Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(40)

Oddly, my heart is happy and scared by his words and actions.

Joe’s mouth stays with mine until we hear Anna. “Mr. and Mrs. Covelli, how lovely to see you.”

Our bodies immediately separate, checking our appearance a second time before walking the few steps down the hall and turning the corner to greet his parents. It takes me a moment to adjust from the moisture that has collected on my panties.

“Mother. Father,” Joe announces. “What are you doing here? I thought you were coming Tuesday?”

“Emma, darling,” Mrs. Covelli beams when she seems me. “How lovely to see you, sweetheart.”

“Mrs., I mean, Elaine, it’s a pleasure to see you,” I return as graciously as I’m able given my flustered hormones.


I watch her joyful expression alter slightly as her gaze bounces between Joe and me, even after I properly greet her. She seems very pleased to see me, but there’s more.

“I hope we aren’t interrupting anything,” Mrs. Covelli states after Mr. Covelli and I release from our embrace.

“Not at all mother,” Joe offers.

“Your mother thought since we were able to free up our schedule, we should get out this way tonight. We wanted to be able to see the Lis and Wús without having to dart off for Oregon right away,” Mr. Covelli answers. “If we are intruding, we certainly can . . . .”

“Of course not,” I interrupt. “Joe and I were just going over some business.”

Mr. and Mrs. Covelli’s eyes bounce between Joe and me several times.

“Business? This late?” Mrs. Covelli questions with a smile.

“Yes,” Joe agrees. “Emma’s a little nervous, so we’ve been discussing things.”

“Oh, well we can see to ourselves while you finish,” Mrs. Covelli comments.

“We’re finished,” I offer quickly. “I’ll be on my way for you to visit.”

“Nonsense,” Mr. Covelli interjects. “Please stay and join us for some tea.”

“Yes, please. I’m not quite ready for bed, sweetheart. We had a nap on the plane and I’m wide awake,” Mrs. Covelli adds.

All three of their faces are bright and I can see that Joe definitely wants me to stay, even if just for a little longer.

“Sure. Tea would be lovely,” I agree.

We make our way to the living room and Anna is quick to bring out a tray for tea. Our conversations are light and not on business as we sip our drinks. Mrs. Covelli mentions how Jimmy and Allen are excited that the premier is just two weeks away — is it really?! Time has flown.

“Can you tell us anything about the dress?” Mrs. Covelli inquires politely.

“Unfortunately, no,” I share.

“Nathan really does want to surprise everyone, doesn’t he?” she continues.

“Actually,” I continue. “I haven’t seen it.”

“Really?” she searches. “He needs to check the fit. He’s cutting it pretty close, I would say.”

“I know,” I nervously agree.

“I don’t doubt you’ll look beautiful,” she comments sweetly.

“Thank you,” I accept. “The suits he has for Chris and everyone else look great.”

“Wonderful,” she praises. “I can’t wait to see everyone dressed up.” Mrs. Covelli takes a sip of her tea. “I’ve already shared the few items I’ve purchased with a dear friend of mine who is in the fabric industry and she’s very impressed.”

“Wonderful,” I say excitedly.

“She’s eagerly awaiting the reveal for the premier, as am I. We’ll be watching that night,” Mrs. Covelli informs. “If she likes what she sees, she’ll be a key person to help get Nathan into the fashion show line at the beginning of next year.”

“Seriously?” I question, not that I doubt her.

“Yes, sweetheart,” she confirms with a pleased smile.

“I know that Nathan would be more than excited to hear that,” I mention. “Thank you. It would mean the world to him.”

“Fingers crossed,” Mrs. Covelli says with a confident grin.

I smile and nod.

The four of us sip our tea in silence for a few moments, enjoying the buzz floating in the air.

Suddenly, Mrs. Covelli announces that she’s tired and needs to rest. I’m only halfway done with my cup and I can’t believe that she’s already finished hers. I doubt that she’s lifted her cup to her lips more than the rest of us. Mr. Covelli quickly agrees and they bid Joe and me goodnight, insisting that I stay and that they can sleep through anything. What an odd and random statement.

Joe and I sit awkwardly for at least ten minutes, finishing our drinks. He eventually moves closer to me on the couch.

“I should go,” I announce, placing my empty tea cup and saucer on the tray.

“I’ll walk you,” Joe insists with a smile.

We take our time, dragging out the walk as long as we can back to my apartment, not wanting the night to end. When I get the door open, Joe cautiously steps inside. I give him a quizzical look and he tells me he’s making sure no one has snuck in my place as he closes the door behind him.

Unable to take the lack of his touch, I step into him, desperate to feel him all over me. Our mouths unite as one and Joe annoyingly takes his time. My hands frantically scramble to undo his belt, but Joe hinders me by the wrists. My head snaps back for me to question him, but he presses more against me, wrapping my arms around his neck and snatching my lips. He holds my arms in place, gradually releasing them as if he’s making sure I don’t lower them. As our mouths stay together, Joe leads me with his hands on my waist, directing me to follow him.