Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(18)

“It’s better than a no.” He kisses me on the nose.

“I suppose,” I playfully muse.

Joe says his farewell to Sadie before he explores my mouth one last time. He reluctantly pulls away and I hear him laugh under his breath when my body follows his.

“See you later, beautiful.”

“Later, Joe.”





Fifty Three


Friday morning I’m able to get a bunch of work done before Kim comes by with Jade for another one of our occasional sleepovers. With business and Maggie’s wedding, my schedule has been so hectic that the only time I’ve been able to see Jade is when the family gets together. We’ve been doing our little get-togethers since she was three. We haven’t been able to have one recently, the last being just before the Hawaii trip, and since Jade starts Montessori school this upcoming week, I want to end her summer with a bang.

Typically, Jade and I have our little sleepover for two to three nights every couple of months, however, due to the fact that we haven’t had one for several months, I tell Kim that Jade can stay until Tuesday, giving us four whole nights of fun.

In the evening, after hiking all afternoon, we pack dinner and head out for Pasadena’s Movie Night in the Park. Jade carries the bag that has our blanket and a few of Sadie’s toys while I carry the cooler that is filled with food and drinks. Once we get settled on the ground, Jade grabs my phone out of my purse when she hears it ringing.

“It’s Joe!” she exclaims. “Can I answer it?”

“Sure, sweetie,” I offer.

“Hi, Joe,” Jade beams eagerly. She’s got a smile from ear to ear. “Emma and I are at the park to see a movie. Do you want to join us?” she innocently asks.

My heart skips a beat at her request.

“Great! Here’s Emma, she’ll tell you how to get here.” Jade hands me the phone.

“Hi,” I greet.

“Hey, beautiful,” Joe answers. “Where am I to meet you?”

I pause for a second, trying to collect myself and my thoughts. “We’re at the park across from my apartment,” I inform.

“Great. Do I need to bring anything?” he checks.

“No.”

“Should I walk over?”

“Yes,” I agree. “You won’t be able to park, even my apartment building is full.”

“Okay. See you in a few minutes, beautiful,” he states seductively.

“See you,” my voice fades.

“He’s coming, right?” Jade verifies.

“Yes, sweetie. He’s walking over now,” I explain.

“Yay!” Jade bounces while sitting.

Five minutes later, as Jade and I wrap up dinner and play with Sadie, my phone chirps again. “I got it,” Jade announces enthusiastically.

I look down at the screen and see the picture of Joe I have associated with his contact information.

“Hi! Where are you?” Jade searches.

“Oh. Ummm . . . chocolate,” she says.

I look at her quizzically and she bounces more on her knees.

“Okay, see you in a few minutes. Bye.”

“What was that?” I inquire.

“Nothing,” she replies.

“What did Joe say?”

“He told me to tell you nothing if you ask,” she answers.

I shake my head in disbelief — I can’t believe she’s so quick to be a traitor.

About ten minutes later, my phone buzzes from a text message. “Here,” writes Joe.

“Is he here?” Jade asks.

“Yes,” I confirm.

I text back that Jade and I are sitting in the middle, toward the back of the screen, on a light blue blanket.

Jade quickly jumps to her feet and scans the crowd. “I don’t see him,” she announces.

“Keep looking, sweetie. There are a lot of people here,” I instruct.

“It’s harder to see with it getting darker,” she says.

“I know, but if we can’t find him, trust me, I know he’ll find us,” I offer.

“Stand up so he can see you too,” Jade comments. Not giving me the chance to move, Jade quickly pulls me by the arm to stand.

Sadie darts behind me.

“Hi, ladies.”

Jade and I turn and find Joe.

“Hi!” Jade yells, jumping into his arms. She almost knocks something out of his hands with Sadie seeking attention too.

“Hello, princess,” he greets. Joe puts what he was carrying down to scoop her up and kiss her on the cheek. Joe looks to me. “Hi, beautiful.”


“Hi,” I answer as calmly as I can.

My hormones go instantly into overdrive with him being here.

Holding onto Jade the whole time, Joe bends down and greets Sadie before picking up his bag and moves closer to the blanket. The three of us sit and Jade places herself between Joe and me before calling Sadie to join her on her lap.

“What did you bring?” Jade questions.

“Jade, honey, that’s not polite,” I lovingly correct.

“Oh, sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Joe acknowledges. He opens his bag and hands her a pint of chocolate ice cream.

I exchange a glance with him that has several hidden meanings. My thoughts ramble; that better not be all for her, you better have two other spoons, thank God he bought organic, I’m not sure I’m going to like the sugar rush that’s going to come from this, and several more thoughts before my mouth has something to say.