Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(98)

“Cute, huh?”

“I think so. I can’t really remember,” I tease.

We sway to the music effortlessly.

“I’m surprised,” Joe begins.

“By what? That I’m wearing the dress?”

Chuckling, he explains, “No. But, thank you for that! You look even more beautiful under the moonlight wearing it.”

After blushing more at his compliment, I’m able to ask, “Then, for what?”

“For someone who always like to have control, you’re letting me lead the dance.”

As I comprehend his words, my feet suddenly falter. “I’m sorry,” I say after almost stepping on his toes.

“That’s my fault. I shouldn’t have said anything,” he offers, taking the blame. He repositions us gracefully as if nothing happened.

“No, it’s my fault,” I disagree.

“No, no. It’s mine. I shouldn’t have said anything. You were doing very well,” he insists, assuming responsibility. Within seconds, our step wavers again. “Now I’m distracted.”

“Distracted? By what?” I ask.

He tentatively discloses into my ear, “I’m distracted by you.”

Sweat gathers in my palms. Clearing my throat, I ponder what to say, but I’m left speechless. My eyes hesitantly meet his as the heat in my cheeks boils hotter.

His lips are seductively inviting, especially as he bites his lip trying to stifle a smirk. “The fact that all I want to do is kiss you right now. I’m tempted to do it, risking the chance of getting slapped,” he admits freely.

My feet waver at his admission, but he flawlessly stabilizes me. I keep my head turned in the direct of our friends dancing for two reasons. One, to not give Joe the opportunity to kiss me in public, and two, to see if our friends are watching us. Thankfully, my friends are all consumed by their own partners. Relief temporarily settles in my heart, but something catches my attention just beyond the dance floor. My heart roars, my body becomes rigid, and I can feel all of the blood draining from my face.

“You okay?” Joe mutters.

I barely hear him.


“Emma? You okay?” a voice questions very slowly.

Shock engulfs me as I stand motionless. “I . . . I . . . need to use the ladies room,” I fumble.

My chest aches with each shallow breath, gasping for air as I dart away from the dance floor. My vision blurs a little just before I make it to the farthest stall in the women’s restroom. I’m not sure if anyone was following, but I don’t care. Trembling, I press my hands to the walls to steady myself. Breathe, Emma. Breathe. My eyes were playing tricks on me. That’s it. Breathe, Emma.

I hear a woman whoop, trailed by light scuffling and a man’s voice. “It’s okay Mama, I’m just looking for my sister, and don’t worry I’m gay.”

Two men's designer shoes appear at the base of the stall door, escorted by a light knock. “Emma?” Jared searches.

Sucking in some air, I confirm, “I’m . . . I’m okay.”

“Will you let me in?”

“I . . . I just . . . need a minute,” I claim, working on controlling my breathing.

“No one noticed, by the way,” he offers sweetly. “Other than Joe, they all think you’ve been in here.”

“Uh huh . . .” I affirm. My head is spinning and a tear or two trickle down my face.

“I locked the bathroom door, so no one else is coming in until we head out,” he indicates. “It might not be good to let the door stay like that for too long. We wouldn’t want to bring too much attention over here.”

“Just a second . . .” my voice stutters. “I just . . . need . . . a second.” Cautiously, I stand to make sure I’m not dizzy anymore. I take a deep breath in before unlocking the hinge.

“You okay, Kitten?” Jared says, studying my face.

“Mmm hmm,” I testify but I still haven't convinced myself that I am.

He surrounds me with a careful bear hug. “Do you think you can make it out of here?”

“Yeah . . .” my voice shakes.

Laughing he says, “We’ll you’re hiding it well from your face already, but your voice says otherwise.”

“Thanks,” I muster.

There aren’t any women waiting outside of the bathroom when we finally leave, which settles me more. Jared and I walk arm and arm over to our friends who are now sitting at the table chatting and drinking.

“Yay, you’re back,” Maggie beams. “Did Jared tell you?”

I bluff ignorance, “Tell me what?” I glance around the table.

The only two people who know about my lie are Joe and Jared.

Witnessing the sparkle, I know now that my eyes were not playing tricks on me.

“Henry proposed,” Maggie gleams, extending her left hand over for me to see the enormous rock glistening on it as she jumps up and down.

At least ten karats, probably larger, my eyes are having trouble focusing, a rounded square, pink diamond rests in the middle of a vintage style band. Clear diamonds encompass the gem as well as the entire band wrapped around her tiny finger.

“Wow!” I gulp, keeping my eyes on the ring. “I’m so happy for you. Congratulations,” I add with a forced smile, moving over to hug her and then Henry.