Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(69)

His point makes complete sense to me.

“I’d be happy to help in any way that I can,” Joe kindly offers.

“Thanks.”

I sit pondering the different things I can do and almost forget where I am and who I’m with for a few minutes until our next dish arrives to the table.

Taking a second bite, I finally ask, “So, how do you know Chef Andrews?”

“My brother, John Jr., and he were good friends growing up. Our families know each other.”


I nod my understanding since I have a mouthful of food. About to take another sip of wine, my hand stops just before the glass touches my lips. I see someone across the room heading in my direction. I quickly look away but not fast enough to not alert Joe.

“Everything okay?” Joe questions with a little concern in his voice.

“Yep,” I agree, keeping my attention on him. I take a gulp of wine.

“You sure?” he presses.

“Mmm hmm . . .” I begin to assure until I hear my name called.

“Emma!”

Crap. This is not good.

I awkwardly stand in an effort to not encourage the person to linger or to cause the potential for Joe and him to talk. “Hi, Chris,” my voice waivers a little. “What are you doing here?”

Chris places one hand on my waist and the other behind my neck, and taking me by surprise, plants a long kiss on my lips. My eyes are wide with shock and disbelief at his blatant, unwelcome show of affection in public.

Releasing my lips after I push away at his chest, Chris answers me. “I’m meeting with my agent. What are you doing here?” he asks, keeping his hands on me.

Joe clears his throat loud enough for Chris to turn his head. “Hi. I’m Joseph Covelli.” After he stands, Joe reaches his hand towards Chris.

There is a cool, calm, distinguished manner to Joe which catches me by surprise and ironically turns me on.

“Hey man, I’m Chris Cooper.”

“I know who you are,” Joe states. “Seen a number of your movies. Not bad.”

“Thanks,” Chris replies, still hovering near me. “Apologies, I thought you were Jared or Nathan.”

I don’t believe Chris. He wouldn’t dare act the way he did to Nathan or Jared.

“That’s okay,” I interject. “We should let you get to your agent.”

God this is awkward.

“It’s okay. I’ve got a minute. He’s not here yet.”

Chris is clearly not getting the hint.

“Caleb says you haven’t been back to Ayana’s since we last saw you.”

“Correct,” I confirm.

“I was hoping to see you again,” he admits.

“I’ve been busy.” I shift my body closer to the table, but he follows.

“Too busy to see me again?”

“I told you where things stood for me, Chris. They haven’t changed.”

Even if they had changed, I wouldn’t let Chris know. There is no chance for a relationship between us. I’m attracted to him, but not like that.

“Then why are you on a date with him?” Chris contends.

Chris’ bold question catches me off guard, leaving me temporarily speechless. The last thing I want to do is lie, but I don’t owe him any explanation either. I can’t believe this is happening to me right now.

Chris turns and extends his hand to Joe. “It’s nice to meet you.” Then, loud enough for Joe to hear him, Chris discloses to me, “I hope you’ll give me a chance too.” He kisses my cheek before walking away.

I take a moment to compose myself and then move to sit down.

Joe helps me into my seat without saying anything at first, but then makes it even more awkward when he rounds the table to his chair. “Nice guy.”

I glare at him for a moment before taking a huge gulp of wine. “He’s okay.”

“Good actor,” Joe adds.

“Mmm hmm,” I agree, trying to maintain self control by taking another large sip of wine.

“He’s the Chris who Nathan was teasing you about and the one getting the custom suit?”

“Yes,” I quickly confirm, wanting to move on from the topic.

Joe nods his understanding. “Well, if you do go on a date with him, let me know.”

I’m puzzled by his statement. Is he trying to torture me?

“I don’t plan on it, but why?”

“So I can get the first kiss of the date.” A wry smile forms on Joe’s face.

He’s not offended or uncomfortable by what just happened?

“I’ll consider it,” I reply, still in shock to his laid back manner. My body relaxes a little at his joke.

I appreciate him not taking offense to the whole situation and trying to help us both move on.

Joe and I have finished seven dishes of our nine-course meal and our conversation after the incident with Chris was a little awkward, but only for a few minutes.

When our eighth dish arrives, Joe surprises me. “So what do you want to know about Hawaii?”

“This isn’t dessert.”

“I know, but you’ve been a good sport about the whole date thing. Thought I’d show a little bit of mercy.”

I pause to think about what I want to ask. “Why won’t Henry let me pay for my share of the trip? I know he’s said the same thing to Jared and Nathan, but I just don’t understand. I can easily afford my portion of the trip.”