Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(102)

“Nothing in here is going to get your pregnant, Maggie,” Nathan teases.

“But, they can help,” she sings, smiling back.

Maggie and I milk each second we’re in the adult sensual store, allowing the crowd and paparazzi to catch glimpses of us playing with a variety of items — purposefully posing. Before we leave, Maggie discreetly purchases a few things. I make a mental note of the items I want to find on the internet to order.

“I’m hungry,” Maggie announces to our group when we exit the adult store.

Jared, Nathan and I snicker, avoiding making any crude comments concerning what we think she’s really hungry for in front of Pop-Pop and Joanna.

We head home after lunch because the crowd becomes a little unruly. While driving back, we text back and forth about what we want to do. Joe offers for everyone to stay the night at his place since there’s enough room and security. Everyone agrees and we head for Joe’s penthouse.

Anna and Sadie greet everyone happily. Sadie is especially excited to see Joe and me. Joe offers his room to Pop-Pop and Joanna, Jared and Nathan take Jimmy and Allen’s room and Maggie and Henry take the third guest room and I take the last. When Pop-Pop inquires as to where Joe is sleeping, he mentions that he has a bed in his office and there’s always the couch. Pop-Pop tries to argue with Joe, but Joe’s patient persistence wins in the long haul.

After another wonderfully delicious meal prepared by Anna, Nathan turns on his iPad to discover the results from our little excursion. The topic on every social media and news outlet is when Maggie, Jared, Nathan and I took a stroll into the adult shop. Pictures of us holding a variety of items cascade across the screens as do speculations and a lot of raunchy comments with regards to using such toys. Jared and Nathan post a few statements on social media, confirming that we had a great time shopping, refraining from confirming if anything was in fact purchased.

By midnight, Sadie and I make our way out of the guest bedroom and over to Joe’s office where he’s sleeping for the night. Sadie and I crawl onto his bed before he fully wakes. I snuggle into him when he rolls onto his back, lowering my lips to his.

“Hey, beautiful,” he greets softly.

“Hey,” I reply.

Our mouths unite, careful to not make any noise.

“I know Maggie got some toys,” he whispers. “Did you?”

With a wicked grin, I confess, “No. But . . . I did see a few things I liked.”

“Like what?” he eagerly questions.

“Fuzzy handcuffs,” I admit bashfully.

“Mmmm,” he hums, pulling me closer for another kiss. “Anything else?”

“Crotchless panties,” I giggle.

“I like the sound of both of them,” he replies.

We devour each other’s mouths for a while.

“I should head back,” I state reluctantly.


“I know,” he agrees. “I’m glad you came over.”

I snicker.

“What?”

“Well,” I begin, trying to compose myself. “I didn’t really cum.”

Joe gives me a long peck. “Next time . . . I promise.”

My lips linger a little longer until I finally peel them away. When I get to the hall, I turn and whisper, “Goodnight, Joe.”

“Goodnight, beautiful.”





Eighty Six


Each night we get the chance, Joe and I are together, except when Jimmy and Allen show up in preparation for Nathan’s private event — when I allow him, he comes to my place. We’re able to schedule the party before the fall and winter holidays between my friends and Chris, staying close enough to the movie premier so Nathaniel’s won’t drop from the spotlight.

For the private event, Nathan has all of us wearing our garments rather than having them hang on a manikin, however, I’m wearing the alternate dress. He says that he wants a more dramatic effect, hoping it will catch key people’s attention. He’s already had several offers for my dress and Chris’ suit. I’m not sure on whether to be flattered or creeped out by the idea.

Everyone gets the opportunity to wine and dine the collection of celebrities and media representatives who have arrived until the show starts — except me. I’m stuck hiding in the office, not that I’m complaining, because I’d rather reduce the amount of talking I need to do with the press, but because Nathan wants me to have a grand entrance. My friends come back on occasion to check on me.

“They’re getting antsy, babe,” Jared says. “You better have her come out soon.”

“I know,” Nathan agrees. “I just want to build up the tension.”

“Have you decided on who’s escorting me?” I ask.

“Nope,” Nathan confirms. “I don’t know if it would be more impactful if it’s Chris or me.”

“Chris,” Jared comments. “They won’t expect them to come out arm and arm after all the news and rumors.”

“That’s true,” I agree, hoping to assist on the attention staying away from Joe and me.

Chris and I stand side by side as we wait for Nathan to announce us. “You look stunning in this dress too,” Chris states.

“Thanks,” I reply. “You still look pretty good yourself.”