Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(63)

Even with chaotic emotions swirling inside, I do my best to control my expression. I try to step back, but he gently draws me into him. I’m not sure what has happened to the teenager girls by this point and I don’t care. His head tilts forward like he’s determined to kiss me anyway.

I look away and suggest, “How about a bike ride?”

“Hmmm,” he lets out in disappointment into my ear. “Sounds good, but I like what I had in mind better.”

Playing dumb while still looking away, “What’s that?”

“I could tell you. Or . . . I can show you.” His lips fall upon my cheek again, lingering longer than usual.

You put yourself in this situation, Emma, and you need to get yourself out of it before you let it go too far. What is going to be girl? Break your rules or don’t break your rules? You need to decide.

“I . . . like the idea of . . . going for a bike ride.”

He moans on a large exhale into my neck and my eyelids flutter in delight. Pull yourself together, Emma. He lightly kisses my temple before slowly, hesitantly lets go of me.

I temporarily make eye contact as we turn to leave the pier. I’m grateful for Sadie’s presence when she walks between Joe and me as we head back to Nathan’s.

While waiting for one of the lights to change to cross the street, Joe brings up a neutral topic. “So, tell me about Nathaniel’s.”

“What would you like to know?”

“Anything you’re willing to share,” he suggests.

“Nathan started Nathaniel’s a year and a half ago with only a men’s line,” I begin.

“And, he’s starting a women’s line now,” he states rather than questions. “It’s a little early to start a second product line.”

“Normally, for any business I would agree. However, Nathaniel’s is in the green,” I mention.

“Wow. Really?” Joe’s undoubtedly impressed. “How did he manage that? No business is ever in the green the first few years.”

Contemplating how I want to explain, I hesitantly offer, “I had some assistance.”

“You? Not that I’m surprised with the success of your two businesses,” he shares.

His statement makes me think that Maggie and Jared may have revealed more information about me than I would like. I can address this concern later.

“Yes. Before Nathan even started talking about the idea of having his own line, I saw his ability. He’s got an eye for fashion. One day when Jared, Nathan and I were hanging out, it came up in conversation. I started asking him some questions, and from his answers, I offered to be his backer right there on the spot,” I explain.

“So what did he do to get in the green?” Joe searches.

“Nathan is brilliant with fabric and doesn’t give himself much credit for business ability. I insisted on being a silent partner but made myself available for any questions or needs. Taking my advice, he built his company’s structure and started advertising and networking before the first season’s collection was complete,” I openly add.

“Wow,” Joe says encouraging me to continue.

Proud of Nathan, I proceeded to explain more. “He worked with Maggie on social media and Jared started wearing many of Nathan’s looks on camera. Then, Naturally Me featured Nathan and some of his designs three different times before his store opened. We showcased his versatile ability to create fashion that fit the style needs of all men regardless of their sexual orientation. I also had my Naturally Me team video tape Nathan on a variety of topics, some interviews, some sewing tips and tricks that we used to promote and sell his brand before it was even available. Ultimately, we built up hype around him and the need to wear his clothing.”


“Impressive,” he acknowledges.

“Opening day, Nathaniel’s had a line out the door that stretched around the block. Nathan sold more than half of his inventory by the end of that day,” I praise. “He’s had to take back orders for most products ever since.”

“I’ll have to get Jimmy out here,” Joe proposes.

“Who?”

“My brother, Jimmy.” Joe clarifies, “James.”

“Oh. Why?”

“Aside from running his art gallery, he and his boyfriend, Allen, know a lot of people in the fashion industry. I’ll have to talk to Henry too to see if he knows anyone who may be able to assist with manufacturing if he gets picked up by any stores,” Joe reveals.

“You don’t have to do that,” I remark, grateful for his offer to help my friend.

“I know, but he’s a friend,” Joe insists. “Does he need additional capital for the women’s line?”

“No,” I report.

Smiling at me, Joe guesses but affirms, “You already took care of it.”

“Yep.”

“Hmm.”

“What?” I inspect.

“Nothing.”

We step into the elevator in Nathan’s complex. I glare at him knowing something is on his mind.

“You just confirmed something for me,” he shares.

“And what is that?” I pry.

“That not only are you beautiful and smart, but you’re successful at a whole other level than I realized at first,” he openly states.