Just Breathe Series (Trilogy Box Set)

by Martha Sweeney

  Catching up to her, my eyes fall upon a huge living room that has floor to ceiling windows on three of the four walls, not counting the large fireplace, is fully finished with a wet bar, three sitting areas, a large flatscreen television and a baby grand piano in the far left corner. How the hell did he buy and get this place decorated in such a short amount of time? When did he buy it? I know that this building is not for rent. I remember seeing listings for units in this place several times when I’d search where I’d like move next in Pasadena. This building was one of my top considerations. Now, I have to remove this location from my list. Damn him.

  Joe is moving in our direction when I turn the corner. He must have already been heading towards us when Anna announced our arrival. Two other men are with Joe and are just getting up from the couch when Maggie, Henry and I stop behind Anna.

  “Thank you, Anna,” Joe replies as he moves to greet us. He hugs and kisses Maggie, hugs Henry and then hugs and pecks me on the cheek before standing close to me.

  “So, which one is Emma?” One of the men questions Joe as he approaches us. “I want to meet the one who has my brother’s eye.”

  From his statement, I know he is James. James is handsome like Joe. You can see the family resemblance, even though their body types are completely different. James has definition to his body, but it is hidden and nowhere near as pronounced as Joe’s. He even has similar facial features to Joe, but James’ eyes are a beautiful, emerald green.

  My cheeks flush instantly at James’ open statement, which gives me away.

  “Ah . . . .” He inspects me from head to toe. “You’re even prettier than the photo Joe showed us.”

  My eyes dart to Joe at the mention of a photo he has of me. I know we’ve all taken pictures on our phones from time to time when we all hangout, but the thought still rattles me, especially if he’s talking about me to other people.

  “Don’t pay him any attention, Emma,” the other man proclaims. “Jimmy is messing with Joe. We haven’t seen a photo of you yet. Joe wouldn’t share.”

  I can feel my face heating up more.

  “She is gorgeous, though. Isn’t she Allen?” Jimmy playfully questions.

  “Indeed,” Allen concurs.

  Allen is just a handsome as Jimmy and Joe with his own striking chiseled features. He is about an inch or two taller than Jimmy, has a little more meat on his bones, and strawberry blond hair. His amber eyes sparkle in the light.

  In an almost bashful tone, Joe apologies, “Please excuse Jimmy and Allen.”

  “We’re being rude sweetie,” Allen teasingly chides Jimmy.

  “Where are my manners,” Jimmy begins, reaching his hand forward to shake mine. “I’m Jimmy, Joe’s older and better-looking brother.” Before our hands meet, he catches me completely off guard and embraces me in a hug I can’t escape.

  “Don’t mind him. He’s a hugger,” Allen informs me a little too late. “I’m Allen,” he says as Jimmy releases me. “I’m his better half.” Allen jerks his head in the direction of Jimmy and then hugs me too.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” I reply a little shocked from their affectionate greeting.

  I wasn’t expecting them to be this friendly.

  “And, who is this adorable four-legged creature?” Jimmy inquires, bending down towards Sadie who has been by my side the whole time.

  “This is Sadie,” I say, glad for the distraction.

  Sadie sits waiting for my signal to greet the new strangers and I let her. She sniffs and licks both of them, but seeks Joe out for more affection.

  I stare at Joe as Henry introduces Maggie to the two men. He offers me a reassuring smile, but it doesn’t work. “How about a tour,” Joe suggests.

  “Sure,” I consent, thinking Maggie will want to see the place as well.

  “I’ll see it later,” Maggie replies as she returns her focus on the conversation between Henry, Jimmy and Allen.

  Smiling, Joe acknowledges, “Looks like it’s you and me, beautiful.”

  Unhappy with the result, I just nod in agreement as Sadie follows. There are a lot of rooms to his stunning penthouse. Aside from the living room, it has four bedrooms, four full bathrooms and one-half bath, an office, kitchen with an attached breakfast room, dinning room and a den. The single floor is over four thousand square feet — I remember from the listing.

  When we get to the largest bedroom, Joe mentions, “This will be your room for the weekend.”

  The bedroom is stunning. It’s sleek, sophisticated, elegant and contemporary. The walls are painted a light bluish grey, with a similar, but slightly darker color on the fifteen foot ceiling. A king size bed, that looks like it’s swimming in the room, is on the far back wall and is covered with a solid white comforter, and topped with white, blue and grey pillows, some with the hint of a golden yellow. The bed frame, nightstands, and a single dresser on the opposite wall are matching dark mahogany wood. A chaise and sitting chair with a small table and lamp sit near the french doors that lead out to a patio. Leaning on a wall next to a door that would lead to the bathroom are several pieces of art or photos most likely waiting to be hung.

  “I don’t need this much room,” I protest, confused to why I would get the biggest room to myself. “Jared and Nathan or your brother and Allen can have it.”

  He chuckles, “Jimmy and Allen have their own room, and as much as I love Jared and Nathan, I’m not interested in them sleeping in my bed.” I shoot him a glare, and before I can say anything, Joe insists, “Relax. It will be just you and Sadie in here. I’ll be in the den.”

  “I’ll take the den,” I assert. “This is your house.”

  “You are my guest,” he contends.

  I shrug my shoulders to indicate that I don’t care.

  “If you don’t sleep in here, the only other free bed is where I’m sleeping.”

  “There is the couch,” I mention, turning in the direction of the hallway.

  Joe takes a step closer to me, placing his left hand on my hip and spins me around to face him. “I’ll carry you back to my bed if you try to sleep on the couch.”

  I eye him further at his threat. “Which bed?”

  A devilish grin on his face implies that which bed is irrelevant and that it’s the matter of being in a bed with him. My brain freaks out as my body becomes aroused by the idea.

  “Fine,” I unwillingly concede, not wanting to give him the hope of any possibility.

  Joe leads me to his bathroom to show me where the towels and other necessities are located. The restroom is a very sleek, modern and extremely large which is pretty much the size of my bedroom. Medium grey slate tiles cascade over the entire floor, the entire walk-in shower that has a glass door and can easily fit six people, and the whole wall, where there is a solid white hot tub style bathtub. On the other side of the shower, toilet and bidet, there are porcelain white double sinks with a dark mahogany vanity.

  Back in the bedroom, Joe draws my attention over to the french doors that lead out to a private patio. “Feel free to use the rebounder.”

  “Is this why you’ve gotten better when we go jumping?”

  “So, you’ve noticed?” he smirks.

  “Just a little,” I dismiss while looking around the room to make note of where to snoop when I’m alone.

  Heading back to the living room, we find that Jared and Nathan have arrived as well and are already making small talk with Jimmy and Allen. When I can get Jared alone, I need to remember to corner him about not telling me that Joe moved to my town.

  “. . . I’m so excited,” Nathan shouts.

  “Excited about what?” I question, coming late into the conversation.

  “Jimmy and Allen are joining us in Hawaii next weekend,” Jared informs me.

  “Awesome,” I reply.

  I’m really glad to know they are joining us. It’s an extra reason to avoid any awkward moments with Joe and a way to get to know him and Henry better to make sure there isn’t anything th
at I’ve missed about them. Serial killers are good at hiding their true identities.

  The eight of us chat like we’re all old friends reuniting which is very comforting to me. Jimmy and Allen are sweet, friendly guys who easily get along with everyone. Stories are told and laughter spreads. From everything that I see and hear, Joe and Henry are exactly the type of men I concluded them to be; smart, sweet, sincere and genuine. This puts my mind at ease.

  At some point during our discussions, Anna brings us tea, coffee and some hours d' oeuvres before informing us that dinner will be ready in an hour. I check the clock on my phone and am surprised when I see that it’s just after five. Have we been talking for that long? I need to feed Sadie. There’s no need to formally excuse myself from my friends, so I sneak out right as Maggie and Henry start sharing how they met and fell in love with Jimmy and Allen. Yes, fell in love. They both use that word freely so much now. It’s been barely three months and they are talking about love. My stomach turns at the notion of them being in love.

  I watch Anna bouncing between the kitchen and the dinning room before I start looking for Sadie’s food.

  “Can I help you with anything, Ms. Emma?” Anna sweetly inquires.

  “I need to feed Sadie,” I cordially mention, not wanting to interrupt her.

  Turning to the refrigerator, Anna pulls out the cooler and offers, “I can feed her for you, Ms. Emma.”

  “Thank you, Anna, but I think you’re busy enough getting dinner ready,” I graciously decline.

  “I don’t mind. I’m happy to help,” she respectfully insists.

  I appreciate Anna’s attentiveness and willingness, but there is no need. I’m under the impression that tasks as simple as feeding a dog are a part of her job description, even for guests. There’s no need to expect her to take care of Sadie or me even when she seems pleased to do it.

  “Thank you, but . . .” I begin.

  She senses my discomfort and instead instructs, “Plates and bowls are here, silverware over here, and feel free to use any food that is in the kitchen. Mr. Joseph had me purchase a variety of items for you, Ms. Sadie and everyone else. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

  “Thank you,” I return, making my way to get a spoon.

  Anna diligently watches me as I place the different ingredients of Sadie’s food into one of the bowls I had in her cooler. Before I’m finished, Anna fills the other bowl with water. She then places a towel on the floor before putting the bowl down. As I rinse my hands in the island sink, Anna instinctually takes the food and sets it next to the water. I choose not to say anything — I don’t doubt that I’m driving her crazy by doing her job.

  “She’s not eating,” Anna voices with concern.

  With a reassuring smile, I explain, “She’s waiting for the command.”

  “She won’t eat unless you tell her?” Anna affirms with amazement. “Wow.”

  I signal for Sadie to eat and she immediately begins. Anna stands watching Sadie the whole time. I suspect that she’s planning on cleaning the dishes and not giving me the chance.

  Joe enters the kitchen distracting me, which gives Anna just enough time to retrieve the food bowl. “Everything okay in here?” Joe questions.

  “Just fine, Mr. Joseph,” Anna replies.

  I giggle at hearing her call him Mr. Joseph.

  “What’s so funny?” he inquires.

  “Nothing, Mr. Joseph,” I echo Anna’s words.

  This gets a laugh from Anna before she says, “I like her, Mr. Joseph.”

  I can’t help but laugh again before pondering her chosen words.

  “Me too,” Joe asserts, looking right at me.

  To redirect the conversation I indicate, “I need to take Sadie out.”

  Joe studies me for a second like he’s contemplating on whether to say something or not. He silently accepts my announcement and has a look like he’s deciding on whether or not to join us. A few seconds later, Joe hesitantly returns to our friends, looking over his shoulder just after he pass through the doorway.

  Being outside with Sadie alone is refreshing and gives me time to think and calm down. I’m not really agitated anymore, but being alone helps me digest everything, especially the fact that Joe now lives in Pasadena. Why Pasadena? Seriously!

  Once Anna lets us back inside, Sadie darts down the hallway to Joe who is hovering in a doorway.

  “Where is everyone?” I ask when I get closer to him.

  “Getting the tour,” Joe says, pointing down the hall and then resumes petting Sadie.

  Instead of joining the rest of our friends, I turn towards the living room to snoop. My attention is captured by a variety of framed pictures that sit on some built-in bookcases near the piano. I pick up one picture to examine it further. It consists of a large group of people all of different ages.

  “That’s my family,” Joe comments, scaring me. He takes a step closer, causing his shoulder to brush slightly on my back before resting his hand on my hip.

  I’m temporarily distracted by his close proximity, but I’m able to focus enough to catch the majority of the names and faces of the people in the photo. I’ve never been this aroused during that time of the month.

  Everyone in the photo looks genuinely happy. I put the picture back and continue looking at the others as Joe stays close. My attention immediately goes to a photo of Joe sleeping while holding a resting baby girl.

  “That’s my niece, Lily,” he indicates.

  “Which one?” I tease.

  He moves closer. Close enough that I feel something rub against my ass before I notice his right hand on my waist.

  “What are you doing?”

  He chuckles, “Nothing.” His smooth cheek brushes mine.

  “Joe.”

  “Shhh,” he mumbles, squeezing me tighter.

  I feel and hear him breathe me in and I can’t move. I let him stay right where he is holding me. Why? My brain stops talking when the memories of being in bed with him at Nathan’s and the kiss after our recent date come back in full force. My figure soaks up the convergence of our bodies and my mind is conflicted between my physical desire for him and my need to distance myself. I can’t let him too close. I can’t let him in.

  “Joe.”

  “Mmm . . . .” His left hand is now on my waist and his mouth sweeps my skin just under my ear.

  The clamor of our friends’ voices in the hallway snap me back to reality. As I pull away from Joe, he does the same for me, giving us enough distance to compose ourselves. I would almost think that he doesn’t want to get caught either. Joe sits on a nearby chair and pets Sadie while I continue to scan the bookcase until our friends are in view.

  Before everyone gets comfortable, Anna announces that dinner is ready. We follow her to the dinning room where a table that seats eight easily and is dressed with a feast large enough for Thanksgiving dinner. Joe takes the head of the table, followed by Jimmy, Allen, Maggie and Henry to his left which leaves me to sit on Joe’s right followed by Jared and Nathan. Why do I have to sit right next to Joe?

  Everyone exchanges more stories and topics of discussion as we eat the mountainous meal. At some point, we all agree to stay in for the night to continue chatting and to have a mini pajama party in the living room. As everyone continues to sit and talk around the dinner table, I habitually stand up to clean.

  “What are you doing?” Anna asks with surprise when I enter the kitchen.

  “Cleaning up,” I declare, now questioning my own actions. I place the dishes on the counter waiting for her to move.

  “Go enjoy yourself, Ms. Emma. I’ll clean up when everyone is finished,” she instructs me.

  “We are finished. And, that hardly seems fair.”

  “Why is that?”

  She’s clearly puzzled by my response.

  “Because you cooked it. We should at least help clean.”

  Giddy from my statement, Anna reminds me, “It’s my job.”

  “So
. That doesn’t mean I can’t help.”

  “You are a guest. You are not expected to cook or clean the dishes, Ms. Emma.”

  “I know,” I agree with her. “But, as a guest I have the right to choose to help, and, that’s what I choose.”

  A confused and concerned expression rolls upon her face. She clearly doesn’t know what to say or do. The sound of the sliding door behind me grabs our attention. Jimmy and Joe are now behind me.

  “Everything okay?” Jimmy inquires.

  “No,” Anna declares with some trepidation.

  “Yes,” I assert calmly.

  “Ms. Emma is trying to clean. I told her not to, but she won’t listen to me.” Anna rats me out.

  The way she frames her words makes me think she’s afraid of getting into trouble.

  Joe lets out a husky laugh as Jimmy investigates, “Why are you laughing.”

  “It’s fine, Anna,” Joe assures her. “If Emma is compelled to help you, will you let her?”

  “You know that I’ll help despite what anyone says,” I challenge, placing my hand on my hip.

  Laughing more, he replies, “I know.”

  Unsure, Anna agrees, “Okay.”

  “No wonder you like her, Joe,” Jimmy alleges before returning to the dining room.

  “It’s okay, Anna. Really,” Joe consoles.

  Not saying anything, Anna takes the dishes sitting on the counter in front of me.

  “Hey . . .” I protest with a smile.

  Joe advances towards me, pressing his chest to my back, rests his chin on my shoulder and his left hand on the counter next to my hip. Why is he so daring to touch me like this? Why am I not trying to move away?

  Anna turns, catching us. She doesn’t look shocked or surprised. “I like her, Mr. Joseph. She’s good for you. She might even teach you a thing or two.”

  I can’t see Joe, but I can tell by observing Anna that she’s gotten to him in a playful way. Her cheerful reaction indicates that she has a long working history with him.

  “I know,” he admits.

  I turn to face Joe and I find him blushing as he looks right at me. His eyes hold mine, and then, he kisses me lightly on the forehead. Why is he displaying any type of affection in front of Anna? I scrunch my nose at him in protest just before he takes my wrist and leads me back to the dining room. “Come on,” he says.