Jared. Soon after, they are heading to their room.

Before closing the door, Nathan shouts, “Everyone’s on their own for lunch. We’ll figure out dinner later.”

Within five minutes, Joe and I hear noises coming from both rooms. Breaching the subject first, Joe inquires, “How about getting out of here?”

“Sure.”

I immediately regret my agreement, but being stuck in the condo overhearing my friends having sex seems more uncomfortable than being stuck out in public with Joe.

I take Sadie with us when we take to the streets. Conversation strikes back up as we walk around and eventually sit to eat lunch. I’m glad when we’re able to chat about everything and anything except what happened last night, this morning or when Nathan mentioned Chris. There comes a point where laughter floats in and out of our chatting, erasing any of the previous tension.

After lunch, Joe and I venture over to see the Santa Monica Pier. The view of the ocean is refreshing and many of the shops and restaurants are already open. As we walk, I watch women of all ages ogle Joe. It’s hilarious when the women become louder because Joe’s attention on Sadie and me never waivers. Does he see them, but is ignoring them, or is he really oblivious? I stop to use the restroom and when I come out, I see six teenage girls hovering around him. It’s quite comical. Joe appears to be a little uncomfortable, so I stand at a distance watching for fun, but it doesn’t take long for Joe to see me. He gives me a pleading look and I just smile and shake my head. It’s payback time for this morning. Let’s see him get out of this. All of the girls continue talking to him even as he stares at me.


Contemplating on whether to further my observation or walk away to torture him more, I’m jarred when I hear Joe say, “Sorry, ladies. My girlfriend is back.”

They all turn in my direction, following his eyes and gape when they see me grinning.

“She’s your girlfriend?” one of them questions with mild irritation.

Looks like she thought she had a chance. Joe doesn’t answer her because he is in full stride towards me. Crap. What is he doing? I was enjoying the entertainment.

Wanting to avoid any awkwardness, I bend down and pet Sadie as she and Joe approach. When I stand back up, Joe puts his hands on my waist and pulls me into him. I keep my arms hanging as Joe plants a prolonged kiss on my cheek before whispering into my ear, “I know what you are doing.”

Giggling I deny, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” I suddenly find my hands holding his arms just above his elbows and I’m also keenly aware of our bodies touching below the waist.

“Keep that up and I’ll kiss you right here in front of everyone,” he retorts with a devilish voice. He pulls back to examine my reaction.