Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(75)

Taylor immediately releases me, giving me room. “I’m sorry ma’am. Miss. You okay?”

I roll over onto my hands and knees, struggling to stand, targeting my sights on Jimmy as my head rings and throbs. Joe quickly steps in front of me, blocking me from attacking Jimmy while simultaneously stabilizing me from being dizzy and still trying to catch my breath.

“Babe, you totally messed her up,” announces Allen.

“What?” Jimmy claims innocence.

“What the hell was so important Jimmy that you needed everyone’s attention?” Joe inquires, trying to control his anger and irritation.

“Just ignore it,” I suggest to Joe.

I know what Jimmy said, because that’s the very reason I became so distracted and the last thing I need is for Joe to hear it.

“The news today is that Emma and Chris are engaged,” Jimmy explains.

Joe closes his eyes, trying desperately to control himself, probably for the both of us, as his hands steady on my shoulders. I wonder if he contemplating going after Jimmy himself or letting go of me so I can.

“You okay?” Joe questions with concern and pain in his eyes.

“I will be,” I confirm.

“I’m really sorry, Miss,” Taylor apologies a second time.

“It’s not your fault,” I encourage.

“I think we’re done here,” Joe insists. “Let’s head back up and we can go from there. Okay?”

“Sure,” I agree.

Up in the penthouse, Hunter and his team resume their duties as Joe and I have lunch with Taylor, Dale, Dylan and Caesar, discussing the procedures and protocols that would work best for all of us. I make arrangements for the four-man team to have two apartments in my complex for easy access and watch. Then, they give me the breakdown of how they do their job and my requirement is to just notify them if and when I leave the building. I let them know what I am and not comfortable with regarding a number of things, including when I’m out with Sadie or friends. I sign contracts with them that day and get them paid to start moving forward. They inform me that they’ll be moved into the apartment by the following day, allowing me to return home. The final order of business before having the guards leave is to have Taylor create a team for Jared and Nathan as well. Based off of our interview, I trust Taylor’s judgment and give him my full permission to finish assembling the four men for the task.


Joe keeps a watchful eye on me once Taylor and his team leave, claiming that I hit my head pretty good on the mat. I insist that I’m fine, but he continues to hover. He kicks Jimmy and Allen out until after dinner which allows Joe to dote on me until they return. I take a bath to get some of the tension out of my back and head. Joe stays with me the whole time, being a perfect gentleman even while I’m naked. He sits on the floor with Sadie, propping his head on the edge of the tub with his hand while I soak. We talk and joke until my fingers become wrinkly. When I’m finished, Joe sweetly wraps a towel around my body when I stand and stays close by as I finish getting dressed.

We end up on my bed with Sadie, both working on our computers. I do my best to focus on Raven, but my brain wants to keep looking at all of the tweets about Chris’ and my engagement — and now wedding. Frustrated, I toss the iPad and close my eyes. Joe cuddles more into me, talking to me on occasion, preventing me from falling asleep.

“Hunter and Taylor have the team over with Jared and Nathan,” Joe offers.

“Good,” I say. “Stop distracting me.”

Joe laughs. “I don’t want you to fall asleep.”

“I do,” I counter.

Joe’s lips gently press to mine. “I like having you here,” he admits.

“Hmm,” I hum.

“I hope Jimmy and Allen go home soon,” he adds.

“I’ll be going home tomorrow,” I remind.

“Shhh. Let’s not talk about that right now,” Joe requests, lowering his lips again.

As tired as I am, my body perks up at his touch, wanting more. My hands slide up his body, drawing him closer. Joe shifts, rolling on top of me, pressing his groin into mine. He doesn’t move much, only using his mouth to coerce me. I whine in protest when Joe stops after some time and rests his head on my chest.

“What was that?” I complain.

“What?”

“Coming at me like that and then just stopping,” I explain.

Joe chuckles. “Just making sure you stay awake.”

“Tease,” I claim.

“Maybe,” he argues. “But, it worked.”

“Maybe I should kick you out,” I play along.

“Why?”

“B.O.B. will satisfy me and then let me sleep,” I explain.

“You’re not getting rid of me,” announces Joe.

“Fine. You can watch, then.” I move to get up, but he keeps me pinned.

“As much as I want to watch, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he counters.

“Are you offering instead, then?”

“I would say yes, but I wouldn’t want to risk it with Jimmy and Allen. They can pop back in unexpectedly,” Joe warns.

I don’t agree or disagree, but I understand his concern.

“I promise to make it up to you,” Joe sweetly offers.