Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(120)

“Yeah,” I huff.

“Ignore them.”

I don’t care what other people think or say about me, but now that it involves Joe, I’m miffed. I’m not interested in not being able to enjoy my friends with benefits thing with him.

“You can’t stay at the hotel anymore,” Jared comments. “You know that, right?”

“I need to think. I’ll call you back, okay?” I reply, noticing that I’ve been pacing the floor rapidly when I almost trip over Sadie.

“Sure, Kitten,” Jared says. “Just let me know what you plan on doing.”

“Okay.” I hang up the phone without thinking and ponder my options.

“Emma,” Joe says loudly.

“Huh?”

“We need to get you out of here,” Joe announces.

“I’ll just pack and go home,” I blurt nervously.

“They’ll follow you and just make more accusation,” Joe comments. “Why don’t you come and stay with Jimmy and me?”

“Yeah, that’s a great idea,” I reply sarcastically. “Then, their claims that I’ve cheated on Chris with you or that we’re dating will be validated.”

“They won’t know where we’re going,” Joe returns. “There’s an access point for our condo that is underground. They can’t see who comes and goes other than a vehicle.”

I sigh.

“Jimmy and Allen insist that you come,” Joe coaxes. “And, my parents would like to have you over for dinner tonight.”

My head bobs as I consider my options. There’s no way I can take a train back and I’d have to find out when the next charter plane leaves the city.

“I’ll call the desk to check you out and have someone help with the bags while Hunter waits for us in the underground staff parking. We’ll leave and the paparazzi will just think you’re hiding out,” Joe suggests.

I would really like to stay a little longer. The fact that I’m here allows me to see the Nelsons or the girls again at least one more time before leaving.


“Okay,” I agree. “Where will I be sleeping?”

“We’ve got a guest bedroom, but . . .” Joe offers with a smirk.

Twenty minutes later, Joe, Sadie and I meet up with Hunter and Taylor in a black SUV this time instead of the car. I guess they want to either change things up or keep the paparazzi guessing who’s in which vehicle if they see us. The vehicle takes to the roads from a back alley, allowing us to sneak away like a mouse in an underground tunnel.

Jimmy and Allen practically knock me over when I enter their huge loft.

“Emma!” yells Jimmy. “So, are the rumors true?”

I give him a look. “No,” I verify.

“So, why are you in New York?” Allen inquires.

“I had to take care of a few things and was trying to be under the radar,” I sort of lie.

“Well, we’re glad you’re here. Mom and Dad are excited to have you join us for dinner tonight at their place,” Jimmy mentions. “Especially since Joe cancelled his birthday dinner plans.”

“Jimmy,” Joe chides.

I can tell Joe doesn’t want Jimmy asking questions and I think they can see it too and don’t pry any further.

They follow Joe and me into the bedroom that is on the lower level of their two-story loft, chatting away as Joe places my bags on the bed. They eagerly take me on a tour of their home and I happily follow, glad for the distraction from the news earlier. The kitchen, living room and dining room are one large, spacious area with a ceiling that stretches up to the second floor. They have two other large bedrooms, each with a private bath, upstairs that are their rooms along with a home office. Off the kitchen which is partially situated under the second floor, there’s a little hall that I notice.

“What’s back there?” I inquire.

“Laundry and Ana’s room,” Jimmy answers eagerly.

“Oh,” I reply. “Where is she?”

“Running errands,” Joe offers. “You’ll see her soon.”

“So, Emma,” Jimmy probes. “I’m guessing you’re the reason why Joe cancelled his birthday plans.”

“Jimmy,” Joe defends.

“What? It’s a valid question,” he supports.

“We ran into each other at the hotel. He didn’t know I was coming,” I comment. “When he found out what I was doing, he offered some assistance.”

Jimmy and Allen snicker.

“What kind of assistance?” Jimmy pokes.

I glare at him.

“Geez, lighten up,” Jimmy responds. “I’m just kidding.”

“No, you’re not,” Allen remarks.

“When is mom expecting us?” Joe changes the subject.

“Around five,” Jimmy answers.

At four-fifteen, our vehicle pulls into a large, underground parking garage after driving through a tunnel entrance that is wide enough for two cars to pass each other — Joe wanted to give me some time to see the place and to prepare to meet the rest of his family — whatever that means. The cart port is quite expansive, housing five different vehicles with room for about ten more. I find out that this is the family’s private garage. We take the elevator up to the fourth floor of their home. There’s no other family living in the building and the first two floors are for the staff.