Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set (20 page)

“Wow. Thanks, Emma!” Henry expresses with genuine appreciation.

“Thank you. This is awesome,” Joe adds, equally grateful. “I heard one of the guys in my class mention this book the other day — said it’s been helping.”

Maggie is beaming at my generosity, which concerns me a little. I’ve never given anything to any of her previous boyfriends, let alone their friends. Did I just openly accept Henry and Joe too soon? Damn. I should have made her sweat it out a little longer. Oh well.

Both Joe and Henry get up from their seats and move towards me. I’m not sure what to make of their actions. Getting to me first, Joe leans down and plants a kiss on my cheek and whispers, “Thank you.”

I temper my facial reaction to his low, sultry voice. The sexual tension has just increased ten fold. I’m pleased when he doesn’t linger and Henry offers the same gesture. To my delight, I’m glad that Henry was second. He completely squashed all of the sexual desire I had for Joe and replaces it with complete awkwardness for me. Damn Maggie for her confession. I’m still wishing she hadn’t told me.

We continued chatting at the restaurant for a short period after we finish eating. Henry covers the check as he always does, unless Joe beats him to it. I’m not used to anyone else picking up the tab, not this much. Over the years, Maggie, Jared, Nathan and I have always altered who takes care of the bill. Now, with two other people in the mix, it’s not horrible, just awkward because they always insist on paying. I’m not sure what to make of this habit. I’ve never experienced it before with anyone. None of Maggie’s past boyfriends ever did this. Is this an ego thing or a male dominance thing? I’m still not sure I like it and sometimes I even argue with them about it, but today, I deliberately choose not to say anything.

The guys and Maggie insist on a tour of Pasadena, so I begrudgingly agree since I’m outnumbered. We walk around Old Pas for about forty-five minutes before we hop on one of the local Metro buses to head east on Colorado to show them the Pasadena Playhouse and continue by foot to the South Lake Avenue section. Maggie insists on showing them some more sites including the famous Rose Bowl and local museums. That means we’ll be in a car and I brace myself for the trip. We get back onto the Metro bus to head towards Henry’s car which is parked near where we ate. Henry holds the front passenger door for Maggie at the same time Joe holds the back left passenger door for me. Well, I do need to give Maggie some credit, she did finally pick a gentleman this time around.

Maggie knows Pasadena as well as I do, so I relinquish any navigation or sightseeing suggestions to her. Sadie lays stretched out over the middle of the back seat with her head on my lap and her rear against Joe. Joe’s hand rests comfortably on Sadie’s hip, scratching her with his fingers as I pet her head.

My mind begins an internal conflict with itself as the car glides over the streets. Outwardly, my body typically displaces the battle my thoughts engage when one of my legs shake rapidly. With the weight of Sadie’s head, my tension is released instead by tapping my right thumb on the side of my clutch repeatedly. My eyes take turns peering between the top of Sadie’s head, where my left hand rests, and the buildings moving past us through the window. Even knowing we are driving at a leisurely city speed, it does not reduce my anxiety in the slightest bit. My brain floods with chatter and noise which adds heat to the battle brewing inside me.

Suddenly, my attention is pulled away from its increasing dismay. My gaze finds a hand draped over mine with a thumb brushing lightly back and forth over my knuckles. Looking up, I catch a calm, soothing expression on Joe’s face adorned with a soft, gentle smile and kindness in his eyes. The discomfort inside me subsides immensely at his gesture. I turn my hand to grasp his to keep me here in reality which pleasantly distracts me from the war inside.

I don’t want to mislead Joe and the thought presents itself temporarily. I squash it with the belief that he’s just being friendly. Joe’s large hand is warm and soft, but firm as it embraces mine. I welcome the desire that stir inside me from his touch; it’s a much more bearable sensation than the fear and thoughts of my anxiety for being in a car. I smile warmly at him in appreciation.

Our hands stay clasped during the entire drive and neither one of us seem to mind. Thankfully, Maggie and Henry don’t turn around enough at any point to catch us hand in hand. As soon as we stop out front of my apartment complex, I immediately let go of Joe’s hand. He accepts the release and doesn’t show disappointment before rushing around to open the door for me.

We say our farewells at the curb with the knowledge that we’ll all be together again tomorrow with Jared and Nathan. This weekend we’re staying local for our outings; Universal Studios on Saturday and the beach again on Sunday.

Later that night, Sadie and I hop on the Gold Line and then the Red Line to the Hollywood and Vine exit where Jared picks me up every time I go to visit. Staying the night with him will make it easier for the six of us to get together first thing in the morning to be ready for Universal when the doors open. Nathan and I cook, we eat and relax for the rest of the night. We chat and watch movies on Jared’s bed while Nathan sketches from time to time. Jared and Nathan fall asleep halfway through the second movie, which makes getting them up early in the morning much easier. I turn off the lights and curl up next to Jared with Sadie on my left.

We have a fantastic day at Universal Studios in Hollywood. The weather is perfect and the crowd is small for an early weekend in April. Maggie, Jared, Nathan and I have been there several times, but it was Henry’s and Joe’s first time. The six of us joke, laugh, scream and shout throughout the day depending on the ride or attraction as we also take lots of pictures with our phones.

Maggie and Henry, in Henry’s car, follow Jared, Nathan, Joe and myself back to Jared’s apartment in West Hollywood to pick up Sadie and our bags before heading to Nathan’s for the night. Once at Nathan’s, everyone gets settled as I feed Sadie and take her out for a good run on the beach. Joe joins Sadie and me to avoid being left with the two hot and horny couples.

Heading back up from the beach, I text both Maggie and Jared giving them fair warning that Joe, Sadie and I will be returning in five minutes. Thankfully, everyone has their clothes on when we open the condo door. Within fifteen minutes, we leave to have dinner.

After dinner, as soon as the door to Nathan’s condo opens, Maggie and Henry rush off to the third bedroom for the night. Nathan turns on the television for a movie, but his main intent is to prevent moaning from being heard. The four of us and Sadie pile onto the couch to watch a movie and in less than fifteen minutes, Jared and Nathan are making out. Before I need to say anything, they excuse themselves for the night, each kissing me on the cheek on their way to bed.

Joe and I sit quietly during the rest of the movie as we both pet Sadie. Once the movie is over, I wince at the noises we suddenly hear when I turn off the television and catch Joe doing the same thing.

“Come on,” I instruct him, tilting my head towards my room.

“You sure?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I answer nodding and rolling my eyes to the moaning and groaning that seems to be getting louder.

In the bedroom, I make sure both doors to the joining bathroom are closed and turn to see Joe shutting the one behind him. I pull out my Bluetooth speakers and start playing some music on my phone. No need to overhear anything from the adjacent room.

“Where’s your stuff?”

“My bags? They’re out there. Why?” Joe returns, unsure of my question.

“I doubt that you’ll want to go back out there anytime tonight,” I offer.

Looking confused with a brow lifted, Joe asks, “Are you suggesting that I sleep in here?”

“Yeah,” I confirm.

He chuckles, “Wow. I didn’t know that our relationship is that serious.”

Blankly looking at him, “We aren’t having sex. We’re two adults sharing the same bed. Besides, I know you aren’t a serial killer or rapist.”

Laughing hard, he teases, “You sure?”

“Yes. I’m sure.” Shrugging my shoulders, I add, “Even if you did try something, Sadie would have your throat in her jaw before I would even need to defend myself.”

Joe laughs as he quickly leaves the room to get his bags and darts back in within seconds. Eyes wide, he comments, “It’s gotten louder.”

We both stand giggling for a minute before getting situated.

We’ve become friends over the past two months and I feel more comfortable with Joe, more than I have with any straight man. In the past, I deliberately haven’t allowed myself the chance for any kind of a friendship to happen with other men, but our friendship has developed out of necessity when we are the third and fourth wheels to our friends dating. Thankfully our personalities line up and anytime we hang out it’s fun. The sexual tension is still there with Joe — I continue to admit to myself only, to make sure I adhere to my rules, of course. The fact that he’s about to share a bed with me tonight makes me a little jittery and nervous because I desire him — and, I’m horny. I’ve never had the notion not to adhere to my rules in the past when it came to friends of Maggie’s previous boyfriends. It was easy then. They were dumb or annoying, therefore immediately expunging any possibility of desire. Be strong, Emma.

Returning from the bathroom with his pajamas on, Joe graciously says, “Thanks, Emma.”

Glancing up from my book, I smile and say, “You’re welcome.”

I continue reading to avoid watching him get to the other side of the bed and slide in. Placing my book down for a second, I move a pillow longways in the middle of the bed. Sadie shifts up to rest her head in the center. With a book in hand, Joe laughs.

“What?” I demand.

“Nothing,” he rebuts with a smile.

We read in silence for a while, and as I cover a few more pages, I peek from the corner of my left eye at Joe. With my attention back on my book, my left hand caresses Sadie several times before it bumps into something unfamiliar. I immediately look over and see Joe’s hand as I run my fingers back up Sadie’s body — his goes in the opposite direction. He never flinches and continues to read while maintaining his even, fluid strokes. With a mind of its own, my hand heads back down Sadie’s body. Luckily, I’m able to control it enough to stop just short of bumping into Joe’s again. To not draw any attention, I force my eyes back to my book while shifting my hand to Sadie’s head. Joe shows no sign of noticing and I’m relieved.

A song comes through the speakers that I’m not in the mood to hear, so I pick up my phone to change it. After hitting the shuffle button twice, I decide to let the next song play. Before I know it, Joe snatches the phone from my hand.

“Hey!” I yell.

“I just want to see your playlists,” he defends playfully.

Five seconds later his phone rings. Did he just dial his number? Reaching to grab my phone, I’m a little surprised when he jerks away.

“You didn’t?”

His smile gives his intention away. “Yep.”

Joe finishes punching in something as I place my book down and lunge to get my phone. He switches hands, blocking me with his right arm while using his left thumb on the screen.

“I don’t want your phone number and I certainly don’t want you having mine.”

“Why not? You might need to get in touch with me for something,” he argues.

“Why would I ever need your number?” I push his arm down out of my way to get to my phone as I’m now kneeling on the bed.

He’s strong enough to keep me at bay. For some reason, I’m kind of enjoying the fight.

“I know you and Henry have each other’s number.”

“What does that have to do with you having mine and vice versa?”

“Emergency. And, we’re friends.”

“Why would I call you for an emergency?” I protest.

“The possibilities are endless. And, now you have it.”

He persists to look at my phone while trying to keep me away. Frustrated and frisky, I decide to brawl. Understanding my actions, Joe shifts and pins me to his chest, my arms are now locked. I don’t kick or use my legs only because Sadie would get hit and she clearly refuses to move. He’s stronger than I anticipate from the other times we’ve spared. I lower my head to bite his forearm, but he shifts before I can clamp down enough to break free.

Joe’s chest pulses behind me as he laughs. “Calm down,
Kitten
,” he heartily harasses.

Did he just use Jared’s pet name for me?

“Only Jared and Nathan get to call me that,” I complain.

I’m able to see what he’s doing with my phone since he needs his left arm to help hold me in place. He’s definitely searching through my playlist. He holds me tighter each time I wiggle and secures my head with his chin since I try to thrust it back several times. He continues to laugh at me like he’s enjoying the situation.

I finally stop struggling and ask, “What are you doing?”

I know what he’s doing, but I’m not sure why.

“Checking out your playlist. You can tell a lot about a person from their music selection.” He continues to scroll through the songs. “You’ve got an eclectic mix here. Don’t worry, you can see mine when I’m done.”

“I don’t want to see yours,” I dispute.

He chuckles into my ear, “Of course you do.” He turns off my phone and puts it next to my book, but he doesn’t release me.

“Let me go,” I demand.

“Not yet,” he rebuts relaxed.

“Yes!”

“No.”

I growl which elicits more laughter from him.

“I’ll let you go once you calm down,” he informs.

“That might be a while.”

“Fine by me,” he says tightening his left leg around me.

As much as I hate being restrained, I know that I could break free if I made Sadie move. Ironically, she has yet to aid in my defense. Tied in his arms, the feel and smell of him starts to get the better of me, and I enjoy his body pressed against mine. Crap, now I’m
really
horny.

A few seconds go by before he removes his leg and a few more pass before he slowly lessens his grip on me. Before completely releasing me, he kisses the back of my head. I pause for a second, in shock to his lips touching me, and to make sure I’m really free before springing over to my side of the divider pillow. I refuse to look at him as he chuckles under his breath and hands me his phone.

Ignoring him, I check my phone to see what he put in it. Under my contacts Joe added his name and wrote, Joseph ‘Blue Eyes’ Covelli and added his phone number and email. Seriously?! I don’t dare delete it because I’ll need to know who’s if he ever does call. Damn it! Damn him!

I deny the offer of his phone by picking up my book to resume reading. I do want to see what’s on his phone, but I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that I do. He slides the phone down the ridge my book and I immediately toss it back to him. He gives up after one more attempt and returns to reading as well.

After some more time passes, my head jerks to the sound of Joe’s voice. I must have been so focused on my book that I forgot he was even in the room. “Huh?”

Grinning, Joe repeats himself, “What are you reading?”

“Oh, sorry.
Ask and It Is Given
,” I mention as I place my bookmark in the page and hand him the book.

He takes it eagerly and begins reading the description on the back. “Looks like you’ve read this a few times,” he states, looking up after examining the book closer.

“Yeah,” I reply. “It’s one of my favorites.”

Flipping open to a page, he begins studying it further. Realizing that I’m not going to get my book back right away, I reach to investigate what had his attention. “What are you . . . oh, never mind,” I declare.

It’s the book I gave him yesterday. I’m shocked to find a variety of pages already highlighted with notes in the margins. My heart melts a little when I notice that he’s almost done with chapter three.

Control yourself and your thoughts, Emma.

Expecting to get my book back, I regard him as he continues reading and turns a page. I finally request with a smile, “Can I please have my book back?”

Taking a few seconds to respond he hands it to me. Sheepishly grinning Joe says, “Sure. Sorry. It just seems really interesting.”

As we swap books, Joe mentions and praises the book I gave him while holding it up, “I wish I had this during the first semester. It’s really insightful and helpful. I can see why you’re successful with your businesses.”

I blush at his compliment, “Thanks. I’m glad you like it.”

We resume reading and midnight is abruptly upon us, requiring us to get some sleep. Joe slips underneath the covers as I get up to use the bathroom for a moment. When I return to the bedroom, all of the lights are off except the one on the nightstand on my side of the bed. Before turning off the light, I slide under the covers and adjust the dividing pillow and turn off the music. The condo is silent.

“Goodnight, Emma,” bids Joe.

“Goodnight.”

Laying, my eyes stare blankly at the ceiling. What am I doing? What was I thinking? I can’t believe that I’m sharing a bed with Joe. It’s not like I don’t trust him or feel uncomfortable with him. I’ve slept in a bed with Jared, Maggie and Nathan before. So What’s the big deal? It’s just that I’ve never shared a bed with a man before. Okay, I’ve never shared a bed with a man who wasn’t Jared or Nathan before. A man who is heterosexual. A man who I’m attracted to. A man who Maggie says likes me. Focus, Emma. Yes, there is sexual tension. Yes, there is desire. Yes, I am horny. So what? You have rules. Rules that protect you. Just go to sleep.