Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(95)
“Just in case I can convince you to break one or two,” he goads.
“None of your business,” I press back.
“That’s fine,” he says unfazed. “I have other sources who will tell me, if they haven’t already.”
Dread soars through my veins. What does he mean by other sources? I know. Maggie, Jared or Nathan. What does he mean if they haven’t already? Have they shared willingly whether he’s asked or not?
Changing the subject, I offer, “I should probably let you go. It’s late and you have work in the morning.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?” he confronts.
“No,” I oppose.
“You remember that I’m the boss and make my own schedule, right?” he teases more than reminds.
“Yeah. I know,” I affirm.
I don’t know what to say and I don’t necessarily want to let him go. I wonder if he’s thinking the same thing.
“I’ll let you go. I’ll see you Thursday,” he says after a while.
“Thursday,” I repeat.
“Goodnight, beautiful. Sweet dreams.”
“Goodnight, Joe.”
Twenty One
The past few days have been met with glorious, chaotic frenzy. I haven’t been tremendously busy with work tasks that need to be done, but to help pass time and take the edge off of the anticipation of Hawaii, I’ve invented new ones, especially by coming up with more functionality and options for the Raven 1.0 software. I went rebounding on Tuesday and Wednesday at the trampoline facility in Glendale on top of going last Sunday with my friends. Maggie and I took a trip on Monday to some of the outlet shops to do some pre-vacation wardrobe hunting. It was nice to spend half the day with Maggie without any boys tagging along. I also lined up with a lunar hair chart for her and I to get our legs and bikini area waxed and eyebrows threaded later the same day.
Last night, Maggie and Henry stayed at Joe’s to make it easier to leave. I decided to sleep at home to be safe, but joined them all for dinner at Joe’s. Anna cooked a wonderful meal.
Luckily, I’m a very punctual woman, so I’m ready and waiting by the time Maggie uses her key to my apartment fifteen minutes early Thursday morning. I’m greeted by Maggie, Henry and Joe, all offering to assist with my bags while Jimmy and Allen wait in the limo. I have my bags in the small foyer area which thankfully restricts how far everyone comes in. A confident smile graces Joe’s face as he passes the threshold. Ignoring his blatant victory expression meant only for me, I indicate which bags are going with us and Sadie.
We pull into a private facility in Van Nuys and are dropped off right in front of a plane. Everyone follows Jimmy and Allen up the ladder and into the monstrous vehicle as I gape in wonderment. Joe pulls my arm, guiding me to the stairs. Looking back over my shoulder, I see Anna and the driver taking all of the luggage from the trunk as the crew delicately grabs each bag and places it in the undercarriage of the plane. I’m glad to know that I packed a few items in my large purse just in case.
Joe gestures for me take the steep stairway first. I contemplate on whether he’s being a gentleman, wanting to get a view up my dress or both — I’m flattered either way. I signal for Sadie to head up first and I’m right behind her. At the top of the stairs, I freeze in amazement, causing Joe bump into me.
“Sorry,” I offer.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, just soaking it all in.”
I’ve seen photos of luxury, private jets, but to see it in person has a completely different effect on the mind and body. The plush, executive interior is alluring and seductive. Anyone could easily get spoiled with this kind of flying.
Walking in, I find a four person couch lining the front, left side and across from it are four reclining chairs paired on either side of a table. Behind the second set of chairs is a small counter with glasses in a cabinet above and drinks tucked inside a cubby superseding another table and chairs that seats six. I place my purse down on the counter not sure where I might sit; everyone is standing and talking.
Getting ready for take off, Maggie and Henry sit at the front table and the rest of us get situated at the rear table. Grabbing my purse, Joe hands it to me as he offers me the window seat. He sits next to me with Allen to his left, Jimmy in front of Allen, Jared across from me and Nathan in the middle of Jimmy and Jared. Sadie squirms under the table and rests between my feet with her head on my lap.
“You going to buckle up,” Joe interrupts my train of panicked thought as I watch the crew outside the plane.
“What?”
“It’s Emma’s first time flying,” Jared announces, causing my cheeks to warm.
“Here,” Joe says, reaching over me to grab the strap before snapping it on the left side.
The luscious scent of Joe fills my nose, calming and exciting me all at once.
“Thanks.”
“How are you holding up, Emma?” Jared inquires, reaching and offering his hand.
“I”m okay,” my voice cracks.
“You’ll be fine once we take off,” he assures.
“You’re safer in a plane than a car, you know,” Joe adds.
“Mmm hmm,” I hum unconvincingly.
As the plane taxis, I grip the armrests with my left hand and squeeze Jared’s with my other as I watch out the window. I do my best to minimize my anxiety as the guys gab freely. As the massive contraption hurls down the runway, my heart pounds thunderously in my chest and sweat forms in the palms of my hands. At some pint, I feel a warm sensation discretely wrap around my cold left hand. My eyes dart to the all of the men around me to see if they notice Joe’s hand on mine. They’re thankfully distracted by their lively conversation. I release the death grip my hand has on the armrest, turn it, and interlace my fingers with Joe’s as he extends our hands further under the table to prevent us from being caught.