Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(73)
Joe is moving in our direction when I turn the corner. He must have already been heading towards us when Anna announced our arrival. Two other men are with Joe and are just getting up from the couch when Maggie, Henry and I stop behind Anna.
“Thank you, Anna,” Joe replies as he moves to greet us. He hugs and kisses Maggie, hugs Henry and then hugs and pecks me on the cheek before standing close to me.
“So, which one is Emma?” One of the men questions Joe as he approaches us. “I want to meet the one who has my brother’s eye.”
From his statement, I know he is James. James is handsome like Joe. You can see the family resemblance, even though their body types are completely different. James has definition to his body, but it is hidden and nowhere near as pronounced as Joe’s. He even has similar facial features to Joe, but James’ eyes are a beautiful, emerald green.
My cheeks flush instantly at James’ open statement, which gives me away.
“Ah . . . .” He inspects me from head to toe. “You’re even prettier than the photo Joe showed us.”
My eyes dart to Joe at the mention of a photo he has of me. I know we’ve all taken pictures on our phones from time to time when we all hangout, but the thought still rattles me, especially if he’s talking about me to other people.
“Don’t pay him any attention, Emma,” the other man proclaims. “Jimmy is messing with Joe. We haven’t seen a photo of you yet. Joe wouldn’t share.”
I can feel my face heating up more.
“She is gorgeous, though. Isn’t she Allen?” Jimmy playfully questions.
“Indeed,” Allen concurs.
Allen is just a handsome as Jimmy and Joe with his own striking chiseled features. He is about an inch or two taller than Jimmy, has a little more meat on his bones, and strawberry blond hair. His amber eyes sparkle in the light.
In an almost bashful tone, Joe apologies, “Please excuse Jimmy and Allen.”
“We’re being rude sweetie,” Allen teasingly chides Jimmy.
“Where are my manners,” Jimmy begins, reaching his hand forward to shake mine. “I’m Jimmy, Joe’s older and better-looking brother.” Before our hands meet, he catches me completely off guard and embraces me in a hug I can’t escape.
“Don’t mind him. He’s a hugger,” Allen informs me a little too late. “I’m Allen,” he says as Jimmy releases me. “I’m his better half.” Allen jerks his head in the direction of Jimmy and then hugs me too.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” I reply a little shocked from their affectionate greeting.
I wasn’t expecting them to be this friendly.
“And, who is this adorable four-legged creature?” Jimmy inquires, bending down towards Sadie who has been by my side the whole time.
“This is Sadie,” I say, glad for the distraction.
Sadie sits waiting for my signal to greet the new strangers and I let her. She sniffs and licks both of them, but seeks Joe out for more affection.
I stare at Joe as Henry introduces Maggie to the two men. He offers me a reassuring smile, but it doesn’t work. “How about a tour,” Joe suggests.
“Sure,” I consent, thinking Maggie will want to see the place as well.
“I’ll see it later,” Maggie replies as she returns her focus on the conversation between Henry, Jimmy and Allen.
Smiling, Joe acknowledges, “Looks like it’s you and me, beautiful.”
Unhappy with the result, I just nod in agreement as Sadie follows. There are a lot of rooms to his stunning penthouse. Aside from the living room, it has four bedrooms, four full bathrooms and one-half bath, an office, kitchen with an attached breakfast room, dinning room and a den. The single floor is over four thousand square feet — I remember from the listing.
When we get to the largest bedroom, Joe mentions, “This will be your room for the weekend.”
The bedroom is stunning. It’s sleek, sophisticated, elegant and contemporary. The walls are painted a light bluish grey, with a similar, but slightly darker color on the fifteen foot ceiling. A king size bed, that looks like it’s swimming in the room, is on the far back wall and is covered with a solid white comforter, and topped with white, blue and grey pillows, some with the hint of a golden yellow. The bed frame, nightstands, and a single dresser on the opposite wall are matching dark mahogany wood. A chaise and sitting chair with a small table and lamp sit near the french doors that lead out to a patio. Leaning on a wall next to a door that would lead to the bathroom are several pieces of art or photos most likely waiting to be hung.
“I don’t need this much room,” I protest, confused to why I would get the biggest room to myself. “Jared and Nathan or your brother and Allen can have it.”
He chuckles, “Jimmy and Allen have their own room, and as much as I love Jared and Nathan, I’m not interested in them sleeping in my bed.” I shoot him a glare, and before I can say anything, Joe insists, “Relax. It will be just you and Sadie in here. I’ll be in the den.”
“I’ll take the den,” I assert. “This is your house.”
“You are my guest,” he contends.
I shrug my shoulders to indicate that I don’t care.
“If you don’t sleep in here, the only other free bed is where I’m sleeping.”