Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(64)
“Is it because you got to have sex with me before the premier?” I speculate.
“No, but that’s an added benefit,” Joe says.
“Then what?”
“You’re wearing one of the pairs of panties I bought you,” he reveals.
With a smile, I reply, “I know.”
Joe glances in my direction. “Did you do that on purpose?”
“Maybe,” I offer.
He takes our clasped hands and kisses mine. We ride the rest of the way to Nathaniel’s in silence, with nothing but smirks smeared across our faces.
Seventy Four
Joe and I arrive at Nathaniel’s a little early, beating Chris and hopefully preventing any awkward comments or glances from our friends. I’m quickly pulled into Nathan’s office away from everyone’s prying eyes, not allowed to be seen by anyone until my transformation is complete as Nathan calls it.
For two hours, Denise’s sister, Olivia, paints Maggie’s and my finger nails and toe nails, styles Maggie’s hair and makeup, checks several different styles of hair for me to determine which one Nathan wants and then puts on my makeup while Jared observes. Nathan pops in from time to time, but he’s busy as a bee bouncing around to each person, making sure their suits are on and situated.
“You need to go and get ready, Jared,” I playfully scold.
“Don’t worry,” he teases. “I’ll let you be the one who is fashionably late. Besides, it doesn’t take long for this kind of natural beauty to get ready.”
“Gee thanks,” I remark, pretending to be hurt.
“You’re a natural beauty too, Kitten,” he comments. “You’re just being transformed into Goddess-like beauty for a superhero tonight, which takes a little longer.”
“Nice recovery,” I muse, laughing by how he dramatically described my transformation.
Maggie and Olivia snicker.
“I’ll go get my suit on once you’re ready to get dressed,” Jared announces.
“It won’t take me as long as you,” I remind. “Less layers.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” he agrees. “Okay, I’m off. See you in a few.” Jared kisses me on the cheek and does the same with Maggie before leaving the room.
When Maggie gets the necklace locked in place, she assists Nathan with the double-sided tape for my breasts. Lastly, they help me with my shoes and jewelry.
“God, Emma,” Maggie says, taking my hand. “You look like a superhero goddess.”
I blush at how she says it, aware that she’s completely turned on right now.
“That’s the look I was going for,” Nathan comments.
The three of us take a moment since we’re alone. Denise and Olivia are out with the rest of the guys making sure they’re ready with every piece of their suits in place.
A knock on the door snaps us back to reality. “You guys ready or what?” Jared questions behind the door.
“Ready, babe,” Nathan shouts.
Jared pops his head in, opening the door just far enough to see in. “Damn, Emma,” he exclaims. “I know I saw the dress on you before, but you look exquisite with the hair and makeup.”
“Thanks.”
Nathan and Maggie lead the way as Jared escorts me out into the main store area where Jimmy, Allen, Henry, Joe and Chris wait. When Jared and I round the corner, my attention is immediately caught by the sight of Joe. Our eyes stay locked for a few beats and I swear my heart jumps out of my chest. I force my eyes away, blushing when my brain registers his reaction to seeing me. The room goes silent as my gaze bounces between all of the people in the room who have yet to see me for the past few hours.
“Shit, Emma,” Chris says, capturing my attention. “You look . . . .”
“Beautiful,” Joe finishes Chris’ sentence.
My eyes bounce to Joe for a moment, but are pulled away when Chris continues.
“No,” he corrects. “She’s stunning.”
“Thank you,” I nervously choke out.
“Shit, Nathan,” Jimmy exclaims.
“I wishing I was a woman. They get all the best clothes,” comments Allen.
Everyone laughs, easing the tension in my body.
“We should go so we aren’t late,” I announce, wanting to move the focus off of me.
“Uhh, no,” Nathan chimes in. “We need pictures.”
“Shit,” I say under my breath.
For the next twenty minutes, Nathan arranges everyone in different groups and some all together for photos. I’m in all of them which oddly bothers me because I know this is exactly what’s going to happen half the night. Nathan makes sure I get pictures with just Henry and Maggie, then Jimmy and Allen, and even just one of Joe and myself along with him and Jared.
Pop-Pop would have been here with us tonight, but Jared didn’t want him driving home alone, dealing with LA traffic while we’re in Hollywood. Jared did use FaceTime on his phone for Pop-Pop to see things happening until it was time for me to get dressed and then for a few minutes after I left the dressing room. He also informs me that Pop-Pop and his lady friend plan on watching the television, tweeting and texting with us all night long. I can’t help but laugh — we’ve got Pop-Pop tweeting.