Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(65)
Joe pulls up to the curb to drop me off and rushes around to help with Sadie and my bags.
“Thanks. I can take it from here,” I mention.
He smiles, nods, and quickly leans in to kiss me on the cheek before I can move. His silky lips send erotic shivers over my skin. Looks like I’ll be masturbating when I get upstairs.
Joe stays close with his hands in his pockets. “See you soon,” he announces more than questions.
“Yep,” I support. “Goodnight, Joe.”
“Goodnight, beautiful.”
Fifteen
The past two weeks after the snuggling incident with Joe at Nathan’s are peaceful with regards to both business and personal matters. My friends and I didn’t all collectively get together to hang out. Henry had to travel for business and Maggie went with him. Nathan has been spending everyday sewing and hemming, and Jared has been helping him when we aren’t focused on Naturally Me. I spent this past weekend at the We Care Spa alone. Jared and Nathan watched Sadie for me since the spa doesn’t allow four-legged creatures. I’m not sure what Joe had planned, but I was happy to get away.
Joe texts and calls to get my opinion for his MBA class project. He always manages to call with a few questions, but I know they aren’t the real reason why he is calling. I never call him, but I’ll text with an idea or two that pop into my head. The lack of physical proximity makes it much easier to focus on his questions and topics of discussion.
Nathan has been working diligently on his upcoming men’s clothing line with a few items for his women’s line to test the waters at how well they are received. He’s been extremely focused and has taken everything that Henry, Joe or I have said into consideration. Most of our suggestions, Nathan’s already implemented or is planning to in the future when the time is right. Nathan has already placed the swimsuit line out on the floor along with a few sample summer dresses for the women.
Chris has also been to Nathaniel’s discussing his red carpet attire for his upcoming premier at the beginning of September. It looks like Nathan will be creating a custom piece just for Chris on top of his fall collection. Joe and Henry have also put a few of their business colleagues in contact with Nathan with regards to distribution. Nathan is so excited that he’s already envisioning having a storefront in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive.
I’ve been collaborating with Nathan almost every day this week about business, and best of all, this weekend is Easter. I don’t celebrate Easter, but this year is making me reconsider the holiday. Why? Joe is heading home to the East Coast to visit his family and I get a harmonious holiday with my best friends — another weekend free from awkward moments with Joe and Henry.
Everything with Naturally Me and Raven Media has been moving smoothly and profits have kicked up a little. I’m always impressed with the teams for each company. They not only work hard, but they love their jobs and offer wonderful feedback and suggestions that are regularly used. It’s amazing what people will do or come up with when they are empowered and encouraged. I’ve been specifically working on making some updates to the software Raven Media uses to enhance my contractors’ and clients’ needs.
My itch for sex with a man returned over a week ago, but I’ve been able to suppress it with the help of increased masturbation or Maggie. I still refuse to interact with Henry, but he’s been a good sport about Maggie and me having our own fun at my place or at his when he isn’t around. I’ve thought about connecting with Chris a few times, but my body is not interested. He’s a sweet guy, good looking, but he just doesn't excite me even in my heightened state of arousal. Plus, he’s been asking about me every time he sees or talks to Nathan. I’m definitely not moved to have sex with a guy who clearly wants more, especially when I don’t. I’m not the kind of girl who leads men on.
Every time I do orgasm, alone or with Maggie, the memory of being in the same bed with Joe at Nathan’s pops up. I’m not sure what to make of it. I’ve never fantasized about a man before; well, not this much. I bet if I did have sex with him the fantasy would go away — but, I have my rules.
The Easter holiday weekend came and went, and in less than two weeks my friends and I will be in Hawaii for Maggie’s and Henry’s three month anniversary. I particularly think that it’s too early to be celebrating anniversaries, but Henry continues to be just as enthusiastic about it as Maggie.
For as much time as they spend together, I’m surprised when Henry calls me a few times to ask some questions about Maggie. I’m curious as to what he has planned for the trip. Every time I ask Henry about how much I owe him for plane tickets or accommodations, he tells me it’s not necessary. I’m getting suspicious of his response. Jared and Nathan have confirmed that Henry is paying for them as well, which doesn’t explain anything. I should probably give Joe a call to see what I can dig up, though the idea of calling him is not appealing to me. I don't want to sound needy or desperate for information, even though I am, let alone give him any ideas about us.
As my habit, I text him. “Free for a second?”
“For you, anytime,” he sends back within ten seconds.
Before I finish reading his message, my phone rings.
“Hi, Joe,” I greet.
“Hey, beautiful. What’s up?”
My ears never tire of hearing him call me that. He’s been greeting me like that since our bed sharing encounter.