Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(76)

“Yes,” I assert calmly.

“Ms. Emma is trying to clean. I told her not to, but she won’t listen to me.” Anna rats me out.

The way she frames her words makes me think she’s afraid of getting into trouble.

Joe lets out a husky laugh as Jimmy investigates, “Why are you laughing.”

“It’s fine, Anna,” Joe assures her. “If Emma is compelled to help you, will you let her?”

“You know that I’ll help despite what anyone says,” I challenge, placing my hand on my hip.

Laughing more, he replies, “I know.”

Unsure, Anna agrees, “Okay.”

“No wonder you like her, Joe,” Jimmy alleges before returning to the dining room.

“It’s okay, Anna. Really,” Joe consoles.

Not saying anything, Anna takes the dishes sitting on the counter in front of me.

“Hey . . .” I protest with a smile.

Joe advances towards me, pressing his chest to my back, rests his chin on my shoulder and his left hand on the counter next to my hip. Why is he so daring to touch me like this? Why am I not trying to move away?


Anna turns, catching us. She doesn’t look shocked or surprised. “I like her, Mr. Joseph. She’s good for you. She might even teach you a thing or two.”

I can’t see Joe, but I can tell by observing Anna that she’s gotten to him in a playful way. Her cheerful reaction indicates that she has a long working history with him.

“I know,” he admits.

I turn to face Joe and I find him blushing as he looks right at me. His eyes hold mine, and then, he kisses me lightly on the forehead. Why is he displaying any type of affection in front of Anna? I scrunch my nose at him in protest just before he takes my wrist and leads me back to the dining room. “Come on,” he says.

To appease Anna, I internally fight with myself not to aid her with dish duty. My friends choose to joke at my expense over my eagerness to help.

“Ha ha. Very funny,” I declare at one point after I’m met with a few snickers.

Jared scoots his chair closer to me and pulls me into him.

“So, Emma . . . what’s wrong with my brother?” Jimmy blurts.

“Excuse me?”

I’m shocked by his statement. Did I say something offensive at some point and not realize it? My eyes dart back and forth between Joe and Jimmy.

“Leave her alone, Jimmy,” Joe defends.

“It’s a valid question,” Jimmy contends.

Not sure exactly what is going on, I timidly comment, “Nothing is wrong with Joe. I’m sorry. Did I say something rude or offensive? I didn’t mean to.”

“No, you didn’t,” Joe reassures.

“Then, why won’t you date him?” Jimmy pushes.

Where is his question coming from? Did Joe say something? Did my friends say something?

“I don’t date,” I present calmly.

“What gorgeous woman like you doesn’t date?” he continues.

I stare blankly at his forwardness.

“Leave her alone, Jimmy,” Joe says with agitation in his tone.

“Emma has never dated,” Maggie chimes in. “It’s nothing personal to Joe or any other guy she meets.”

“Why not?” Allen searches.

“Did someone break your heart?” Jimmy investigates.

When did my dating life become the main focal point of conversation? I know Jimmy and Allen don’t know me, but I’m still not comfortable discussing it with anyone.

“My dating life is not up for discussion,” I state impassively.

Jared sympathetically squeezes my hand.

“Definitely heartbreak,” Jimmy insists.

“Leave her alone, Jimmy,” Joe asserts almost raising his voice.

I’ve never heard Joe get loud before with anyone.

“What?” Jimmy feigns innocence. He takes the warning look Joe gives him and backs off. “My apologies, Emma.”

I silently accept his concession.

With our conversation coming to a halt by Jimmy’s interrogation, everyone temporarily retires to their rooms to change for the night. Joe follows me to his room.

“I’m sorry about Jimmy . . . I . . . .”

“It’s okay,” I offer.

“No, it’s not okay,” Joe consoles, wringing the back of his neck with his hand.

“It’s not a big deal. I’ve had it happen before. He just caught me off guard.”

I have been approached a number of times by every adult member of Maggie’s family as well as Nathan’s. I’ve had random strangers, both male and female of various sexual orientations, inquire as well.

“I swear, I have never said anything that would warrant him to say anything like that,” he nervously admits.

“It’s okay, really.” My feet take a few steps towards him for some reason.

Joe’s body completely relaxes as he moves, closing the gap between us. “I just need to grab something to change into,” he mentions.

“You can change in here,” I offer.

A flirtatious look appears on his face.

“Down boy. I’ve got to take Sadie out one more time for the night.”

Did he just pout?

“Are you pouting?” I question.