Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(27)
“That’s going to be a while,” I giggle. “I don’t plan on having one for a long time . . . if ever.”
“It’s okay to be scared, Emma. Especially with what you went through,” Nǎinai reassures. She gives me a consoling look while patting my hand.
Now I know that Maggie has told the whole family my history — a lump forms in my throat. I’m grateful for the fact that we are not too close to anyone else for our conversation to be overhead.
Nǎinai continues. “You will not find peace by listening to your fears.” She pauses and taps her hand on top of mine.
We sit in silence for a minute before she speaks again — I think she’s letting what she said sink in a little more. “Eating apples are good for you. They’re safe and you know what you’re getting . . . but, eating apples every day, all day, can becoming boring. Sometimes you need to taste a strawberry, or a peach, or a lemon, to appreciate what you have and to know if you might enjoy something different than what you do have.”
My eyes fall upon the people around us laughing and smiling, causing me to rejoice at the moment despite this sensitive subject that causes a tear to trickle down my cheek.
“Be proud of who you are and where you come from,” Nǎinai comforts. “We all choose our own paths here and assist others with theirs. You’re parents’ journey was supposed to end when it did . . . in order for your journey to truly begin.”
I lift my eyes to her and Nǎinai appears to be glowing. If my parents didn’t die, I may never have met Jared, Maggie and the rest of the people I now call family. Her words sting, despite the unwavering truth that I feel emanating from them.
“I think you should visit them soon,” she suggests. “Maybe . . . even . . . perhaps . . . for your birthday.”
My head bobs slightly in agreement. It’s been a number years since I’ve made the trek back East.
“Go to forgive . . . them and yourself.” Nǎinai pauses for a moment. “Free yourself, and them, from the negative energy. Let your heart and memory of them turn from sadness into love . . . for if you do . . . you will be invincible in all you do and true happiness will be within you.”
The two of us sit quietly for a while. My love, respect and appreciation for Nǎinai and her family has multiplied farther than I could have ever imagined. I hope that one day I’ll be able to take heed to Nǎinai’s wisdom and let my walls down to enjoy the aspects of life that I see Maggie and her family celebrating before me.
Fifty Eight
Joe, Jared, Nathan, Pop-Pop and I don’t stay at Maggie’s for dinner, letting the rest of the family mingle and spend time rejoicing. Nathan explains that he needs to get back to the pieces for the premier since he’s feeling the pressure of having them all perfect and I wouldn’t mind getting ahead on the Raven software.
As we approach Pasadena, Joe looks to me at a red light and asks, “You hungry?”
“A little,” I answer sweetly.
“Good. Because, it wouldn’t be right to take you home without a full belly,” Joe announces.
“What did you have in mind?”
“I texted Anna when we left San Marino. Dinner should be ready when we get back,” he admits devilishly.
“And, what if I had said no?” I contend playfully.
“I’m sure I would have been able to persuade you,” he states.
“Really?!” I muse sarcastically.
“Really,” Joe remarks with confidence in his voice.
When we get to Joe’s penthouse, Anna already has a bowl prepped for Sadie and there are ten minutes left on the clock for the dinner she’s prepared for Joe and me. Anna leaves when Joe and I take Sadie out for a walk, and twenty minutes later Joe and I are back in his place.
Setting my purse down on the table by the front door, I turn to face Joe as he finishes emptying his pockets. We stare at each other with wild grins and my hands lift to unzip my dress, letting it fall to the floor.
Joe’s eyes light up and he takes a cautious step toward me. “I thought you were hungry,” he mentions.
“I am,” I wickedly admit. My right hand reaches forward, grabbing the top of his pants, yanking him to me.
Joe presses his body against mine, but keeps his hands to himself. My fingers find the edges of his belt while my eyes stay fixed on his. With his belt undone, my hands loosen his button and gradually lowers the zipper, letting his pants fall to the floor. As if he’s watching what I will do, Joe remains still while I push my panties down. A small moan escapes Joe’s throat at the same time my thong hit my ankles. The next target for my hands is his underwear. As I’m about to slip down to my knees, Joe steps into me, taking my mouth with his. His warm, stiff cock pulses against my belly and my sex salivates for his entry.
Joe’s mouth trails down my neck, over my breasts and stops at my navel as his hands hold me firmly at the waist. My body quivers when his tongue glides over my sex, breaching the crack to find my clit. Joe lifts my right leg, draping it over his shoulder, allowing his mouth to taste more of me. My fingers tangle in his hair and pinch my nipples. I try to look down at him on occasion, but the use of his tongue dancing on my nub and the sudden use of his fingers inside me throws my head back into the wall.
I whimper frustration when Joe stops just shy of my orgasm occurring. He quickly rolls on a condom, lifts my body by the hips and hoists me up against the wall, placing his cock deep inside me.