Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(17)

“Can I stay a little longer?” he politely requests.

“I don’t know if I can take another round,” I honestly admit.


“Me either . . .” he reveals. “I wasn’t expecting any more after the first, and then you . . . .”

I blush at what he’s referring to with regards to me tying him up.

“Don’t be embarrassed . . . please don’t,” he professes, guiding me to face him. “I enjoyed it. A lot.” He ravages my mouth several times. “Feel free to do that anytime.”

“Really?!” I check.

“Really!” he confirms. “And . . . maybe you’ll let me do that to you.”

“No!” I playfully counter.

The idea is exciting a little, but I’ve never been tied up before — not even with Maggie.

“Yes,” he opposes, laughing.

I don’t agree or disagree.

While Joe finishes getting dressed, I return to my office to flip through the photo books.

“What are those?” Joe questions in my ear, almost scaring me.

“I made these for Maggie, Henry and their family. They’re custom photo books from the wedding,” I explain as my attention is pulled away by the smell of him.

“They’re beautiful,” he comments, flipping through the one meant for the Li family. “Are they each different?”

“Yes,” I answer, showing him the difference with the one in my hand.

“Which one is for Maggie and Henry?”

“This one.” I point it out on my desk.

“Can I see it?”

Joe seems eager to see the photos.

“Sure.” I hand him the book.

He takes the book from me, but also takes my arm with his free hand, guiding me to follow him. Joe sits in the corner of my office couch, directing me to sit next to him. As I lower down, Joe drapes my leg over his. Taking his time, Joe turns each page carefully.

“Do you have all of the files of the pictures that were taken?” he investigates.

“Yes,” I reply, not exactly sure why he’s asking. “Why?”

“I’d like some,” he mentions nonchalantly.

“I have one for you already,” I explain getting up to get it.

Joe lets me leave momentarily and directs me to return to my spot when I hand him a white box.

As he opens the lid, I explain my intentions. “You said that Henry is like a brother . . . so I figured you’d want a framed picture.”

“I do. Thank you,” he says, kissing me on the lips. “But . . . I want other pictures too. Will you email them to me.”

“Oh. Okay. Like which ones?” I retort a little concerned. I’m not sure why I’m really surprised. He does have a lot of pictures of his family at his place.

“Can I see them on your iPad?” he explores.

“Yes.” I start to get up, but Joe beats me to it.

Once he sits down, he hands it to me to type in my passcode. He opens my mail program and begins to construct an email to himself, leaving it open to drag and drop photos and I show him the folder marked Maggie & Henry Wedding. My phone suddenly rings, calling my focus away.

Jared calls to touch base about a variety of things for Naturally Me, so I head back to the desk to access some files, emails and information on my desktop Mac while Joe remains on the couch. About fifteen minutes later, Jared and I hang up. Just as I’m about to get up from my chair, Maggie texts to see if I’m free. The next ten minutes, she’s catching me up on the status with Raven Media, including the social media team from the Covelli hotel who are testing the software. Apparently everything is moving smoothly and they are thoroughly enjoying the easy of the system. From some of their questions and comments, Maggie has the idea to alter or add a few pieces of functionality to the software which I agree will make excellent additions. I give Maggie the go to send an email to Hanna and Brandon, our programmers, to make the changes and tease her again about working while still on her honeymoon.

“Business sounds good,” Joe comments, not looking up at me as I approach the couch. He reaches his arm up, prompting me to join him.

“Yes. The staff at your hotel is really enjoying the software and has provided some great feedback,” I describe, sitting down.

“Terrific,” he states pulling me closer to him. He kisses my cheek when I’m within reach.

“How’s it going over here?” I ask.

“Good,” Joe admits with a huge smile, handing me the iPad. “I got all the ones I wanted.”

“Good,” I affirm.

Joe scoops up my legs and lays them across his lap as he scoots his body closer to me, holding me tight. “I was thinking I should go before you kick me out.”

“Oh, okay,” I say a little surprised.

“Unless you want me to stay?” he searches.

“Ummm . . . .”


I’m apprehensive at my response. I’m torn between a yes and no.

“I’ll go,” he chuckles.

When I follow Joe to see him out, he asks, “Will you consider coming over tonight? Or tomorrow?”

“Maybe,” I comment.

“I can work with maybe,” he confirms with a smile.

“You can?” I challenge, smirking at his confidence.