Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(76)

My lips curl. “Promise.”

“Definitely,” he concurs.

I nod and Joe seals his agreement with a kiss which turns into several more.

My phone chirps and I unwillingly answer. Jared is calling to update me on everything. Aside from Nathaniel’s being wiped clean the day after the premier, at least a dozen movie stars have called in, making appointments for later in the week to schedule time for custom outfits along with several news channels wanting to do interviews. Naturally Me is still being inundated with emails, especially with the connection of me and Chris. We’ve got a number of news channels looking to do an interview which I decline immediately. Jared reassures that he’s turned down everyone. The one good thing with all of this, other than Nathan’s success, is that our numbers for Naturally Me have risen dramatically with views, click-throughs and watches, spiking our potential earnings rapidly. Jared describes in detail the four-man team that now represents his and Nathan’s bodyguards, commenting on how they’re all hot, hunky men. He tentatively brings up the engagement slash wedding speculations and I confirm my awareness. We have yet to make any statements online and I want to see if everything will just stop within the next week or two.





Seventy Seven


By the afternoon on Tuesday, my bodyguards have completely moved into their apartments and I’m back at my place with Joe as my escort. Taylor and the team join us once I get my bags settled in my room. Apparently, they need to inspect my apartment as well as understand the layout just in case there are any emergencies in the future. I debate with them on the point, stating that the layout is the same as their apartments, but they disagree. They insist on knowing where I have key pieces of furniture, if I may have any weapons or anything that could be used as a weapon, as well as which room I sleep in.


“I’ve never had four guys at the same time before,” I tease, standing in the doorway to my bedroom as Caesar and Taylor look around.

“What, ma’am?” Taylor replies, nervous from my statement.

I can’t help but laugh at his serious tone.

“She’s messing with you,” Joe consoles. “Be nice, Emma.”

“I’m just having a little fun,” I challenge.

Joking around is helping calm my own nerves about this whole situation.

“We’re strictly professional, Miss,” Taylor insists, still slightly skittish.

“Yeah . . . I said that once too,” I press back, looking to Joe.

I see Joe’s jaw clench a little, trying to hide a smirk.

“That is not our intention, Miss,” Taylor offers.

“Relax, Taylor,” I reassure. “I mean nothing by it. But, if we are going to get along, you’re all going to need to loosen up a little.”

“Yes, Miss,” Taylor says as his shoulders lower a little. “Besides, we know you’re Mr. Covelli’s lady.”

My head snaps in Taylor’s direction, not expecting his last statement, unable to look away for a few moments before my eyes journey to Joe. No one says anything and I don’t confirm or deny whether I’m Joe’s or not.

“Apologies, Miss,” Taylor stutters.

I nod, but refrain from saying anything more.

My body stands in fright as Joe ushers my bodyguards out the door.

“You okay?” Joe tentatively checks.

“Yeah,” I mumble, turning to face him. It takes a few extra seconds for my eyes to catch up with the rest of my body, scared to look him in the face.

Joe cautiously takes my hands, gently pulling me closer to him. My body quickly follows, wanting his touch.

“Joe?” I begin.

“Yes, beautiful,” he says, holding me tight.

I breathe out some of the tension in my body, but it does little to relax me or help to form words.

“Does that bother you?” he inquires.

“What?”

“That they know something,” he verifies.

“A little,” I huff.

“They’ve all signed contracts. They aren’t allowed to discuss or disclose anything,” he soothes.

“I know,” I agree. “It’s just . . . .”

How do I explain my contention?

Joe stands patiently, waiting for me to gather my thoughts.

“It’s just odd . . . you know,” I continue.

“What is, beautiful?”

“That complete strangers, whom I’ve only just met two days ago, know more than my friends,” I explain.

Joe kisses my forehead. “What do you propose?”

“I’m not proposing anything,” I nervously snap.

Joe chuckles. “What I mean is, what do you want to do?”

“I don’t know,” I say with my voice shaking a little.

“Do you want to stop?” he checks with a little plea in his eyes.

“No,” I mumble.

Joe’s grin widens. “Good. Neither do I.” He leans forward and kisses me. “Do you want to tell them?”

“Tell who what?” I check.

“Your friends? Our friends?” he questions.

“No,” I blurt.

I’m conflicted with what’s happening. Do I want it to stop? No. Not at all. The challenge is lying to my friends and having complete strangers know that Joe and I are having sex. The more we see each other, the more I’m scared to tell Maggie or Jared, and I’m not sure why.