Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(74)

“There is the couch,” I mention, turning in the direction of the hallway.

Joe takes a step closer to me, placing his left hand on my hip and spins me around to face him. “I’ll carry you back to my bed if you try to sleep on the couch.”

I eye him further at his threat. “Which bed?”

A devilish grin on his face implies that which bed is irrelevant and that it’s the matter of being in a bed with him. My brain freaks out as my body becomes aroused by the idea.

“Fine,” I unwillingly concede, not wanting to give him the hope of any possibility.

Joe leads me to his bathroom to show me where the towels and other necessities are located. The restroom is a very sleek, modern and extremely large which is pretty much the size of my bedroom. Medium grey slate tiles cascade over the entire floor, the entire walk-in shower that has a glass door and can easily fit six people, and the whole wall, where there is a solid white hot tub style bathtub. On the other side of the shower, toilet and bidet, there are porcelain white double sinks with a dark mahogany vanity.

Back in the bedroom, Joe draws my attention over to the french doors that lead out to a private patio. “Feel free to use the rebounder.”

“Is this why you’ve gotten better when we go jumping?”

“So, you’ve noticed?” he smirks.

“Just a little,” I dismiss while looking around the room to make note of where to snoop when I’m alone.

Heading back to the living room, we find that Jared and Nathan have arrived as well and are already making small talk with Jimmy and Allen. When I can get Jared alone, I need to remember to corner him about not telling me that Joe moved to my town.

“. . . I’m so excited,” Nathan shouts.

“Excited about what?” I question, coming late into the conversation.

“Jimmy and Allen are joining us in Hawaii next weekend,” Jared informs me.

“Awesome,” I reply.

I’m really glad to know they are joining us. It’s an extra reason to avoid any awkward moments with Joe and a way to get to know him and Henry better to make sure there isn’t anything that I’ve missed about them. Serial killers are good at hiding their true identities.


The eight of us chat like we’re all old friends reuniting which is very comforting to me. Jimmy and Allen are sweet, friendly guys who easily get along with everyone. Stories are told and laughter spreads. From everything that I see and hear, Joe and Henry are exactly the type of men I concluded them to be; smart, sweet, sincere and genuine. This puts my mind at ease.

At some point during our discussions, Anna brings us tea, coffee and some hours d' oeuvres before informing us that dinner will be ready in an hour. I check the clock on my phone and am surprised when I see that it’s just after five. Have we been talking for that long? I need to feed Sadie. There’s no need to formally excuse myself from my friends, so I sneak out right as Maggie and Henry start sharing how they met and fell in love with Jimmy and Allen. Yes, fell in love. They both use that word freely so much now. It’s been barely three months and they are talking about love. My stomach turns at the notion of them being in love.

I watch Anna bouncing between the kitchen and the dinning room before I start looking for Sadie’s food.

“Can I help you with anything, Ms. Emma?” Anna sweetly inquires.

“I need to feed Sadie,” I cordially mention, not wanting to interrupt her.

Turning to the refrigerator, Anna pulls out the cooler and offers, “I can feed her for you, Ms. Emma.”

“Thank you, Anna, but I think you’re busy enough getting dinner ready,” I graciously decline.

“I don’t mind. I’m happy to help,” she respectfully insists.

I appreciate Anna’s attentiveness and willingness, but there is no need. I’m under the impression that tasks as simple as feeding a dog are a part of her job description, even for guests. There’s no need to expect her to take care of Sadie or me even when she seems pleased to do it.

“Thank you, but . . .” I begin.

She senses my discomfort and instead instructs, “Plates and bowls are here, silverware over here, and feel free to use any food that is in the kitchen. Mr. Joseph had me purchase a variety of items for you, Ms. Sadie and everyone else. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Thank you,” I return, making my way to get a spoon.

Anna diligently watches me as I place the different ingredients of Sadie’s food into one of the bowls I had in her cooler. Before I’m finished, Anna fills the other bowl with water. She then places a towel on the floor before putting the bowl down. As I rinse my hands in the island sink, Anna instinctually takes the food and sets it next to the water. I choose not to say anything — I don’t doubt that I’m driving her crazy by doing her job.

“She’s not eating,” Anna voices with concern.

With a reassuring smile, I explain, “She’s waiting for the command.”

“She won’t eat unless you tell her?” Anna affirms with amazement. “Wow.”

I signal for Sadie to eat and she immediately begins. Anna stands watching Sadie the whole time. I suspect that she’s planning on cleaning the dishes and not giving me the chance.

Joe enters the kitchen distracting me, which gives Anna just enough time to retrieve the food bowl. “Everything okay in here?” Joe questions.