Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(42)

“You should probably get going,” I say impassively.

Joe’s expression changes. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I lie. “You’ve been here a while and we’re leaving Wednesday.”

“What’s going on?” he asks, not believing me.

“Nothing,” I deny.

“You’re acting weird,” he accuses.

“No, I’m not,” I say defensively.

“Did I do something wrong?” Joe looks worried and hurt.

“No,” I quickly reply, nervous by his reaction. A pain forms in my chest seeing him like this.

“You sure?” he checks.

“Yes,” I console.

Sadie comes over seeking attention, ironically helping to diffuse the situation. Joe studies me for several long seconds and I have trouble maintaining eye contact. He uses the bathroom before getting dressed and I put on my silk robe while he finishes buttoning up his shirt. Neither of us talk. This is the first time the silence is awkward — at least for me.

I find myself walking Joe out to the door and right after he cracks it open, he suddenly turns, grabs me and delivers a fervent kiss. My body melts immediately and molds to his, wanting the embrace to last.

When my eyes open after our lips part, I find that a smile has returned to Joe’s face. I can’t help but return the expression.

“See you,” he states with a mild hint of questioning.

“See you,” I breathe out, desperate to taste him again.

Joe presses his lips harder to mine, keeping them there for a long time, barely pulling away before returning them again for more. What is this spell he has on my body?

“Goodnight, beautiful,” his voice sings.

“Goodnight, Joe.”





Sixty Five


The past few days have been much better for Maggie and the whole family. Joe’s parents went to visit, having lunch or dinner the past two days. I joined them only for one of the meals, wanting to stay at home and work with minimal distractions before our trip. It’s really nice to see more of the real Maggie — the happy, fun-loving Maggie. She even perked up a little when reminded of the premier. Everyone seems excited, except me.

Wednesday morning, Sadie and I are in the plane with Joe and his parents heading to Oregon. The flight is much more bearable, especially since it’s my fourth trip in an airplane. The five of us get settled quickly into our hotel and then have lunch before heading to the facility.

Apparently, Joe and Mr. Covelli were able to get a really good price on the property, especially since they purchased the thirty plus acres next to it. The facility is an old, rundown factory on the border of the town it’s located in, with easy access to the main highway. Several of my current staff who live in Oregon meet up with us to know where their new office will be. As we tour the place, I notice that it’s already been gutted and many of the new structural layouts have been put into place, along with radiant floor heating and a cooling system. The section that will be the home for Raven Media has a small office upstairs and private access to the lower level that will contain the servers. I take a variety of pictures, sending them to Maggie to show her the current status. Once the interior walls and floors are finished, Joe, Maggie and I will return to supervise the delivery and installation of the hardware.

Mr. and Mrs. Covelli, Joe, and I bid farewell to my staff after treating them to dinner. I fight with Joe about covering the bill and there’s a pleased, smug look on both of Joe's parent’s faces as he and I banter. I share a gloating smirk when I win. Back at the hotel, Joe’s parents say goodnight, leaving Joe and myself in the bar after having a round of cocktails and chatting with us for the last hour.

I head to my room, changing before taking Sadie out for a jog. Joe joins us and we cover about five miles by the time we get back. Somehow Joe manages to get past me as I open the door to my room, letting himself in when I announce that I’m going to take a shower.

“What are you doing?”


“We’ll, we both need to shower, and knowing how eco-conscious you are, I figured we’d conserve water,” he innocently states.

“Conserve water?” I repeat, making sure I heard him correctly.

“Yes,” he confirms, grinning. He leans forward to kiss me, but I block him with my finger.

“Nice try,” I reply.

“Why not?”

“We’re here on business and . . .” I stop myself from the real reason.

“And . . . ?”

Shit. He heard that extra part.

“And, I don’t mix business with pleasure,” I calmly respond.

“It’s a little late for that, beautiful,” he counters.

“How?”

Joe gives me a look — a look I understand. It’s a look that says we’ve been having sex this whole time after already starting our business venture, and there’s no way I’m going to talk him out of it. He snags a kiss, sealing his victory.

“What’s wrong?” he checks. My expression must have alerted him.

My eyes lower, not sure how to tell him. “I . . . it’s . . . .”

God, this is so awkward.

“It’s that time of the month,” I blurt, nervously giggling after the words escape my lips.