Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set (126 page)

We’re back in California and Joe has yet to share much concerning what’s going on with Mr. Ward’s company and I know that Joe and his father are trying to finalize some facts before the three of us and Mrs. Covelli sit down and discuss the topic. I know they’ll talk to me when everything’s confirmed, and they don’t want to burden me with little details in an effort to minimize the stress of being pregnant, but what they don’t realize is that my stress goes up when I don’t know anything.

“Joe,” I call as I zip up my dress.

We’re scheduled to have dinner with the family at Maggie’s tonight.

“Yes, beautiful,” he returns as he buttons up his shirt.

I pause for a moment, trying to figure out how I want to present my thoughts.

“What’s wrong, Emma?” Joe asks when I take longer than he expects. “Is everything okay? Are you okay? Is the baby okay?”

“What? Oh. Yes,” I confirm. “I . . . I just wanted to ask you something.”

“What’s that?”

“What’s going on with Hammer Corporation? I know that you don’t want me to worry or be stressed out, but not knowing anything is worse, making me more stressed than knowing,” I blurt quickly.

Joe studies me for a moment. “You’re right.”

My head tilts to the side, a little surprised by his answer.

“I know that about you and I should have said something sooner,” he states. “What you saw with the financials is indeed accurate.” He pauses, waiting for my response.

I nod.

“And the environmental concerns are just as bad,” he shares. “Dad and I have been discussing it at length about what we want to do, how we want to handle it . . . the challenge is in more than one of Mr. Ward’s companies.”

“What do you mean?” I ask. “They’re my shares and I’m the person who is deciding whether to sell them or not, regardless if your father does business with Mr. Ward, you know that I can’t . . . .”

“I know,” Joe interrupts.

“I’m not selling them because I feel threatened by him or his daughter,” I continue. “It’s about morals and principles.”

“I know,” Joe repeats. “That’s what dad and I are trying to figure out.”

“What are you two trying to figure out?” I press, realizing there’s more to his words.

“You’re not the only one with a large stock interest in the Hammer Corporation,” he shares.

“Oh,” I reply, realizing the depth of our conversation.

“Regardless of the fact that our families have done business for years, dad and I both agree that the matter needs to be resolved. We’re hoping to be able to talk to Mr. Ward privately first to address the concerns, but . . .” Joe stops and takes a deep breath.

“But, you don’t think Mr. Ward will respond positively?” I state more than question.

“Exactly,” Joe confirms. “Dad would rather the matter be addressed by him directly, giving Mr. Ward a chance to explain, if he knows, and to correct the issue regardless if he does or not.”

“That makes sense,” I agree. A thought pops into my head. “What would happen if Mr. Ward doesn’t?”

The look in Joe’s eye confirms my suspicion before he even opens his mouth to reply.

“Not good,” I present.

“Correct,” Joe huffs. “My father and I have already agreed, if Mr. Ward, regardless if he knew about these challenges, chooses to not take any action to correct them, then all of our actions will have a monumental impact on the value of Hammer Corporation. We’d rather not have to do that, but dad and I agree with you.”

“Why would us selling our shares change the value of the stock?” I ask.

Joe takes a deep breath. “Because between dad, mom, you and me, we have a significant amount.”

“Oh,” I gasp, comprehending the impact that would have for not only Hammer Corporation, but what it could possibly do to the rest of Ward empire and their family. “Do you think it would be better for all of us to talk to Mr. Ward together, or just your father?”

“Dad wants to get him alone to chat and see how things go,” Joe returns.

My head bobs in agreement. “If he’s open to fixing things, what’s the timeline your dad was thinking to offer?”

“Depends,” Joe begins, “we don’t want it to be too short of a timeframe, but we also don’t want it to be too long.”

“Okay,” I say. “Thank you.”

With a sweet, relaxed smile, Joe replies, “ You’re welcome, beautiful. And, I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner.”

“It’s okay,” I state.

“No,” Joe argues. “We’re a team and we’ve always done best together when we talk. I should have known it would be easier for you to handle this, I just didn’t want to pile on more things to distract you with the baby and all.”

“I know,” I soothe, moving closer to him.

“Please, forgive me, beautiful.”

With a wicked grin, I reply, “I forgive you . . . this time. Just don’t let it happen again.”

“Is that a threat?” Joe searches with a widening smile.

“Yes,” I confirm happily.

“Maybe we should do some shopping tonight for more toys when we get back from dinner,” Joe mentions.

My eyebrows raise in shock. “This coming from the man who thinks he’ll hurt the baby?”

“I’m getting better with it,” Joe defends.

“I know,” I encourage.

“Do we have time for a quickie?” Joe questions with his boyish grin.

“For you? Always,” I return playfully.

As the days pass, Brenda and Gwen do a pretty good job keeping Joe and me busy without feeling overwhelmed. There are fewer people in our home, allowing us to be able to focus more easily on a number of things. Joe and I have been spending some time with our friends and family, and I’ve been spending the rest of my time, when I’m not with Joe, pretty much with Maggie. She calms me and it’s actually comforting to hear her share and answer questions about being pregnant.

Jared and Nathan have announced that they’re keeping the wedding small and are planning everything themselves, claiming that the rest of us just need to show up on the day. They’ve also begun redecorating one of the spare rooms in the condo for the babies. Yes, seriously. They’ve bought two cribs, a bunch of toys, a dressing table and so much more. Maggie’s and my baby’s are loved — they’ll be spoiled, but definitely loved.

I’ve begun showing — the bump is officially here. Maggie seems to get bigger each time I see her, which is every few days. Today, Maggie secretly plots an outing with me, leading everyone on that we’re going baby shopping. Joe tries to come along, but I tell him that we need some girl time, promising to take some photos of anything that I might be interested in. We’ve started buying some stuff for the baby, leaving everything in his office while we have yet to find a place that makes us both feel like we’re home.

For two hours, Maggie and I honestly shop, getting her and Henry a bunch more items that they really don't need, just to cover for what we have planned after lunch. We take a drive over to Kim’s house and the three of us solidify my plan before Jade gets home from school.

By the late afternoon, Anna manages to get Joe out of the penthouse as I requested, with the aid of Jared and Nathan. Other than Maggie and Kim, Jared and Nathan are the only other people who are aware of what I’ve been plotting — they don’t know everything, but they know enough. With the penthouse empty, other than Sadie and myself, I get things in order. Jared texts me updates about every half hour of their status.

While I’m in the kitchen, putting the final touches on dessert as dinner stays warm in the oven, I faintly hear Joe call for me and Anna. I stay where I am with my back to the kitchen door, waiting to share his surprise. Joe calls out my name and Anna’s several more times as I eagerly wait for him to find me.

Joe calls, his voice getting louder as he hits the doorway. “Anna have you seen Em . . . .”

Silence falls upon the kitchen — I know he has found me.

I turn my head to face him, knowing that I’ve gotten his complete attention.

“Don’t move,” Joe commands.

My head shifts back a little further until we make eye contact.

“Don’t . . . move,” Joe repeats, this time in a calmer tone. “For the love of God, beautiful. Whatever you do . . . do not move . . . not yet.”

I can’t help but smile at his words. “Why?” I ask, acting innocently.

The sound of a few pictures being taken from his phone is heard.

I face back to the last few cupcakes that need icing. “What for?” I tease.

“God, you’re so fucking hot right now,” Joe lets out on a strained breath before he takes several more pictures. “Please . . . just let me enjoy the site of you for another moment.”

“I hope that those photos are for your eyes only,” I comment.

“Definitely,” Joe confirms, moving closer to me after about another minute of silence. His warm hands cup my bare ass and slide around onto my hips, under the apron I have on — I’m not wearing anything else but the apron and a pair of high heels.

“Is this what you were planning with Maggie?” he asks into my ear as he presses his groin into my ass.

“Maggie didn’t know
everything
,” I state. “Nor did Jared or Nathan.”

“Is that so?”

“Yep,” I confirm.

Joe’s hands slide around to my belly, hugging me and the baby from behind for a minute before allowing his fingers to find my sex. “So, Jared knew?”

“Just that I needed you away for a while and to keep you distracted, yes,” I confirm.

“Are we alone?”

“I hope so,” I reply with a laugh. “I don’t think you’d want me in the kitchen like this with Anna or the bodyguards around.”

“True,” Joe chuckles.

“Mm hm,” I confirm, enjoying the use of his hands which are starting to be very distracting.

“What’s for dinner?” Joe asks though I know he’s not interested in food at the moment by the way his hands are caressing my body and his erection is pressing into me.

“Food,” I reply. “And . . . cupcakes.”

“Cupcakes?” Joe repeats.

“Mm hm,” I answer. “Do you want one?”

“If I’m going to spoil dinner with dessert, I’d rather have you first,” Joe whispers into my neck.

“They’re really good,” I coax, licking some icing off my fingers.

“I bet you taste better,” he states.

“I think I’d taste better with some on me,” I retort, offering my finger for him to lick.

“Mmm,” Joe hums, kissing my neck.

“I don’t know,” I say. “I think these are my best cupcakes yet.” I pick one up and peel off the wrapper. “Here. Try one.”

Joe lets me spin to face him. “I just want to taste you.”

I lift the cupcake up to my mouth. “Fine . . . more for me . . . and Joe Jr..” I moan satisfaction as I take the first bite as if I’m on the verge of an orgasm.

Joe chuckles. “I can’t imagine that they’re that . . .” his voice falters when he looks down at the dessert that is still in front of my mouth as I chew my bite. He looks back up to me, then the cupcake and then peers around me to see the rest of the confections.

Butterflies dance in my belly when I see the realization set in his eyes.

“They’re blue,” Joe reveals.

“Hmm?” I reply.

“The icing . . . they’re all blue,” Joe expounds.

“Mmm hmm,” I confirm, trying to swallow.

“And, you just said more for you and Joe Jr.,” Joe reminds.

I smile and nod.

“You’ve never directly called the . . .” Joe says, stopping himself. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I say smiling.

“How do you know?”

“Maggie and I did go shopping . . . but . . . .”

“But?”

“But, we visited Kim after lunch,” I confess. “I know you said you wanted to be there to find out the sex of the baby, but I really wanted to surprise you and every. . . .”

Joe’s lips firmly take mine, interrupting me. He gently presses my body against the counter as he holds my face. “He’s a . . . ?”

“Boy? Yes,” I confirm.

“Seriously?”

“Yes,” I giggle. “I wouldn’t lie about that.”

Tears softly trickle down Joe’s face. He kisses me several more times before lowering to his knees. “Hey, little prince,” he greets my belly. “How are you doing in there?”

“He’s hungry,” I say, finishing the cupcake and licking my fingers.

“I promise that mommy and I will feed you, but . . .” Joe says, kissing my belly. “But, first, I need to do something.”

“What?” I say with disbelief. “Dinner is rea. . . .”

Joe’s suddenly standing in front of me, his hands firmly wrapped around my face as he kisses me passionately. “There’s something I need to do.” His mouth returns to mine as he uses his tongue more deliberately.

“What do you need to do right now that is . . . .”

Joe interrupts me again, diving his tongue further into my mouth. The coolness of the stainless steel fridge tingles my naked body when Joe spins and holds me against it, forcing me to whimper with excitement. Joe’s desperate need to be inside me is found by the way his mouth consumes mine, yet he tempers his desire, by the way his fingers clench my ass cheeks.

“Joooooooooe,” I whine, wanting him inside me.

“I want to celebrate,” he states when his tongue tastes my neck. “I don’t want to rush it.”

“Fuck me now . . . then we can eat . . . then you can . . .” I gulp between breaths.

“You sure?” Joe checks.

My fingers tighten in his hair as I smile and nod. “Please, fuck me.”

Within seconds, the metal buckle on Joe’s belt clangs to the marble floor and his cock is breeching the hole of my sex. He slides just the tip of his head in and I moan with eager anticipation. Joe pulls himself back, only to slip himself a little further inside me. “God, you’re so fucking wet,” he grunts on his third thrust, pressing himself all the way inside.

“Yes,” I pant, shivering from the sensation of being filled.

Joe rocks his hips back and forth with slow, long pulses, teasing us both.

“Joooooooe,” I whine.

He steadies my face with his left palm, placing his forehead against mine as he continues to pump inside me. Wanting to excite him more, I turn my head and capture his thumb between my lips, repeatedly curling my tongue around his finger and gently pressing my teeth to lock it in place.

“Fuuuuuuuuck,” Joe grunts.

The man gets just as turned on by me sucking on his finger as if it’s his cock lodged deep in my throat. With the fourth wrapping of my tongue, Joe is pulsing his hips faster and harder against mine.

“Mmmmmmm,” I praise, not wanting to relinquish his finger.

“Fuuuuuuuuck,” he moans. Joe’s tongue dances along my skin. His mouth seeks mine and after a few more flicks of my tongue, I release his finger and surrender my mouth to him.

“Make me cum,” I request, feeling his penis stiffen as it strikes the spot that will undo me.

“Emma,” Joe groans into my mouth, signaling that he’s close.

“I’m gonna . . .” my announcement is cut off as the orgasm springs to life inside me. My arms tighten around his neck, pulling him further into me as my body shakes from the pleasure.

As I’m finally able to sigh, releasing the breath I was holding while riding the wave of euphoria, Joe finishes, whimpering his release into my neck. We stay pressed against each other for a minute or two while we collect ourselves.

Once Joe lowers me to the floor, he kneels before me, slopping up the moisture from between my legs. He offers me a kiss when I request it and my body instantly becomes more aroused at the flavor of us. Joe leaves his pants on the floor, only putting on his boxer briefs. He shrugs out of his dress shirt and tie as I check on dinner.

Instead of eating at the dining room table as I had planned, Joe and I eat in the kitchen. The dishes sit on the island, as do I, with Joe standing between my legs. We take turns with the fork, feeding ourselves or the other, not wanting to separate. Joe and I don’t really say much as we devour our meal, smiling and laughing as we have a silent conversation of joy.

“What?” I ask when I see Joe’s expression change.

“So,” he begins. “You had the ultrasound done, then?”

“Yes,” I verify, seeing how he’s trying to hide his disappointment from not being able to be there with me.

“Are you mad that I did it without you?” I search.

“No,” he shares, taking a bite of his second cupcake.

“Then, what?” I explore.

“I . . . I just wanted to be able to see it . . . you know?” Joe admits. “I wanted to hear his little heart beat and all.”

“You’re upset,” I say.

“No, no, beautiful,” Joe replies, getting choked up.

“Would it make you feel better to know that I have a video and photos?” I ask sweetly.

Joe’s eyes dart to mine, but he doesn’t say anything.

“I knew you’d want to see it for yourself and that we want to minimize exposure for Joe Jr., so Kim made sure to copy the ultrasound.”

“Really?” Joe beams, instantly perking up.

“Yes,” I confirm. “Grab my purse, they’re in there.”

Joe reaches across the counter, rather than walk around, clearly wanting to stay connected. He softly places my bag on my lap and I stuff the last bite of my cupcake in my mouth to retrieve the thumb drive and printed photo. As my hand lifts to the edge of my bag, Joe snatches them out of my hand. I can’t help but laugh at his excitement. Before I even get the purse off my lap, Joe is sweeping me into his arms and carries me out of the kitchen. Sadie follows us happily as Joe leads the way to his office, lowering us both into his chair behind the desk. Keeping me on his lap, Joe slides the thumb drive into the slot and opens the video. Realizing that there’s no sound, Joe quickly turns up the volume and the whooshing noise takes over the entire room. My attention bounces back and forth between the computer screen and Joe’s face, enjoying the myriad of emotions displaying on his face.

Joe’s hands rub my belly as he smiles at the video. “That’s him?” he checks.

“That’s him,” I agree.

“What’s that sound?” Joe asks.

“His heartbeat,” I confirm. Leaning forward a little, I point to a particular spot on the screen. “And, that . . . that is his penis.”

“Looks like he takes after his daddy,” Joe boasts.

“Seriously?” I laugh, surprised at his statement.

“What?” Joe returns, not bothering to look at me as he stays fixated on the screen and plays the video again.

I study him, watching each and every muscle on his face and every little eye twitch as he watches our son. “I love you,” I tell him.

Joe turns and faces me. “I love you.” His lips tenderly take mine. “And, I love you,” Joe says, looking down at and rubbing my belly. “We love you.”

“Yep,” I agree.

Joe plays the video several more times and I just sit, basking in the glow of the moment.

“Who else knows?” Joe asks suddenly.

“Knows what?”

“That he’s a boy?”

“Just you, me and Kim,” I share.

Joe studies me for a second. “Anna.”

“No.”

“Maggie?”

“No.”

“Jared?”

“No.”

“Nathan?”

“No.

“Henry?”

“No,” I giggle. “I wouldn’t let Maggie in the room when I found out . . . though, she seemed really,
really
eager to know.”

“Thank you,” Joe says tenderly.

“You’re welcome,” I reply.

“I love you,” he says, holding me closer.

“I love you,” I return.

Joe and I make our way to the bedroom. The rest of the night, after a long lovemaking session, Joe and I are curled up in our bed, watching the video and listening to the heartbeat of our son, talking about what it will be like with Joe Jr. here until we fall asleep from exhaustion.