Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(68)

Joe’s smile curls to the left side. “Plus, it wouldn’t be good if we returned together.”

I nod and start to move to the door. Joe tugs me in for one last, long fervent embrace.

When the door closes behind me, I text Jared, letting him know I’ll meet him by the main doors to the room. I manage a few minutes with my friends, but Chris finds me pretty easily. It’s not hard to spot me in this dress let alone the fact that everyone in the room knows I came with him.

For the rest of the night, I’m stuck to Chris’ side. I happily dance with him and he graciously lets Marcus, Jared, Nathan, Jimmy and Allen have a turn even though he keeps a very close proximity. When I try to leave to use the bathroom, he escorts me each time, waiting patiently just outside. I keep my alcohol intake to a very low minimum on purpose, not wanting to do anything stupid or foolish. When I’m not dancing with anyone else or we’re just standing around talking with people, Chris continues to keep a hold of my waist or hand. He snags a few kisses on my cheek or shoulder, but I’m able to deflect his attempts for my lips except for two different times in the night.


As the evening dies down, Chris reluctantly takes me back to Nathaniel’s with my friends’ limo guiding the way. We recap the night and laugh at some of the funny things we witnessed. With it being almost two-thirty in the morning, the roads are open, making it easy for use to get back to Nathaniel’s in a timely fashion.

When I notice that we’re only a few blocks away, something Chris says catches my attention. “What?” I inquire, not sure I heard him correctly.

“I said I think we should continue this relationship,” he says calmly with a smile.

“What relationship?”

“Our relationship,” he explains.

A nervous laugh erupts from my throat. “We’re not in a relationship.”

“We should be. All the reporters will say that we are, and you never said or did anything to counter that we might not be,” Chris mentions.

I stare blankly at him, letting his words sink in. He didn’t dis-sway the idea either.

“It’s a win-win situation for Nathan, you and me with our careers. It wouldn’t hurt for us to placate the sensationalization that will come from tonight,” Chris explains further.

“I’m flattered, Chris, but this is strictly professional for me and I don’t plan on taking matters beyond where they already are,” I earnestly reply.

“Why not? We had a great time tonight,” he counters.

“Yes, we had a good time, but I’m not interested in dating. I told you that in the beginning,” I calmly remind.

The car comes to a stop and I can see out the tinted window that we’re in Nathaniel’s parking lot.

“Is it because of Joe?”

“What are you talking about?” I snap.

“I see the way he looks at you,” Chris reveals.

“This has nothing to do with Joe. He and I are friends. His best friend is married to my best friend, Maggie.”

“Have you slept with him, too?” Chris pushes.

“Who I’ve slept with is none of your business,” I sharply answer.

“Tell me what to do,” Chris says with pain in his expression and voice.

“About what?” I reply confused.

“What do I need to do for you to be with me?” he pleas. “I want you.”

“You hardly know me,” I counter.

“You haven’t given me the chance,” he rebuts.

“I don’t give anyone a chance,” I explain.

“Will you make an exception? For me?” he searches.

“No,” I say as calmly and gently as I can.

“What if I tell you that I won’t stop trying,” he questions.

“I’d tell you you’re wasting your time and to find a woman who can give you what you want,” I state.

“How do you know you can’t give me what I want?”

“Our current conversation is a prime example,” I present.

Chris hangs his head a moment before looking at the door. He doesn’t say anything as he gets out of the vehicle and offers his hand to me.

Realizing that I can’t let us part like this, hurting him more than I could have known, I smile and place my hand on his cheek. “You’ll find her,” I encourage.

“Who?”

“The one you’re looking for,” I explain.

“I want you,” he repeats, stepping closer.

“You’ll think differently when you find her,” I reply.

Chris places his hands on my waist, making our bodies flush. “Can we be friends?”

“In time,” I sweetly offer.

He wraps his arms around me, sighing into my neck. Chris’ lips press into my skin, snatching a taste.

It’s odd how your body responds to each person who touches you. The right person causes a chemical reaction, sending your hormones into a frenzy. That is not the case in this moment.

As he releases me, Chris takes hold of my face, stealing a kiss out of desperation. I don’t fight him, but I also don’t encourage him either.

His lips let go, but stay within an inch. “Please?” he begs.

“Just friends,” I remind.

Chris nods his understanding and reluctantly lets go. “Don’t break his heart, too, okay?”