Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set (84 page)

Warm, soft kisses on my neck stir me from sleep.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

I’ll never tire hearing him greet me all the ways he does.

“Good morning,” I return, keeping my eyes closed. “What time is it?”

“Just after six,” he reveals, then tastes my mouth. “Should I order some room service?”

“Sure,” I agree.

Joe groans when I slip out of our embrace.

“I need to pee,” I confess. “I’ll be right back.”

“What are you in the mood to eat?”

A sinful smile emerges on my face as I look over my shoulder and stand in the doorway for the bathroom.

“I meant for food,” Joe corrects.

“Me too,” I answer. Stepping into the bathroom, I reply before closing the door. “Surprise me.”

The door opens to the bathroom right as I finish flushing the toilet. “I ordered something light since I know we’re going to meet up with Pop-Pop and Joanna.” Joe steals a kiss before I make it to the sink.

My eyes bulge a little as they watch him in the mirror — Joe takes his turn relieving himself right in front of me. What the hell?! For all the times we’ve stayed the night, with or without sex occurring the night before, he’s never done this. Shit.

Nervous, I rush out of the bathroom and slip back under the blankets.

Not long after, Joe joins me. “How’re you feeling?”

“Good,” I return.

We stay in bed snuggling until room service is delivered. I hide under the covers, not wanting to be seen by the staff member. The last thing I need is to have a witness to me being in Joe’s room.

After we eat, I sneak back to my room to shower. I text Pop-Pop, inquiring about breakfast and he confirms that he and Joanna are free anytime. We schedule to meet up in twenty minutes and I grab Joe from his room on the way down to the only five-star restaurant in the casino.

Just as Joe finishes ordering, Maggie and Henry pop into sight. Jared and Nathan aren’t long to follow. When our food arrives, Joe excuses himself temporarily from the table to take a phone call. My family and I chat freely as we eat. I openly share my late night excursion with them and they all seem genuinely happy for me.

“We want to see the video of Emma driving,” Maggie says to Joe as he sits back down.

“That may have to wait,” Joe announces with his business persona in full effect.

“What’s going on?” I question.

“They know we’re here. They know you’re here,” Joe reveals.

“Shit,” my mouth slips. “Sorry, Pop-Pop.”

“Damn. I was really enjoying some time away from all of that,” Nathan comments.

“Me too,” I add.

“How did they find out?” Maggie inquires.

“Could have been staff,” Joe says. “All of our guards are on high alert.”

“What should we do?” Maggie asks the group.

Everyone looks at each other while remaining quiet.

“Emma?” Jared starts.

“I don’t want to be the one to decide,” I reply.

“Well, they’re most likely here for you, Jared and Nathan,” Maggie states.

“Does it get any better?” I ask, looking to Joe.

“In time, but . . . there will always be something,” he admits.

Everyone nods their understanding of the predicament.

“I say, let’s play it out,” Nathan chimes in. “If it gets crazy, we’ll leave. Let’s just have all our stuff packed and in the cars just in case.”

“That’s a good idea,” Jared comments.

“Good thing the Halloween party is invite-only,” Maggie mentions.

“Yeah, no shit,” Nathan blurts. “Sorry, Pop-Pop.”

Laughing, Pop-Pop reminds, “You’re all adults. You don’t need to apologize each time you curse. I used to swear like a sailor when I was in the military.”

Everyone laughs.

By the end of our meal, we agree to pack our things and have them delivered to our vehicles. When we gather in Jared’s room, we plot out our plan of action.

“Let’s give them what they want,” Nathan suggests.

“And, what’s that?” Maggie searches.

“Be in front of their cameras,” he informs. “Let’s go shopping and eat lunch out on the town so they can have their fill of us for a few hours. Then, we can head home. They’ll probably leave us alone after that.”

“It’s possible,” Joe notes. “They usually are just looking for a few pictures they can use to spin a story. Once they have it, they’ll leave.”

We take two elevators side by side down the main floor of the casino once Hunter, Taylor and Deacon confirm that the cars are packed. Maggie, Henry, Pop-Pop and Joanna get in one elevator while Jared, Nathan, Joe and myself get into the other. When the doors open, visitors of the casino rush toward Jared, Nathan and me. Taylor and Caesar, my bodyguards, with Hunter and Luke, Joe’s bodyguards and Steve and Jesus, Jared and Nathan’s bodyguards block the mob’s access to us in front while the rest of our teams and Maggie’s and Henry’s follow up behind us.

A crowd quickly forms in front of us, screaming Jared’s, Nathan’s and my names. We smile and sign a few autographs as our guards press forward. Lights flash in every direction. It takes about thirty minutes to walk the distance to the lobby which is only about one hundred meters from the elevators. The crowd swarms around our vehicles as we get in, but the hotel staff is quick to aid our drivers to shift the mass of people out of the way.

Our chauffeurs park in a line out front a few boutiques that Maggie, Jared and Nathan want to check out. Each of the stores are happy to have any current customers leave the shop while the eight of us peruse their merchandise. After a little apprehension, Joanna starts to perk up and
ooh
and
ahh
over some of the outfits and accessories. Jared and Nathan make trying on clothes a game and everyone joins in, even Henry and Joe. We pick out different things for each other to try on. Then, Maggie finds a quaint little jewelry shop and we buy something that we see catches Joanna’s eye among a few things for ourselves.

“Ooo, I want to go in here,” Maggie announces freely, not caring who’s in earshot.

I look to Henry and Joe, who both look very uncomfortable with the idea. Joanna giggles and Pop-Pop mirrors Henry’s contention while Jared and Nathan eagerly follow Maggie and me into the store.

“Nothing in here is going to get your pregnant, Maggie,” Nathan teases.

“But, they can help,” she sings, smiling back.

Maggie and I milk each second we’re in the adult sensual store, allowing the crowd and paparazzi to catch glimpses of us playing with a variety of items — purposefully posing. Before we leave, Maggie discreetly purchases a few things. I make a mental note of the items I want to find on the internet to order.

“I’m hungry,” Maggie announces to our group when we exit the adult store.

Jared, Nathan and I snicker, avoiding making any crude comments concerning what we think she’s really hungry for in front of Pop-Pop and Joanna.

We head home after lunch because the crowd becomes a little unruly. While driving back, we text back and forth about what we want to do. Joe offers for everyone to stay the night at his place since there’s enough room and security. Everyone agrees and we head for Joe’s penthouse.

Anna and Sadie greet everyone happily. Sadie is especially excited to see Joe and me. Joe offers his room to Pop-Pop and Joanna, Jared and Nathan take Jimmy and Allen’s room and Maggie and Henry take the third guest room and I take the last. When Pop-Pop inquires as to where Joe is sleeping, he mentions that he has a bed in his office and there’s always the couch. Pop-Pop tries to argue with Joe, but Joe’s patient persistence wins in the long haul.

After another wonderfully delicious meal prepared by Anna, Nathan turns on his iPad to discover the results from our little excursion. The topic on every social media and news outlet is when Maggie, Jared, Nathan and I took a stroll into the adult shop. Pictures of us holding a variety of items cascade across the screens as do speculations and a lot of raunchy comments with regards to using such toys. Jared and Nathan post a few statements on social media, confirming that we had a great time shopping, refraining from confirming if anything was in fact purchased.

By midnight, Sadie and I make our way out of the guest bedroom and over to Joe’s office where he’s sleeping for the night. Sadie and I crawl onto his bed before he fully wakes. I snuggle into him when he rolls onto his back, lowering my lips to his.

“Hey, beautiful,” he greets softly.

“Hey,” I reply.

Our mouths unite, careful to not make any noise.

“I know Maggie got some toys,” he whispers. “Did you?”

With a wicked grin, I confess, “No. But . . . I did see a few things I liked.”

“Like what?” he eagerly questions.

“Fuzzy handcuffs,” I admit bashfully.

“Mmmm,” he hums, pulling me closer for another kiss. “Anything else?”

“Crotchless panties,” I giggle.

“I like the sound of both of them,” he replies.

We devour each other’s mouths for a while.

“I should head back,” I state reluctantly.

“I know,” he agrees. “I’m glad you came over.”

I snicker.

“What?”

“Well,” I begin, trying to compose myself. “I didn’t really cum.”

Joe gives me a long peck. “Next time . . . I promise.”

My lips linger a little longer until I finally peel them away. When I get to the hall, I turn and whisper, “Goodnight, Joe.”

“Goodnight, beautiful.”

Each night we get the chance, Joe and I are together, except when Jimmy and Allen show up in preparation for Nathan’s private event — when I allow him, he comes to my place. We’re able to schedule the party before the fall and winter holidays between my friends and Chris, staying close enough to the movie premier so Nathaniel’s won’t drop from the spotlight.

For the private event, Nathan has all of us wearing our garments rather than having them hang on a manikin, however, I’m wearing the alternate dress. He says that he wants a more dramatic effect, hoping it will catch key people’s attention. He’s already had several offers for my dress and Chris’ suit. I’m not sure on whether to be flattered or creeped out by the idea.

Everyone gets the opportunity to wine and dine the collection of celebrities and media representatives who have arrived until the show starts — except me. I’m stuck hiding in the office, not that I’m complaining, because I’d rather reduce the amount of talking I need to do with the press, but because Nathan wants me to have a grand entrance. My friends come back on occasion to check on me.

“They’re getting antsy, babe,” Jared says. “You better have her come out soon.”

“I know,” Nathan agrees. “I just want to build up the tension.”

“Have you decided on who’s escorting me?” I ask.

“Nope,” Nathan confirms. “I don’t know if it would be more impactful if it’s Chris or me.”

“Chris,” Jared comments. “They won’t expect them to come out arm and arm after all the news and rumors.”

“That’s true,” I agree, hoping to assist on the attention staying away from Joe and me.

Chris and I stand side by side as we wait for Nathan to announce us. “You look stunning in this dress too,” Chris states.

“Thanks,” I reply. “You still look pretty good yourself.”

We stand silently for a minute not sure what to say as Nathan speaks on the microphone.

“Have you found her yet?” I check.

“No,” Chris sighs. “Have you changed your mind?” He smiles, hoping that I may have.

“No,” I reply gently.

Chris shrugs his shoulders. “Had to ask.”

“I understand,” I say, surprisingly not uncomfortable with his attempt.

“And, without further adieu, ladies and gentlemen,” Nathan declares. “Emma and Chris.”

Chris takes the few steps up to the runway first, offering his hand to assist me. We take our time walking down the catwalk as nothing but flashing lights can be seen. Chris and I have a little fun with our walk, smiling and goofing as we hit the end of the platform. The crowd roars with laughter and applause.

When the lights turn on, Chris escorts me down to the main floor and we stand, waiting patiently as everyone moves forward to inspect my dress and ask questions. Good thing I peed right before we made our entrance because the room is packed with almost a hundred people, not counting the catering staff.

“Emma,” one reporter shouts. “Where’s the dress from the premier?”

“It’s here,” I offer. “This was the alternate dress Nathan made for me.”

“An alternate dress? What do you mean?” the reporter continues.

“Nathan wasn’t sure if I would wear the original dress, so he made this one just in case,” I explain.

“Why is that, Nathan?” another reporter prods.

“I had two visions, the first one was the dress that Emma wore to the premier. However, I was nervous that she may not wear it . . . it is quite revealing,” Nathan shares.

“So, where is the other dress?” the reporter requests.

With a giddy smile, Nathan walks beyond the news crew to the wall behind them that is covered by a curtain that looks like it’s part of the decor. Nathan reaches up and tugs on a hidden tassel. The curtains open, unveiling a large wall length enclosure with the dress resting on a manikin in the middle of it with plenty of room for the outfits my friends are wearing. There are large pictures from the premier of us wearing the clothes scattered on the wall.

The crowd gaps in awe as their cameras lift and lights flash.

“What is that neck piece made of?” a female reporter asks.

“Solid gold,” Nathan shares.

All of the women gape in wonderment — I don’t doubt picturing themselves in the dress.

“So, Emma,” one reporter begins, pushing her microphone at me. “Are you and Chris an item yet?”

“No,” I sweetly offer. “Just friends.”

“By the looks of the fun you two were having up there, I’d say there’s a spark . . . a connection,” she probes.

“There’s always a level of comfort and ease between friends,” Chris comments. “But, I did ask her if she’s changed her mind just before we came out.”

“Of course you did,” the woman goads.

“You can’t blame me, can you?” Chris baits.

I laugh as she replies, “Not at all. So, Emma.” She sticks the microphone back in my face. “Some people have been saying that your answer for Chris has something to do with the supposed relationship that’s between you and billionaire-bachelor, Joseph Covelli?”

“No,” I somewhat lie. “Who’s making those statements?”

“People,” she answers.

“What people?” I challenge.

“People on twitter,” she expands. “There’s have been several photos of you and Joe scattered across the internet.”

I laugh. “It’s amazing what people can do with Photoshop these days,” I reply. “Besides, Joe and I are friends. Our best friends married each other. We’re bound to hang out when we all get together.”

“You’re the only two in the group who aren’t dating someone,” she presses. “Are you two dating each other?”

“No,” I chuckle.

“You’ve got to give me more of an answer than that, girl,” she playfully demands. “You’ve got a captive live audience watching and wanting to know.”

“Let’s just say,” I begin, pausing for a little dramatic effect. “I’m not the kind of girl that does relationships.”

“So, are you a lesbian?” she stipulates.

“I don’t see how my sexual preferences would matter with regards to whether I date or not,” I sternly comment while presenting a smile.

“Do you plan on being a part of the event for Nathan’s first fashion show in New York?” a male reporter jumps in.

“I’ll be attending, but we haven’t discussed my level of participation,” I reply. “As happy as I am to support my friend, I think I should leave the modeling up to the models. They’re professionals. Besides, I’d probably trip or something if I did.”

The reporter laughs at my insinuation. “You don’t seem like the clumsy type, Emma,” he challenges playfully.

“I’ve been known to be a little ungraceful from time to time on my feet,” I muse back.

“What were your thoughts when you first saw the dresses?” another reporter inquires.

The fact that they’re taking turns rather than waiting and repeating the same questions is very exciting. It looks like I won’t need to be standing around as long as I thought.

“She didn’t get to see the one she wore until a few days before the premier,” Nathan chimes in.

“Why not, Nathan? Didn’t that pose a potential challenge for the dress to fit as flawlessly as it did?” say another female reporter.

“Well,” Nathan begins with a laugh. “I’m the only man who truly know’s Emma’s body.”

I purse my lips to prevent myself from smiling too much — I’m sure Joe knows more than Nathan.

“Emma’s body was the initial muse behind the desire to expand into a woman’s line, aside from Maggie, of course,” Nathan continues without hesitation. “When Emma tried the dress on for the first time, it fit perfectly. I didn’t need to do a single alteration. The same for this one she’s wearing now.”

I nod in agreement.

“Wow,” replies the reporter. “How does that make you feel, Emma?”

“How does what make me feel?”

“To have a gay man know your body so well,” she explains.

I laugh. “I don’t think any woman would be uncomfortable with that.”

“So, Nathan,” another report starts. “If you know Emma’s body so well, should any man who is interested in persuading Emma into dating talk to you first? You know, to get a leg up on the competition?”

Nathan roars with laughter. “I many know her size over every inch of her body, but I’m not an expert in the department of pleasing Emma.”

Joe is an expert on my body when it comes to pleasure
my brain snickers — he is, indeed.

“Chris, can you tell us what project you’re working on next?” another of the reporters request.

“You know I can’t tell you that,” he teases. “But, I can tell you this . . . it’s going to be good.”

Everyone laughs, enjoying his friskiness. Maggie’s hand reaches in front of me from my right, offering me a drink. I nod and mouth
thank you
and then take a sip.

“How did everyone wearing your collection become friends?” one reporter poses.

Nathan looks to me to see if I want to explain. I lift my chin in the direction of Jared, wanting to give him a chance to speak, especially since he’s really good and personable without exposing too much.

Jared takes the hint and steps behind me, placing his arm over my shoulder and getting in direct sight of the cameras. “Emma and I became friends first and soon after that, we meet Maggie when we went to the Peking Wok for lunch one day after work.”

“How did you two meet?” someone pries.

Jared continues as if he didn’t hear them. “Maggie’s bubbly personality was infectious and the three of us became instant friends. Some time later, Nathan and I met in WeHo. We dated off and on, but always maintained a great friendship regardless if we were together or not. Not long ago, Henry showed up at the Peking Wok and he and Maggie hit it off instantly. They got married back in July.”

“And, where does the cute and hopefully available billionaire Joseph Covelli enter the picture?” a female report inquires.

I swear I hear all of the women in the room giggle at her forwardness.

“Easy,” Jared answers. “Joe’s great friends with Henry. Jimmy is Joe’s brother and when we met him and Allen, we all became friends instantly.”

“How are you handling all of the snide remarks that come into the business and that are on social media about you and Nathan dating?” asks a male reporter. “We’ve never seen you respond.”

“People are entitled to their opinions,” I interject, defensive of my family. “And, that’s all they are . . . opinions. We choose to focus on the positive side of life that is filled with love and laughter.”

“You’ve got to have some kind of a reaction,” the man presses.

“No, not really,” Jared objects.

“What about your grandfather?” the man asks.

“What about Pop-Pop?” Jared replies.

Pop-Pop comes closer, standing behind Jared and Nathan.

“What are your thoughts, Pop-Pop? Do you mind me calling you that?” the report questions.

“My thoughts about what?” Pop-Pop clarifies.

“About all of the hate mail and comments about your grandson? We . . .” the report expounds.

“God loves everyone,” Pop-Pop comments, not letting her finish.

“So, Joe . . . are you available?” another woman reporter questions, wanting to lighten up the mood.

With a mildly bashful expression, Joe replies, “I’m flattered. Thank you, but my personal life is just that. Personal.”

Several of the women groan, not liking Joe’s answer which causes half of the crowd to chuckle.

“Come on, Joe? Give us something,” the reporter coaxes.

“With that, ladies and gentlemen,” Nathan announces. “I say our interviewing portion has concluded and the party begins. The fashion show will commence shortly. Enjoy!”

The waitstaff begins to serve more finger foods and wine and the crowd begins to mingle as light music plays over the speakers. My friends successfully keep me surrounded the majority of the time, preventing the media from prying anymore, but their cameras follow us around as they continue to film well after the fashion show. Our own media staff from Naturally Me are present, capturing the night for our followers and Nathan’s.

I get a chance to get away from the crowd, heading to the private bathroom that is just off of Nathan’s office. Wanting to have a little fun, I get the urge to text Joe. My fingers quickly type a message — the first thing that pops into my head. “I’m not wearing any panties,” I write, pressing send after I take them off and place them in my bag that’s locked in Nathan’s desk.

When I get to the end of the hall just as it opens up to the store, I scan the room for Joe. A smirk emerges on my face when I see that Joe’s jaw is clenched and he’s looking right at me. I sashay toward Jared, taking my wine glass from him and take a sip, licking my lips when I’m finished — the whole time, my attention is not on Joe, but I know his is on me.

My purse vibrates and I discreetly check Joe’s reply.

“Naughty,” Joe writes followed by an emoticon hand.

Smiling, I take another sip of my wine, ignoring his gaze.

About an hour later, I feel adventurous and text Joe again when I’ve got my back to a wall and no one is near me. “You make me wet by the way you look at me,” I type and press send, searching the room for him. My eyes look away when he takes his phone out of his pocket.

Joe replies back with nothing but two hand emoticons.

A warm sensation tingles on my ass at the thought of him spanking me. Feeling bold, I write back, “Wetter now with the anticipation of being punished.”

“Who you texting?” Maggie asks, practically scaring me to death.

“No one,” I lie. “It’s something I saw on twitter.”

“Must have been something funny,” she comments.

“Yeah,” I lie again. “I’m trying to laugh more at the comments that are posted about me.”

“That’s good,” she praises. Maggie takes out her phone, probably seeing what she can find. “
I bet Emma’s boobs are fake. They can’t be real
.”

Maggie and I snicker.

“That’s a great compliment,” Maggie says.

“I’d have to agree,” I return.

“Should I comment back?” she questions with a devious gleam in her eye.

“No,” I counter, taking the phone from her and placing it back in her purse.