Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(78)

“Can you show me?”

“Show you what?” My brow furrows.

“Your calendar and how it works,” he explains.

“Why?”

“Because I want to understand,” he says.

“Why? Are you going to keep track too?” I laugh.

“Maybe. It wouldn’t hurt to sync a calendar together for it . . . that is, if you want to do it again without protection,” he comments.

“It is a form of protection,” I rebut.

“I mean without condoms,” he clarifies.

“I’ll think about the calendar thing,” I comment, not sure if I’m comfortable with the idea of him knowing my exact schedule.

Joe nods his understanding, but I know he’s dying to know more about how it works. “Can I stay for dinner, or are you going to kick me out?”


“Depends,” I tease.

“On what?”

“If you can keep your hands to yourself,” I say.

“I don’t know if I can agree to that. Why?” he chuckles.

“I might want more if you don’t,” I reveal.

“I have other tools to use and I’m not afraid to ask for assistant from B.O.B. or his friends,” Joe offers with a smirk.

“I’ll consider it,” I return with a smile.

We get dressed and head to the kitchen to decide on what to eat for dinner. Joe offers to help cook, but I highly doubt he'll do much more than have his hands on me the whole time. We start prepping a few items, but don’t start cooking right away.

When the time comes for Sadie to eat, Joe reminds, “Don’t forget to text Taylor.”

“Text him what?”

“That you’re going out,” he informs.

“Shit. Seriously?”

“Yes. Seriously. They need to know when you leave,” Joe explains.

“Do I have to give them a detailed itinerary each time?” I question sarcastically.

“No. But, on some occasions it does help,” he mentions.

I roll my eyes.

“If you were scheduled to be somewhere nice, I don’t think you’d want them showing up in their workout clothes,” Joe elaborates.

“Fine,” I whine, taking out my phone and texting Taylor.

We stop by Joe’s place so he can change and go for a run with Sadie and me. Taylor runs with us, about twenty feet behind the entire time, but I’m not sure where the rest of the guys are. Joe explains that Taylor is just getting a feel for what I do and then from there will make adjustments accordingly.

When we get back to my apartment, there’s a knock on the door a few minutes later. When I check it, it’s Anna with a bag of clothes for Joe. Without a word or a look of judgment, Anna smiles, hands Joe the bang and is on her way.

Jared calls to check in and before I answer, Joe heads to my bedroom, giving me some privacy. We talk about general stuff, both avoiding the topic of me still being in the news. Jared is pleased with the team that is keeping an eye on him and Nathan, but my sentiments are not the same about mine. I complain about having to report in each time I leave. Jared insists it’s necessary, which I understand, at least for right now, but it’s still creepy having four strangers know my whereabouts when I really prefer my privacy. We do decide to take some action next week if rumors don’t die down about Chris and me, but I have mixed feelings about the whole thing.

Since I still hear the water running when I hang up with Jared, we only spoke for about five minutes, I decide that I might as well join Joe in the shower. On the way to the bathroom, curiosity snatches this kitten’s attention and makes her snoop in Joe’s bag that was left on the bed. When I get to the zipper section that has toiletries, each object is easily identified save what’s hidden in a small, black leather pouch.

I peel off my sweaty clothes and prop myself up against the doorway to the bathroom since Joe left it wide open. I bite my lip, trying to stifle any sound when I realize that I’ve caught Joe masturbating. My eyes can’t look away — I’m completely mesmerized and I can’t decide whether I want to just watch or join him.

Sadie strolls in with her monkey, making enough noise for Joe to turn and catch me watching. “Hey, beautiful,” he nonchalantly greets.

I’m surprised that he’s not embarrassed. His hand continues to slide up and down his shaft without hesitation.

“Hey,” I reply.

“Coming in?”

“Maybe,” I tease.

“Enjoying the view?” he checks.

“Yep,” I confirm. “But, I’m torn.”

“Yeah? Why is that?” he chuckles.

“Well . . .” I begin. “I liked the back view . . . but, then you turned. Now I’m enjoying the front view too. And, I can’t decide whether to keep watching or join you.”

“How about both?” he suggests. “B.O.B. or one of his friends can join us too.”

“Really?” I check playfully.

“Yeah.”

“I’m surprised you want to include them,” I say.

“Why?” he says confused.

“Anna packed you four condoms,” I present.

“What?” Joe opens the shower door.

“I can’t believe you asked her to pack them,” I reply a little agitated.