Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set (102 page)

I wake to Joe’s naked body encasing mine and Sadie on my legs. It’s still odd to me that I sleep more when Joe is present. Joe’s grip tightens around me as I shift to allow my arm a better angle so it doesn’t fall asleep. Sadie realizes that I’m awake and nuzzles her way up to my chin.

“What time is it?” Joe inquires, kissing the back of my head.

“Just after six,” I inform.

“Plenty of time before we see my parents,” he says, rolling us so he’s on top of me.

“Do we really need to see them?” I ask, evading his lips.

“Why? What’s wrong?” Joe questions with a little concern. “Are you having second thoughts?”

“No,” I huff. “It’s just . . . .”

“What, beautiful?”

“I don’t know,” I answer, shrugging my shoulders. “It’s just weird.”

“What is?”

“Having brunch with them just to tell them about . . . us,” I confess.

Joe runs his fingers along the side of my face. “Do you think they won’t be happy for us?”

“No,” I breathe out.

“Then, what?”

“This . . . this whole thing is weird, you know? I’ve never done this before and . . .” my voice fades.

With a sweet chuckle, Joe questions, “And, you don’t think how it came out yesterday wasn’t weird?”

“No,” I confirm. “It was definitely weird. How do they not know already? I would have guessed Jimmy would have said something.”

“I told Jimmy not to say anything and that we planned on telling them ourselves,” Joe comments.

“Oh,” I sigh.

Joe lowers his lips to mine. “It’s okay, beautiful. I know this is new for you, but remember . . . I’ll be there with you the whole time.”

The left corner of my mouth tucks up in an attempt of a smile.

“This is new for me too,” Joe admits.

My brows furrow.

“Remember,” Joe laughs. “I haven’t really ever had a girlfriend . . . especially one who really knows my parents let alone gets introduced to them in that way.” Joe’s mouth touches my neck. “Don’t worry, beautiful. I’ve got a great way to calm your nerves.”

I try to protest, but Joe is very persuasive with his mouth — especially when he heads between my thighs.

My attention is brought back to reality when I hear Sadie yawn. “Shit!” I yell.

“What?” Joe asks.

“I’ve got to feed Sadie and take her out,” I say, trying to get out of bed.

Joe’s hands hold my hips to keep me in place. “No need,” he replies, returning his tongue to my clit.

“What?” I moan.

“I gave Anna a key to the room. She came in about a half hour ago,” Joe reveals.

“What?” I gasp. The use of his mouth is slightly distracting. “You mean, she came in here while we were naked?”

“You were covered. We both were covered,” Joe mentions nonchalantly.

“What?” my voice shrieks.

“Why is this such a surprise to you, Emma?” Joe says laughing.

“Are you kidding me right now?” I return.

“No,” Joe answers calmly. “Anna’s done it every time you've been to my place.”

The truth of the situation hits me. How could I not have realized it? I’m comfortable in my own skin, but the idea of Anna having to see me naked is a little unnerving. As private as I claim to be, I guess my life isn’t that private with Anna and the bodyguards.

“Hey,” Joe calls, pulling me from my thoughts. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” I confirm. “I just never really thought of it, I guess. I feel bad.”

“Bad about what?”

“Anna possibly seeing me naked each time and all,” I mention.

“It’s inevitable when you have people working for you in your own home,” Joe comments. “That’s why we’re very particular about who we hire as well as the need for the NDAs. If it makes you that uncomfortable, we can speak to her if you’d like.”

“No,” I object. “It’s okay.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah,” I affirm. “But . . . a little distraction wouldn’t hurt.”

Joe grins as he heads back down to his previous task.

He gives me two orgasms to his one in the bed and then we continue our sex-capade in the shower. We get dressed and make our way out to our bodyguards who are waiting for us in the valet area. They help with my bags as Joe, Sadie and I climb in — I’ll be staying with Joe for my last two nights in New York.

“Emma, darling,” Mrs. Covelli greets with open arms, kissing me on the cheek. “It’s so nice of you to join us this morning. I wasn’t sure we’d get to see you before you leave. I thought you’d be resting after all of the excitement from yesterday.”

“Of course I’d say my farewell,” I share. “Besides, I’m not leaving for two days.”

“Wonderful,” Mr. Covelli states, leaning in to greet me. “We’re happy to have you.”

The four of us get settled in the Covelli sitting room around a small, round table. Sadie perches herself underneath it between Joe and me. One of the maids begins pouring beverages as our conversation continues.

“That was a fabulous show yesterday, Emma,” Mrs. Covelli praises. “Nathan and those designs have been all over the news, and Melanie and Giorgio have been speaking to their friends in the industry ever since the show ended. I heard from Giorgio himself that he was very impressed. If I’m not mistaken, they’ll be flying to California within the week, having several of their friends who couldn’t make it to the show to see the line in person at Nathaniel’s.”

“That’s correct,” I affirm. “Nathan texted this morning.”

“Aside from the success of the show, I don’t doubt he’s even more excited for the engagement,” Mrs. Covelli continues. “Have they decided if it’ll be sooner or later?”

“No,” I giggle. “I don't think they’ve had a moment to really discuss it much. I’m sure we’ll hear something soon. I’ll make sure you’re one of the first to know.”

“Thank you,” Mrs. Covelli comments. “Pop-Pop looked dashing yesterday as did Ms. Sadie.” Elaine looks under the table to see Sadie who happily accepts the affection she’s offering. Five seconds later, Mrs. Covelli’s head suddenly jerks up.

I can tell by the expression on Mrs. Covelli’s face that she saw something under the table that pleased her a great deal.

“What’s got you smiling like that, my love?” Mr. Covelli asks, interested in his wife’s heightened mood.

“Nothing, dear,” Mrs. Covelli replies, winking at Joe and me.

“Now I know you’re fibbing,” Mr. Covelli chuckles. “Out with it, sweetheart.”

“I can’t,” she replies. “It’s not my news to tell.” She takes a bite from the fruit bowl in front of her.

Mr. Covelli looks back and forth between her, Joe and me, clearly trying to discover what’s happening. “Well, someone tell me,” he commands.

Without saying a word, Joe lifts our joined hands from under the table, turning it so he can kiss the back of mine.

Mr. Covelli stares at us in shock for a second as a joyous expression emerges on his face. Mrs. Covelli sits quietly, watching and waiting to see what will happen next.

“Did you know about this?” Mr. Covelli questions Mrs. Covelli as he stands.

“I just noticed it now, dear,” Mrs. Covelli confirms.

Mr. Covelli walks around the table and hugs Joe when he stands. “I’m so happy for you, son.” A single tear rolls down his cheek.

“Thanks, dad,” Joe says with his voice getting a little choked up.

That’s the first time I’ve ever heard Joe call his father dad.

Before I’m completely standing, Mr. Covelli has his arms wrapped around me while Mrs. Covelli bounces around the table to join us.

“Mary,” Mrs. Covelli calls.

Mary, one of the maids, is quick to enter the room. “Yes, Mrs. Covelli?”

“We need a bottle of champagne,” Mrs. Covelli directs.

“Yes, Mrs. Covelli,” Mary quickly replies before hurrying off.

“This is fantastic,” Mrs. Covelli sings. “How long have you two been dating? I can’t believe you haven’t told us, Joseph.”

“Just recently, mom,” Joe admits.

“How recently?” Mrs. Covelli begins. “Wait. Don’t answer that. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you two are finally an item.”

“I’m sorry?” I ask, catching her choice of words.

“Oh, Emma,” she hums. “Do you honestly think that we didn’t see the flirting between you two, let alone suspect something?”

My mouth opens, but fails to utter a word.

Joe pulls me close, kissing my temple.

“When your mother mentioned the possibility to me, Joseph, I honestly didn’t see it at first,” Mr. Covelli states. “It didn’t take long after she pointed out a few things.”

“Women can see things before men,” Mrs. Covelli teases, returning to her seat.

Right after we’re all seated, Mary pours the champagne.

Mr. Covelli holds up his glass first and the three of us are quick to follow. “Welcome to the family, Emma. We’re happy to have you.”

The three of them take a sip while I watch them.

“You okay, beautiful?” Joe asks softly in my ear.

“Mmm hmm,” I answer, sipping my glass until it’s practically empty.

“Thanks, dad,” Joe heckles.

“What?” Mr. Covelli inquires.

“You’re going to scare her away, John,” Mrs. Covelli scolds.

“How?” Mr. Covelli asks, clearly not understanding my reaction.

“It’s okay,” I soothe, coughing from the tingling in the back of my throat from the champagne. “Really.”

Joe’s hand squeezes mine lightly and I return the gesture while looking at him.

The rest of our meal has nothing but smiles from Joe’s parents and thankfully they don’t pry for too many more details about our relationship and how it came about. Mr. Covelli did mention a few times, as discretely as he could, about the excitement of an engagement between Joe and myself. Each time he brought it up, it was while I was taking a bite of food or a drink, causing me to almost choke.

Back in California, everyone’s attention is pulled to work while Henry and Joe get ready to begin their final semester of their MBA classes. Maggie and the team have everything under control with Raven Media, giving me more free time — too much free time. Nathan and Jared are extremely busy between Nathaniel’s and Naturally Me. The buzz around their engagement at the show just adds more attention to the businesses which is exciting and exhausting at the same time.

When we’re at Nathaniel’s discussing business with a celebrity client, the media continues to speculate on whether or not Joe and I are dating from footage at the show in New York. Later that night, a photo of Joe and me at Nathaniel’s is the hot topic for the press on television and online. Their assumptions about our relationship are confirmed with a variety of photos of Joe and me embracing each other, holding hands and then kissing when we’re in public or through the windows at Nathaniel’s.

With February almost here, the Californian winter is almost done, teasing us with warm, sixty to seventy degree days and cool nights. I’m grateful to be back home, not missing the East Coast and its chilly weather.

Since I’ve had more free time from business with shifting half of the ownership and the majority of the daily operational control to Jared with Naturally Me, and the way Maggie and the team are handling all things Raven Media, I’ve started to consider what my next venture will be. I’m not sure what industry I’m interested in, but I’m reviewing choices for the next business or investment to be technology based since there’s low overhead.

Today, I’m going over to Joe’s to discuss my future business options — I don’t doubt he’ll want to do another joint venture since the arrangements and profits for Raven Media have been steadily climbing since the release of the new and improved Raven Media. All of the advertising and marketing has paid off, especially because both Nathaniel’s and all of the Covelli’s businesses are allowing Raven Media to openly state that they are clients. It doesn’t hurt that Raven Media was a proud sponsor of Nathan’s runway show either.

When Anna answers the door, I quickly raise my finger to my mouth to signal her not to verbally greet me.

Anna smiles and nods, squatting to give Sadie some affection. “He’s in the office on a business call, Ms. Emma,” she replies, keeping her voice low.

“Do you have any errands to make?” I ask.

There’s hesitancy in her face as she studies me for a moment. “Is everything okay, Ms. Emma?”

“Yes,” I confirm with a smile.

With a grin, Anna states, “Just text me when it’s safe to come back.”

“Sure,” I agree.

“I just need to grab my purse and then I’ll be on my way,” Anna informs.

I lock the front door right behind Anna a minute later. Taking a deep breath, I spin on my toes and proceed to stride down the marble hallway with defined, confident steps. There’s no backing out of this now. Rounding the corner to the second hallway where Joe’s office is, I can hear his voice increasing in volume. Heat on my neck sends shivers down my spine just as I approach the open door. Before I even come to a complete pause at the doorway, I watch Joe’s expression change from his typical, serious and deep-in-thought business expression to elation at the sight of me.

He starts to round his desk, clearly wanting to greet me as he indicates he’ll only be about five more minutes. I hold up my hand and shake my head to get him to stop. Joe’s expression changes to confusion when I gesture for him to sit down. I point to his chair again and mouth
sit
to press my instructions. Though he’s still unsure of what is going on, Joe complies while greeting Sadie who has rushed to him. I reach for the door and close it behind me, locking it — just in case.

Joe watches me like a hawk as I take a few steps toward his desk and gently place my purse on one of the chairs across from him. I drag the fingers of my left hand across the top of the sleek, dark mahogany wood as I round the right corner, gracefully stepping towards him. One of Joe’s eyebrows lifts when I stop at the far edge closest to him. He reaches his right hand towards me, but I non-verbally refuse. I see the worry in his eyes, so I give him a reassuring smile as I indicate with my hand for him not to hang up the phone. Joe cocks his head slightly, not that he didn’t understand my instructions, but because he’s still puzzled by my actions. We usually exchange a kiss or two even if one of us is on the phone.

Once he sits, I take in a deep breath before resuming my plan of attack. I deliberately, and very slowly, slide my hands up my thighs, pulling my dress up to where the edge stops just above my mid-thigh. Joe’s head bends a little further as if he’s trying to get a better view while his eyes dart back and forth between my hands and my face. Controlling myself to the best of my ability, I take a small step to the right and reach under my dress, tugging at my thong ever so gently. As my hands lower, I bend at the waist, tipping my upper body toward him, revealing more of my cleavage. The hem of my dress trace the steps of my hands, so Joe doesn’t realize what I’m doing until my panties suddenly gather at my ankles.

I purposefully don’t move for a second or two as I watch him squirm in his seat. Joe’s body moves like he’s about to stand up, but I gesture again, more insistently this time that he stays seated. I question his understanding with a look and Joe nods in agreement. After waiting for a second or two, I carefully lift each foot, releasing them from the hold of my underwear. Bending at the waist again, I gradually pick up my thong with the index and thumb of my left hand and methodically slide my arm over his desk. With a faint swoosh, my panties fall and land on a pad of paper that is just outside of Joe’s reach. Joe releases a low groan when they land.

We exchange glances for a moment and I nonchalantly shrug my shoulders before taking a step toward him. On my second step, Joe reaches for me, but I pull back preventing his touch.

“Yes,” Joe answers in a gruff tone.

I wag my finger at his attempt.

“Yes,” Joe repeats, clearing his throat.

It takes me a second to realize that he’s answering the person on the other end of the phone. I’ve ignored his conversation this entire time, almost forgetting that he was on a business call.

Joe shifts in his seat, resting further back into his chair, like he’s submitting to my command. I take another two steps toward him until I’m standing with my ass rubbing up against the desk. Joe shifts again and I’m able to see his bulging erection. Pleased with the response I’m getting from him, I lean forward slightly as I shimmy my rear on top of the edge of the desk. Joe lifts an eyebrow when I place my feet on both ends of the armrests of his chair, causing my dress to slide up my thighs, but not enough to reveal my naked sex. Teasing, I open and close my legs several times, eventually leaving them wide open.

“Yes . . .” Joe coughs out. “I agree that it could be a considerably beneficial new angle for the company.” His head tilts as if that’s going to help him see up my dress better.

I lower my left hand, and with a tormentingly slow speed, I pull up the hem of my dress. Just as the edge rounds the bottom of my ass cheeks, Joe lets out a moan as he jerks the phone away from his mouth. Instinctually, Joe reaches for me, but my left foot catches him in the chest. Wagging my finger at him, I mouth
no touching
and push him back into his seat. Joe growls with objection but complies.

I taunt him again, pulling my dress up inch by inch until my sex is completely revealed. I wait for a few seconds — watching him — baiting him. Joe raises his free hand to his mouth and bites down on one of his fingers. I unintentionally let out a moan of excitement, enjoying his anguish.

I raise my free hand to my mouth and begin to lick and suck my index finger from tip to base several times before dragging it down my chest all the way to my exposed folds. Joe’s teeth clamp down on his hand as I start to rub my clit. Round and round my fingers swirl as my heart races and throat softly celebrates the sensation. A moan cracks in my throat when I slide two of my fingers in, feeling the wet juice coating my soft, hot mounds. I glance at Joe as he shifts in his seat several times while I thrust my fingers in and out, taunting us both. His free hand is no longer locked in his jaw. It’s now gripping the chair’s armrest just below my foot.

I whimper when I pull my fingers from my needing pussy and lift them to my hungry mouth. I can’t help but groan as I greedily suck every drop off my flesh. Before I finish drinking up my sweet nectar, Joe’s hand grips my leg by the ankle. As his hand begins to slide up, I press my other foot to his chest, shaking my head in disappointment.

Joe quickly releases me, but he’s too late. I lower my legs to the floor, cutting us both off from the pleasure. Locking his freehand on the armrest with my weight, I straddle him and whisper, “No touching. Not until I tell you you can. If you touch me again without permission, I will tie you to this chair and you will not like the consequences.”

With my face only a few inches from his, Joe nods his understanding.

Smiling, I reply, “Good. Oh, and you are not allowed to end the phone conversation. You must stay on the phone until the other person hangs up first.”

Joe nods his agreement.

With my right hand, I start to loosen his tie. If I do have to tie him up, I’ll need something to use. Once the tie is released from his neck, I fold it in half and place it between my teeth and then continue to unbutton his shirt all the way down to the last one above his pant line. With my eyes on Joe, I unbuckle his belt. Once I’ve managed to get it free, I place it and his tie on the desk behind me. My left hand returns to his right, not taking any chances of him unconsciously touching me as my lips pursue his neck. I kiss, lick and nip at his flesh. Each time I am rewarded with a low groan in his throat. My right hand pulls down his undershirt, exposing more skin for me to taste. My mouth trails back up his neck, then to his jaw and it hovers an inch or two away from his lips. I tease him three times before I capture his lower lip gently between my teeth.

In a flash, I’m off of him, ready for my next pursuit. As I unzip my dress, I study Joe. He’s not pleased that I’m not touching him at the moment, but he is enjoying the game. After I let my dress drop to the floor, I remove my bra, leaving me wearing nothing but my Jimmy Choo shoes.

Joe shifts again in his seat. I can see the torment in his eyes. He desperately wants to touch me.

I lift a finger to my mouth, gesturing for him to stay quiet as I cautiously drop to my knees. Joe’s eyes widen with anticipation and curiosity. Carefully unbuttoning his pants, I slowly guide the zipper down until it can’t go any further. I can see his penis throbbing, begging to be released from its clothed cage. With a simple tug of cloth, his erection springs up. In one single, quick motion my mouth encases his swollen manhood and Joe lets out a loud, guttural sound before I see his hand clasp over his mouth.

I smile with amusement at my triumphant success. This is exactly what I wanted from him. Working his shaft from base to tip, I tease and taunt Joe with every lick. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him grip the armrest of his chair as I thrust him deep inside my mouth over and over again. It doesn’t take him long before he’s so hard that he’s ready to explode.

“Shit, Emma!” Joe says through his clenched jaw. Only a few thrusts more and he cums deep in my throat.

Before I get to finish swallowing every last drop of him, Joe’s hands are on either side of my face and his mouth is greedily exploring mine to get a taste. He growls his satisfaction as his tongue curls with mine.

“What about . . .” I begin, pulling away, concerned about being heard.

“He ended the phone conversation a few seconds before you had me cumming,” Joe answers before kissing me again. “Does this count as touching? Or are you going to tie me up?”

“No . . . you’re good,” I say, continuing our embrace.

“Looks like I should disobey next time, just to get you to tie me up,” he wickedly comments.

“If you’d like,” I reply seeking more of his mouth.

Two seconds later, Joe has me sitting on the edge of his desk, ferociously kissing me as he yanks off the rest of his clothing. I gasp with pleasure when I suddenly feel two of his fingers slide inside me.

“God . . . you are so wet,” he remarks pushing his fingers deeper. “Now it’s your turn to cum.”

“Mmmmm . . .” I moan on an exhale. “I want you inside me.”

“Soon, beautiful. Soon,” he reassures.

“I . . .” my mouth utters after a few more thrusts. “More . . . .”

“More what?” he searches.

“Fingers,” I breathe out.

We both groan as he presses more of his hand inside of me.

“Right there,” I command after he changes position and hits a very sensitive spot.

“There?” he confirms, repeating the lunge of his fingers.

“Uhhhhh . . . mmmm . . . uhh huh . . .” I barely eek out as my body focuses on the sensation of getting closer to an orgasm. “Don’t . . . stop.”

My hips rock in the opposite direction to his hand diving in, ensuring maximum penetration.

“Cum for me, beautiful,” he directs.

“Yes . . .” I pant.

“Cum for me.”

“Yes . . . I . . . mmmmmmm . . . .” The rush of the climax engulfs my entire body. “I’m . . . .” The orgasm washes over me like a tidal wave. My fingers curl into the back of his neck and the edge of the desk for support. My body spasms as I ride the roller coaster of satisfaction back down.

“That’s it,” he sinfully comments as my torso convulses from the remnants of the pleasure that flows through me.

Joe sweetly kisses me as my breathing slows.

“Fuck me!” I command, pushing him back so I can shift to a different position.

I turn around, spread my legs, and prop myself over the desk with my elbows. The desperate need to feel him inside me is intense.

“Fuck me . . .” I whimper.