Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set (42 page)

“It’s because of Emma,” Jimmy accuses, throwing a jab at Joe.

“I like her even more,” Mr. Covelli comments with a smile. He winks at Joe and laughs when I catch him.

“Me too,” replies Mrs. Covelli.

Joe blushes and hangs his head for a few moments, obviously taking the good-natured fun his family is having at his expense. I lower my eyes and watch my twitching fingers before returning my gaze out the window.

Guests aren’t scheduled to arrive until three in the afternoon, but the six of us arrive just after two for the party. The Wú house is exquisite to say the least. I would suggest that it’s almost a mega-mansion. With an authentic French Country Manor exterior and a modern Chinese zen flair interior, which gives the home an interesting and appeasing French-Asian fusion style, the Wú estate sits on at least an two or three of land and will easily entertain the one hundred and six guests who responded their attendance. The house is formally decorated for today with a beautiful, large white tent pitched in the backyard to keep out the hot Summer sun. A variety of traditional Chinese wedding decorations and flower bouquets, with the colors of red, white and gold, are intricately placed throughout the interior of the house, the tent and the back yard. Buffet tables of endless food are already being stocked and there are two open bars on either end of the Olympic-sized pool. There are ceiling fans and chandeliers hanging in the tent as well, keeping the interior lit and cool at the same time. Amelia worked with Mrs. Wú on all of the decorations and party arrangements; they did a wonderful job. I’m glad I didn’t have to take care of all of this in such a short amount of time.

I don’t have time to explore the Wú mansion due to meeting all of the guests and Henry’s entire immediate family, who flew in from China this past week. Maggie seems more nervous than I would have expected her to be — she’s a little excited, but really more nervous. Then again, Henry has a very large and affluent family. I bet I know what’s going through her mind. All Maggie wants is for them to like her.

Maggie’s wearing a gorgeous red silk strapless dress that ends at her knees with a simple, white silk sash around heir waist paired with sparkling red Jimmy Choo heels. Henry is wearing a solid light grey vest and pants with a white dress shirt that has thin red pinned stripes and a solid red tie.

I’m excited to see that Jared, Nathan and Pop-Pop have already arrived and rush over to them. I know I need to be polite and finish meeting the guests and all of Henry’s family who are already here, but I need to see how things have been going since Jared’s birthday party Wednesday night; Jared and I have only spoken once since then. Jared explains that the past two days have been exceptionally well for him and there’s talk about Pop-Pop officially moving out to California from Arkansas. Pop-Pop’s been retired for a number of years and said that he would much rather be around happy, loving family members aside from catching up more with Jared for all of the missed years.

On top of meeting Henry’s grandparents on both sides, I also meet his mother’s brother and wife, their two sons who are married, one of which who has a baby on the way, and Henry’s father’s brother and sister and their spouses, who each have a son and daughter Maggie’s age, but who are not yet married. Everyone seems extremely friendly, especially once they know that I speak fluent Mandarin.

I’m excited to meet old friends of the Li family who live in China. Many of them know who I am from pictures and stories Nǎinai or Mŭqīn have shared with them over the years as well as when some of them visited a few years back. The last time Maggie and her family went home to China, they invited me to join them. I hesitated for many reasons, but I’m now considering and understanding the need to open myself more to Maggie’s family. They’ve given me so much and I need to honor their kindness and generosity.

The rest of the engagement party is a blur. There are so many people to meet that I’ve already forgotten most of their names. If I had the choice, I would stay in a corner, but being the maid of honor puts you out in the open almost as much as the bride and groom for most of the party. There are a number of times I’m able to hide out in the kitchen; I’m able to give my feet a rest as the maids and catering staff bounce in and out serving food and drinks.

As the sun begins to set, I start to hover around Jared since a few of Henry’s friends and some of the other single men haven been trying to strike up conversation and blatantly pick me up. Jared immediately knows what I’m doing and places his arms around me. I stand quietly as Pop-Pop shares story after story about Jared from before Jared and I met. I haven’t seen Maggie much other than her off in the distance, chatting away with all of the guests.

At one point, Joe, Jimmy, Allen, Jared, Nathan, Pop-Pop and myself are sitting around a single table and Jade is on my lap — she plays with a lock of my hair as she swings her feet on either side. A few other men and women our age hang around too. Everyone is chatting freely as I watch filled with contentment. Half of the guests have left and it’s still a little early for the rest of us to head home. Joe’s parents are still catching up with many people they know.

“Hey Jade,” Joe calls. “Did you see what I’ve been wearing today?” Joe holds up his right wrist and shifts his cuff.

I notice what he’s showing her, but my attention is captivated by the ruby cufflinks.

Jade beams with excitement when she sees the bracelet she bought Joe at New Year’s. “You still have it?!”

“Of course I do,” he replies. “I’ll keep it forever.”

Jade is now bouncing a little on my lap full of happiness.

Joe gets up and returns a minute later with an extra plate of dessert. “Want one?” he asks Jade.

“Mommy said I can’t have anymore,” Jade pouts.

“I don’t see Mommy around. Do you?” he returns.

“No . . .” she confirms, shaking her head.

“Then, this is just between you, me and Emma,” he sweetly states.

“Don’t bring me into this,” I tease.

Jade laughs taking a small cupcake for her first round of over indulgence. After Jade’s first bite, Joe takes her off my lap, suggesting it’s better to get his suit dirty than my dress. I sit watching the two of them, quietly giggling at their secrecy. Joe reaches towards me offering a bit and I gladly take one, leaning in with my mouth without thinking. The fire in my body roars when my lips make contact with one of Joe’s fingers. I wasn’t paying complete attention, nor was Joe, because our eyes have been locked the entire time. As I whip my lips with a finger, I check to make sure no one saw our exchange — looks like we’re in the clear.

About an hour later, Jade is asleep on my lap and the crowd of guests has diminished. Kim and Peter come over to say goodnight and carry Jade home. Not much later, Joe, Jimmy, Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Covelli and I are back in the limo on our way to Pasadena.

Joe drives Sadie and me home after saying goodnight to his family. When we get to my apartment, without thinking, I unlock the door and proceed in. Sadie stays nearby laying on the floor as I put her bags on the counter. Before I turn around, Joe’s hands are on my waist pulling me into him as he kisses my shoulder. He tickles the base of my neck with his lips, gradually moving up all the way to where he grabs the bottom of my earlobe with his teeth.

I emphatically moan louder under his seduction and my hand reaches up, seizing his hair. “What are you doing?” I manage to utter when his lips temporarily move to their next target.

“Having a little fun before I have to go,” he teases into my ear as he spins me around to face him. “Unless you let me stay.”

“You can’t stay. You know that,” I comment after our lips lock several times.

“Why not?” he whines a little, enticing me to reconsider.

“To start, people know you are here,” I contend, taking his mouth with mine.

“Mmmm.” Joe keeps himself locked to me. “Then I better make this count.”

Within seconds, I find myself pressed up against something, probably a wall, but I’m too distracted to really care by his tongue swirling with mine. My hands grip onto his shirt, pulling him closer. One of Joe’s hands slides up over my ribs and I gasp in ecstasy as he cups my breast. He pulls away from my wanting mouth and resumes his previous lure on my Achilles’ heel.

“Not . . . the . . . neck,” I whimper, rilled with pleasure.

He chuckles lightly as he continues his pursuit. My fingers tighten in his hair and my eyes flutter as the desire to rip our clothes off rises inside of me.

“Joe . . .” I plea.

“Not yet,” he taunts while adding his tongue into his persuasion.

“Mmmmm . . . Joe . . . nooooo . . .” I beg, unable to stop moaning.

He temporarily relieves me of his fiery torture by returning to my mouth. I grab the back of his neck, yanking him into me, needing more. Joe tightens his grip around my waist before sliding one of his hands up my back and the other over my ass. Pulling him into me further, I feel his hot, swollen erection twitch on my lower belly.

Knowing, no, feeling his desire for me, entices my itch. He wants me. I want him.

“No . . .” I weakly command, pushing him away.

My brain hasn’t completely failed me yet.

We both pant, trying to regain our composure which is not so easy when you’re still locked in a steamy embrace.

“Sorry,” he stammers, shifting slightly back, but continues to hold onto me.

I step into him seeking his lips. I’m not sure if I am trying to console him, myself, or both of us from our heated outburst.

“If I’m going to go . . .” he states, keeping his lips to mine. “We need stop.”

“Mmm hmm,” I agree, continuing my embrace.

“Emma . . .” he hums.

“Mmm . . .” I take another kiss before he pulls away.

“Do you want me to stay?” he questions, keeping his mouth an inch away.

My body wants him to stay. I can’t take it anymore, but my brain is still a contender on the debate — a weakening contender — and I’m not sure for how much longer. Rules, Emma. You have rules and now is not the time, especially if we factor in his family. They know he drove me home and the longer he stays the easier suspicion arises even if Joe hides the truth.

“My rules . . .” I weakly answer.

“We’ve broken a few already,” he reminds.

“Your family . . .” I add.

Joe and I kiss a few times with slow, lingering pecks.

“Can I see you tomorrow?” he searches with longing in his voice.

“I’ll be tied up with Jared and Nathan for business,” I affirm.

“All day?” he slightly huffs disappointment.

“And night,” I announce.

“Monday?”

“I’ll still be with Nathan and Jared,” I explain.

“Tuesday?”

“I’ll see you in the morning for the meeting with your dad, but then I have wedding things to attend to with Maggie and Amelia,” I explain.

Without saying another word, Joe sweetly kisses me, keeping his hands only on my face. He groans as he reluctantly peels away. I don’t make it easier when my mouth chases his. My body instinctually follows him and Joe doesn’t seem to mind as his hands return to my hips and our lips reach for contact. Holding on to each other, we gradually move towards the door.

“Goodnight, beautiful,” he lulls, creeping away from my body, opening the door behind him.

“Goodnight Joe,” I reply as he closes the door between us.

After a restless night’s sleep, mostly waking up with the insatiable need to pleasure myself, even after having three intense orgasms courtesy of B.O.B. before bed, I leave Pasadena to visit with Jared, Nathan and Pop-Pop, taking Sadie with me. We meet up in WeHo at Nathaniel’s late in the morning so Nathan can check in on the store before we have a day of just the five of us. Sales have been doing really well and Nathan eagerly shares with me three different sketches he has for Chris’ custom suit along with sample fabrics. Whichever ones Chris doesn’t choose, Nathan will just put them out as one of a kind items. We’re apparently waiting for Chris to arrive to decided which suit he wants before we go to lunch.

Just as Chris literally walks into the store, he’s followed by Jimmy, Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Covelli and Joe.

What is everyone doing here? I wasn’t excited about the fact that I would be seeing Chris today and now with all of them here, who knows what might happen. I can handle Chris or Joe alone, but having them both here — shit! This is not good.

We all begin to greet each other and exchange introductions. I immediately feel awkward when Chris moves in to greet me with Joe standing by, waiting to do the same. Chris tries to kiss me on the lips, but I’m able to deflect his attempt. After Chris kisses me on the cheek, he maintains a lingering hug. I feel awkward with Chris touching me — he’s not the one my body craves. Chris stays next to me with his hand on my hip as I try to pull away when I greet Joe.

There’s definitely some peacocking going on by Chris. He better not be trying to claim me like Caleb did the last time I was at Ayana’s. Jared sees my signals and swoops in flawlessly to get distance between Chris and me.

After a few minutes of pleasantries, everyone gathers around as Nathan show’s Chris the three suit options. Nathan has outdone himself again. He has created three distinct outfits that alter the style of a customary suit just enough for it to stand out. There are three specific suits with flecks of color to pop and accentuate a mood, as well as define a particular statement that go with the color scheme of the sci-fi action movie. Chris’ reaction gives it away that he’s not much of a fashion guy despite his interest and awe for what Nathan has designed. Jimmy and Allen offer their comments, as well as Mrs. Covelli, on which outfit would be the most stylish for Chris’ body type.

“This one. Don’t you agree, Emma?” Mrs. Covelli addresses, snapping my attention away from my thoughts of Joe and me together last night.

I was picturing Joe naked from the waist up since I know what that looks like.

“I”m sorry. What?” I return hoping not to sound flustered.

“This one,” she points at the charcoal grey design that has gold pieces for the vest, tie and handkerchief. She takes the fabric pieces and holds them just under Chris’ chin. “See. This is the one would be the most dashing on Chris.”

“Yes,” I force out quickly, tightening my grip around Jared’s waist.

I’d much rather see Joe wear it — and then not, with it ending up on my bedroom floor. Mrs. Covelli could have held up a photo of Chris, naked, and I wouldn’t have even noticed. Joe naked, on the other hand — I feel my mounds tingle at the idea — ow that would be dashing. Joe naked with me on top of him. Yes. That would be —

“Oh my God, Emma! You have to!”

Jimmy’s declaration snaps me back to the conversation.

“Have to do what?” I ask.

I hope no one noticed my daydreaming.

“Be Chris’ date for the premier so pieces from Nathan’s men’s and women’s lines are on the red carpet,” Allen states with jubilation.

“Nathan should create a custom matching piece for Emma,” Jimmy announces.

“Oooo, yes!” Allen cheers.

“Wait?! What?” I return, clueless about what everyone else is talking about.

“We should totally wear the other two suits Nathan makes and attend the event too,” adds Jimmy.

“Oh my goodness, baby. You are a genius,” Allen praises with his voice up a whole octave.

“I can get enough tickets for us all to go. Just tell me how many and it’s done,” Chris cordially offers.

I glance around the room staring into the faces of everyone waiting for my answer. Everyone seems excited by the idea and are encouraging me to agree with their eyes — everyone but Joe. Joe’s eyes look blank, like he’s trying to hide any emotion while his jaw is clenched. Chris is emphatically smiling at me, coaxing me with his grin while Nathan begs with his hands clasped together as he mouths
please
,
please
,
please
.

The room feels hotter and I swear it’s starting to spin.

“Please, Emma,” Nathan begs, taking my hands in his. “It would mean so much to me!”

Not wanting to disappoint Nathan, and because I know that it would make the most sense, strictly from a business standpoint to have more items on the red carpet, I calmly agree shrugging my shoulders. “Sure.”

Cheers erupt from my friends except for Joe and me. I smile and play along in the moment, but I’m not really happy to be doing it. I think I catch a temporary expression of disappointment on Joe’s face. If I was going to be caught out in public on anyone’s arm other than Jared or Nathan, a man who was not gay, I would much rather it be Joe.

Chris comes close and hugs me. “That settles it. We’ll all go,” he comments, keeping his arms around me and kisses me on the cheek.

After some decisions are made about who’s wearing which suit and who can and wants to attend the event, Nathan takes Jimmy’s and Allen’s measurements while Mrs. Covelli shops the racks and buys a few pieces. As Nathan and Denise finish taking my measurements, Mr. Covelli insists on taking all of us out to eat to celebrate.

Nathan, Jimmy and Allen encourage that Sadie and I ride with Chris and I politely don’t argue with them in front of everyone. With four cars, our large group of ten adults plus a dog hit the road following Mr. and Mrs. Covelli in Joe’s Phantom.

My heart sinks in my chest when we pull up to the valet of Spago. Yes. Spago. The very restaurant Joe took me to for our date where we ran into Chris. God, can this day get any more unnerving?!

The staff is very amenable to Sadie being a part of our dining crowd as they take us to a very large, round table that easily seats everyone comfortably. Chef Andrews comes out to great us and exchanges pleasantries with Joe, Jimmy and Mr. and Mrs. Covelli. The chef also makes his way over to me, singling me out, but graciously doesn’t mention how we know each other or the night of Joe’s and my date. Jared gives me a questioning glance and I whisper that I’ll fill him in on the whole thing later. I’ll be sure to tell him we stopped in for lunch during an outing to figure out what to do for Henry’s and Maggie’s joint bachelor-bachelorette party.

As we dine, Joe is practically sitting across from me as Chris, who has deliberately moved his chair several inches closer to mine, is to my right and Jared is to my left. Conversations are light and friendly as usual and my amount of commenting and interaction is limited. I can’t help but glance at Joe on occasion. Every time I look at him, he’s staring right back at me. There are a few times, as Chris leans in and whispers in my ear, I see Joe look away. My eyes have to focus on a spot on the table to make sure I actually hear at least some of what Chris is saying.

Chris tries to take my hand in his several times, but I’m able to reach for my glass to take a sip at each attempt. Nathan and Jared fill everyone in on how we meet Chris first at Ayana’s opening almost a year ago, and then several more times with the most recent being about three months ago. I’m very grateful when my friends leave out the fact that the second time we saw Chris that he and I had sex — no need for Joe to know that right now.

After several failed attempts to hold my hand, Chris places his arm along the back of my chair, placing his hand on my left shoulder. It’s confirmed that he’s definitely peacocking right now and I’m starting to get mad.

“I think your phone is buzzing,” Jared says, leaning towards me.

I look down at my purse that is sitting on the floor in between our chairs, next to Sadie. The phone is not lit up.

“Looks like Amy is calling you,” Jared continues with a wink. “She probably has some bridal shower questions for you. You should talk to her.” Jared says his last statement loud enough for everyone at the table to hear.

“Yes,” I reply, getting the hint that he’s saving me from Chris. “Thank you.”

I grab my purse after tucking the phone back into its pocket so no one sees the truth. As I stand, Mr. Covelli, Joe, Jimmy and Allen all rise as well. “Please excuse me for a moment,” I request.

A few feet away from the table, I take out the phone and raise it to my ear as I walk to the front of the restaurant. Aware that I’m not as skillful at pretending to be a person talking on the phone, just in case anyone follows me, I press the button to call my most recent contact.
Please pick up
,
please pick up
I coax as I turn the corner just beyond the front doors.

“Amy here,” Joe’s voice sings with a wicked grin hanging in his tone.

He’s playing along. Good.

“Hey,” I eke, feeling embarrassed.

“So what kind of questions should I be asking you about the bridal shower?” he continues with a hint of amusement.

“Where are you?” I question, panicked to who might hear him.

“By the bar. Don’t worry. You secret is safe with me,” he teases.

“Thanks,” I greet.

“So, why did you call me?”

“You were the last person on my most recent,” I admit.

It’s true. He had texted me earlier in the day.

“I’m flattered,” he says.

I don’t say anything for a moment, not sure what to say.

“You okay?” he searches.

“I’ll be all right,” I offer, trying to sound confident.

“You’re a good friend,” he mentions.

“What do you mean?” I reply confused.

How am I a good friend by calling him?

“To do what you are doing for Nathan,” his voice falters a little, implying his true feelings.

“I’m doing it for Nathan . . . because he’s family. It’s just a business transaction,” I assure.

I think I’m trying to console both of us. I didn’t realize he’d be affected by this, let alone myself.

“I know,” Joe agrees without judgment. “I would have done the same if I was in your position.”

He’s clearly not happy with the idea of me going on a date with Chris and neither am I.

“Chris can consider it our first and last date . . . not that it will even be a date,” I blurt.

Joe laughs a little which eases my nerves. With a lightness in his words, he asks, “Can I get the first kiss of the night, then?”

“Sure,” I agree a little too quickly.

Joe laughs again at my directness.

“I might even let you take me home,” I bait, wanting to continue our playfulness.

I’m so glad that he’s not making this awkward.

“You have yourself a deal,” he consents.

“Will that be a challenge for
your
date?” I press, flirting a little.

“Won’t have one,” he admits.

Flattered by his words, my curiosity gets to me and I’m compelled to ask, “Why not?”

“Never bothered with dates to big events, actually to any event . . . and the one who I’d want as my date is already taken,” he sensually confesses.

“Joe . . .” I plea.

I know he’s referring to me.

“It’s the truth,” he affirms.

I can’t help but smile as I bite my lip to curb any outward expression.

“How will your date handle another man taking you home?”

“Don’t know. Don’t care,” I say without thinking.

Joe does his best to suppress a laugh.

“Besides, he’s not going to be picking me up at my place. We’ll meet at Nathaniel’s.”

“This is a time I’m grateful for your rules,” he openly declares.

I blush at his forwardness. I’m grateful for my rules too. It’ll make that night be less complicated, stressful and easier to cope — well, at least with Chris.

“We should head back to the table,” I suggest.

“You first,” he offers. “I’ll arrive a few minutes later.”

“Okay,” I agree.

“Thanks, beautiful,” he sweetly states.

“For what?”

“Calling me.”

“See you in a minute,” I disclose.

“See you in a minute, beautiful,” he hums.

Jared helps make things more bearable when I return to the table by placing his arm along the back of my seat before Chris. When he needs a bite of food or a drink, Jared awkwardly reaches with his non-dominate hand. Something he’s had to do a few times in the past for me.

When lunch concludes, our group bids farewell and Chris gives me a lengthy goodbye, which entails one of his hands on the small of my back while the other holds my face so he can kiss me on the lips. From this action, I have decided that Chris must be put in his place, letting him know exactly how things stand, but in a less public manner — no need to embarrass the man. Chris is a very good looking guy, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not turned on by him anymore. When he kisses me, it’s like I’m kissing Jared. I guess this is what women equate to as kissing their brother.

I elect to stay with Jared, Nathan and Pop-Pop at Nathan’s in the spare bedroom. I’ve always left a few items at Jared’s for when I do stay because it’s like my second home, so we stop at his place for me to grab a few things before going straight to Nathan’s.

Around ten-thirty at night, Sadie and I are on the bed while I work on my iPad. I try to busy myself with work as a distraction from thinking about Chris peacocking and what’s happening with Joe. I wish Joe was with me right now. I need someone to snuggle with.

“You okay,
Kitten
?” Jared asks, walking into the room.

“Yeah. Why?” I reply, trying to brush off where my thoughts might have been.

“The whole Chris thing. I know it’s not what you really would want to do and I know that you are just being really cool about it for Nathan, which he and I really appreciate,” he consoles while sliding onto the bed, snuggling up next to me.