Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(61)

“No. Neither does Molly or Maggie or any other woman who made you cum while having a guy inside you.”

Pursing my lips, I shake my head.

“Seriously?” he confronts, in amazement.

“Wipe that smugness off your face,” I direct.

Joe’s expression doesn’t alter. “Another first to add to our pile.”

“Pile?” I question. “You’re keeping track?”

“I’ve had a lot of firsts with you too,” he reveals.

“Like what?” I question.

“I should go and let you rest,” he changes the subject.

“Excuse me?” I ponder, not believing my ears. “Tell me.”

“Another time,” he insists, picking up his underwear.

“No. Tell me now.”

“It’s late and . . .” he begins, grabbing his pants.

“So,” I interrupt.

“The lingerie store, remember,” he offers, pulling me closer.

“What else?” I press, avoiding a kiss.

“You ladies need your rest,” he insists.

“Oh, no you don’t,” I demand. “You’re not leaving here until you tell me.”

Joe halts in his tracks and lifts a brow.

I immediately regret my statement, realizing the epiphany he’s having as he undresses faster than I’m able to correct myself and is already back in my bed and under the covers.

“Fuck me,” I exclaim at my predicament.

“Well I just did, but I’d be happy to, again if you insist,” Joe comments.

“Not funny,” I remark.

“I thought it was,” Joe muses.

“Definitely not funny,” I inform, tugging away from him as he gets a hold of my wrist. I have trouble willing my body to fight to break free.

Joe pulls me onto the bed, guiding me to lay with my head resting on his chest facing him. His smile beams like the sun, never faltering its glow. He plays with my hair as we stare at each other for a long time not saying anything. My fingers repeatedly play with a few of the strands of hair on his chest, trailing the length of them between my thumb and index. Sadie moves closer, bringing her sock monkey with her.

Guiding me by my arms, Joe tugs for me to move up his body until his lips can reach mine. “Can I stay, please?”

I politely object nonverbally.

“Please,” he sweetly implores.

My eyes fall to his chest. “No,” I mumble.

“Can I stay a little longer, then?” he inquires.

“Long enough for you to fall asleep?” I speculate.

Laughing, Joe reassures, “No. Just a little longer.”

“Okay,” I confirm.

Our naked bodies stay sandwiched together for as long as I can remember.

“Goodnight, beautiful,” Joe whispers into my ear.

I feel his fingers kiss my skin as he covers me with the blankets. The heat from his body is noticeably missing in my bed.

“Nigh,” my voice breathes out.





Seventy Three


The next two days move painfully slow as I work from home, doing anything and everything to distract myself and allow time to fly so the premier is here and then gone. I’m not looking forward to this event, despite the profit potential it can pose for Nathaniel’s. I don’t like being the center of attention, outside of Naturally Me, and I’m afraid of what may come from being in the spotlight with Chris. I know that the boost could help Naturally Me and Nathaniel’s, but at what cost?

Thursday, I get waxed and threaded and spend some time laying out naked in the sun on the balcony of my penthouse apartment. Once I’m on the chair, no one can see me unless I stand up. Though I already have a nice golden tan, I want to hide any potential tan lines that may or may not be exposed while wearing the dress.

Friday, I wake from restless sleep, nervous and anxious for the day. After taking Sadie out for the morning, I lay out in the sun again for about a half hour before resuming work. Finishing up lunch, I grab the new romance novel that is required reading for the bookclub Maggie signed us up for, curl up on the couch with Sadie and start reading until I can no longer keep my eyes open.

The feeling of Sadie getting off up wakes me, causing me to temporarily forget where I am and what day it is. Knocking on the door sounds as Sadie rushes to it whimpering. I know who it is by the way Sadie’s acting.


“Hey,” I greet Joe, fixing my hair when I realize it’s messy.

“Hey, beautiful,” he returns. Joe steps into my place and takes my mouth without asking. “You smell good.”

“I haven’t showered,” I answer.

Joe moans when our lips meet again.

“Why are you early?” I question, noticing that he’s over an hour early. “A little too early.”

“I wanted to see you before we leave for Nathaniel’s,” he informs. His hands grip my ass, causing moisture to secrete from my sex. “Can I join you?” he investigates.

“Where?”

“In the shower,” he explains.

“It wouldn’t hurt to have an extra pair of eyes to make sure everything is clean,” I muse. My body pulls away and my hand yanks on the sash to my robe.

Joe’s smirk grows when he sees that I’m completely naked under my garment. “Were you waiting for me like that?”