Just Breathe Series (Trilogy Box Set)

by Martha Sweeney

  “Mmmm hmmm,” I mumble.

  I swear Joe uses every inch of his body on mine to tease and tantalize me as we fuck into the night. He’s like a machine, getting just as hard as ever after each time he climaxes. I think he knows that as much as he tries to sway me with sex, that I won’t be going back with him, so he’s taking every opportunity to get his fill of me now. He should be able to handle three days — we did in the beginning after we first started having sex.

  The next morning, Joe and I have a quiet breakfast that Anna prepares for us. We don’t say much; neither of us wanting to bring up the fact that the clock is ticking closer to the time when he has to leave. Joe sits closer to me than he usually does while we eat and makes sure we’re always touching in some way, even if it’s our feet or legs under the table.

  When it comes time for him to leave, Sadie and I follow Joe downstairs to where his bodyguards are waiting at the car to take him to the private airport in Van Nuys.

  “Are you sure I can’t convince you to come?” Joe checks one final time, cupping my face after he stands from petting Sadie.

  “Yes,” I confirm regrettably.

  Joe presses his forehead to mine and we stay connected for a moment.

  “Besides,” I say. “It’s not like you haven’t traveled without me, and you could probably use some time away . . . from me.”

  “Why would you say that?” he asks with pain in his voice.

  I shrug my shoulders, hiding my own emotions that I still can’t figure out. “You know what they say about being apart.”

  “Emma,” Joe scolds lightly.

  “Go,” I direct, pulling away from him. “I’ll see you in three days.”

  Joe’s grip tightens on my waist, preventing me from moving more than a step before I’m pulled firmly into him. “Don’t,” he begs.

  “What?” I say, downplaying the topic.

  “Please, Emma,” Joe begs. “Don’t joke like that.”

  “Okay, fine,” I reply coldly.

  “Hey,” he calls.

  “Sorry,” I say, not liking how I’m feeling. “Go. Before you miss your first meeting.”

  “You’re more important,” he comments. “We’re more important.”

  “Joe,” I huff.

  “I’ll miss you,” he starts. “And, I love you.”

  “Stop it,” I return.

  He gets me every time he says those three words. I should be used to it by now, but I’m not. It’s still weird for me to hear him express his feelings so freely. I’ve never told him that I’ve missed him and I’m nowhere near close to telling him that I love him. We both know I can say I’ll miss him — I’ve said that a bunch of times to Jared, Nathan and Maggie; even Jade. So, why can’t I admit how I feel to him?

  “Well, I will and I do,” he confides.

  “Go,” I choke.

  “Why? Are you changing your mind about going?” he asks, perking up.

  “Babe, don’t,” I snap.

  The right corner of Joe’s mouth hooks to the side.

  “Don’t look at me like that,” I challenge.

  “Like what?” he muses.

  “You know what I’m talking about,” I state.

  The closest thing I’ve been able to do to give him any idea of my emotions, other than when we’re naked and I’m screaming his name, is when I use a pet name for him. It drives me crazy the way he looks at me — it’s like he can read my thoughts and feelings better than I can and it freaks me out.

  “I’ll miss you too,” he chuckles, kissing me one last time. Joe’s tender lips linger, not wanting to loosen their grip on mine.

  “Mr. Covelli,” Hunter calls from behind Joe’s back.

  “I know,” Joe sighs. He reluctantly turns and hops into the car.

  I start to walk away, moving toward Taylor who’s waiting for me at my Tesla.

  “Emma,” Joe calls.

  “Yeah?” I answer, turning around. My feet move me closer to the window that he has lowered.

  “Make sure you see Kim while I’m gone,” Joe reminds.

  “I’m fine,” I counter.

  “Emma,” Joe says using his authoritative tone.

  “It’s nothing, Joe,” I remark for probably the tenth time. “I’ve just been a little tired. It’s probably from all the hot sex. I’ll be fine.”

  “Emma,” Joe says more sternly, concern written all over his face. “If you don’t see her before I return . . . .”

  I cut him off, wanting to joke rather than be serious right before he leaves, “I know . . . you’ll spank me.”

  Hunter coughs from the driver seat — finally, I got the man to crack.

  “Emma,” Joe repeats, begging with his eyes.

  “Fine,” I whine. “I’ll see Kim. Okay?”

  Joe’s smile returns. “Thank you, beautiful.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” I return, trying to shrug it off. I lean in, kissing him one last time to comfort him and head back to Taylor and Sadie who are waiting for me.

  Once I get home, I drop off my stuff, take care of a few minor things and eventually change, deciding that I need a good hike to calm my nerves and rejuvenate my body from this mild fatigue I’ve been having the past week, and to help kill some time while Joe is away.

  Just as Taylor hits the bottom of the road that leads up into the mountains, I take my phone out and text Joe, confident that his plane should have taken off by now. Miss you is what I write, keenly aware that I’m too chickenshit to send it sooner for him to reply back before my phone goes out of service. I’ve never said anything like that to him in writing, let alone verbally — here goes nothing.

  The air is refreshing the moment I hop out of the car when Taylor opens the door for me. Sadie jumps around, excited by our destination. It’s been about a month since we’ve been up here last with Joe. I grab my bag that has the usual items I take each time Sadie and I come here. Once the car is locked up, Taylor takes the lead as Dale takes the rear to our group while Dylan and Caesar hang back a little.

  “I seriously don’t know why all of you had to come with us,” I comment as we hit my regular trail.

  “We like it here,” Dale shares.

  I turn to look at him, catching a boyish grin on his face.

  We take our time walking the path, stopping at the second waterfall for a small break. Sadie bounces between my bodyguards, happy for the affection they give her. A smile emerges on my face when I remember how she was with them by the fourth week they were working for me. She bore her belly to each one of them — I guess she sees them as part of the pack now.

  Several families pass by us and the young children are eager to pet her. Sadie’s tail smacks my calf in eager anticipation for the children to come over as she lays on the ground, rotating for her belly to be toward them. One of the dads with a small boy walks up, unfazed by Sadie’s breed and pets her after we exchange some greetings. The little boy laughs when Sadie licks at his hands. Several onlookers from a nearby rock become curious and make their way over as well.

  “O. M. G.,” a teenage girl squeals coming over. “Are you Emma? And, is that Sadie?”

  With a sweet smile, I nod and confirm her suspicions.

  “Holy crap!” she exclaims. “Can I get a picture with you?” As she approaches, Taylor steps forward more, causing her to stop in her tracks.

  I look back over my shoulder at Taylor. “Relax,” I direct. “She’s fine.”

  “Holy shit,” she blurts. “I’m sorry. God, I’m sorry.” Her hand covers her mouth when she realizes that she just cursed in front of the little boy.

  “It’s okay,” the father chuckles. “It wouldn’t be the first time he’s heard it.” He takes his son and moves away, allowing the girl to come forward.

  “He won’t bite,” I laugh after saying farewell to the little boy.

  She looks down at Sadie. “I thought she was a girl?”

  “She is,” I giggle. “But, I was talking about him.” I point to Taylor.
r />   “Oh,” she laughs nervously. “So, is he your new boyfriend?”

  “No,” I muse. “He’s just one of my bodyguards.”

  Her mouth gapes in surprise.

  “How about that picture,” I remind sweetly.

  “Oh, yeah. Right,” she says, perking up.

  I slide over on the rock so she can sit with me. Sadie repositions herself, excitedly enjoying the attention from her as Dale offers to take a picture with the girl’s phone. I’m not sure how many pictures Dale takes, but the girls seems really pleased when she gets her phone back from him. As people start to congregate further, Taylor becomes uneasy and suggests we start heading back before the crowd becomes too much and blocks the path. The man is not one for crowds — not that I am, but it’s just funny to watch him squirm. He radios to Dylan and Caesar on the walkie-talkies that we’re returning to the car.

  When we get to the parking lot, Sadie whines and I signal her free. She darts off to Caesar and Dylan, happy to see them. They play with her affectionately until I reach the car, opening a door for us to get in. Dylan and Caesar get in the car I’m in, giving Taylor and Dale a break from duty as they get into the other Tesla. My hand rests on Sadie’s head as I enjoy the lovely afterglow of being out in nature.

  When the car gets to the bottom of the mountain, about a minute after cell reception is back, my phone rings.

  “Hey, you,” I greet. “Shouldn’t you be working on the plane? I know you haven’t landed yet.”

  “I miss you too,” Joe says with a smile in his voice.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I got your text,” he says with a chuckle.

  “What text?” I return slyly.

  “The one you sent me just before you went for your hike,” Joe shares.

  Damn Taylor and is openness with Hunter. Do they seriously have to keep doing that — telling the other where I or Joe are all the time?

  “I didn’t send you a text before I went for a hike,” I lie. “And, how did you know I went for a hike?”

  Joe laughs. “Hunter and Taylor communicate all of the time. You know that. Besides, when I got your text and you didn’t respond to my call, Hunter told me where you were.”

  “What text are you talking about?” I search, wanting to play.

  “The one saying you miss me,” Joe reminds.

  “I didn’t send that text,” I fib. “Taylor must have gotten a hold of my phone and texted that he misses you.”

  Dylan and Caesar snicker in the front seats.

  “Really?” Joe muses.

  “Yep,” I say. “I’ll be sure to tell him that you miss him too.”

  “Did you call Kim?” Joe asks, changing the subject.

  “Not yet,” I sigh.

  “Emma,” he says with authority and concern laced together.

  “I’m going to call her. I promised and I will,” I remind. “I just needed to get out for some fresh air.”

  “How was the hike?” he checks.

  “Good,” I reveal. “I feel better.”

  “Good,” he comments.

  There’s peaceful silence between us for a few moments. “I’ve got a call coming in. I’ll call you later, beautiful.”

  “Okay,” I reply.

  “I love you,” Joe says sweetly.

  I don’t say anything.

  “I miss you too, beautiful,” he adds.

  “Yeah, yeah,” I brush off his comments.

  Joe sighs.

  “Miss you too,” I say quickly and then hang up the phone.

  Shit. What the hell did I just do?

  My phone rings again. I take a deep breath to calm myself and then press the button to answer it.

  I hear Joe chuckling and I let out the breath I was holding.

  “Love you. Miss you too. See you in three days,” he says with a definite smile to his voice.

  “Mmm hmm,” I hum.

  “I’ll call you later,” he reminds.

  “Okay,” I reply.

  One Hundred Twenty Four

  The days while Joe is gone move slowly, much slower than I’d like. My routine has shifted and I’m more tired than I was before. Working out extra doesn’t help as a distraction or help me sleep better with the fatigue I’ve been feeling — I even nap in the afternoons. I call Kim while I eat lunch, scheduling an appointment with her at her office for early tomorrow; the same day Joe returns to California. I said I’d call her and make an appointment — even though Joe’s been hounding me each day. I just didn’t agree to how quickly I would do it.

  Joe calls me just as I finish eating. “When are you seeing Kim?” he asks as soon as I answer.

  “Hello to you too,” I return.

  “Hi,” he says, letting out a large sigh. “Sorry, beautiful. It’s just been a little crazy here.”

  “It’s okay,” I reply.

  “How’s your day going so far?” he inquires.

  “I see Kim tomorrow,” I inform, cutting to the chase.

  “Good,” he answers, letting out a heavy breath. “I miss you.”

  It takes me a few seconds to say, “I miss you too.”

  “Mmmm,” he hums. “Now I feel much better.”

  “Good,” I giggle.

  “Shoot,” I’ve got to go, beautiful,” Joe informs.

  “Okay,” I answer.

  “I’ll call you later after dinner, okay?” he checks.

  “Sure,” I reply.

  “I love you,” he states sweetly. “Miss you.”

  I take a deep breath. “Miss you, baby.”

  Joe chuckles under his breath, happy to hear me call him something other than by his name. “Later, beautiful.”

  “Later,” I reply tenderly.

  In the afternoon, Sadie and I head over to visit with Nathan at Nathaniel’s, hoping to stretch our legs and to get out of the apartment for a while. It’s exciting to see the chaotic frenzy of energy in the shop. Nathan and I are in his office going over sketches for his upcoming line that will be shown to potential buyers while Denise and a few other staff members attend to the clients who made appointments to shop.

  I’m really proud of Nathan and how far he’s come with his business. The people Mrs. Silkworth, Mr. Armani and Mrs. Covelli have put him in touch with have kept him out of the shop — in a good way. He’s freer to design while also conducting meetings with other designers and retailers who will be carrying pieces of his lines.

  On top of his success, Nathan and Jared have been discussing what they’d like to do for their wedding. The rate at which Nathan’s popularity and demand are increasing, they can have any kind of a wedding they want — plus, I’ll be happy to chip in to pay for my boys on their special day.

  By four, Nathan, Sadie and I head over to Santa Monica to meet up with Jared, Pop-Pop and Joanna. We take Joanna’s yoga class before we make our way over to Pop-Pops for dinner.

  “I honestly don’t care when and where we have it,” Jared announces. “I just want the most important people in my life at the wedding.”

  “Well, we need to give ourselves enough time with not just planning it, but scheduling stuff with Naturally Me and Nathaniel’s,” Nathan adds.

  “I agree, babe,” Jared supports.

  “Pick what type of weather and the general location and go from there,” Joanna suggests.

  “That’s a good idea,” Nathan comments.

  “Denise can handle things with the shop,” Pop-Pop states. “Plus, you can always hire more staff if needed.”

  “That’s true,” Jared agrees.

  “Same for Naturally Me,” I add. “That, or I don’t doubt some of our current staff wouldn’t mind helping . . . I’d gladly pay them extra for taking on more responsibility.”

  “She’s got a point,” supports Pop-Pop. “With enough of a time frame, those who know in advance can help us get everything situated, scheduled and whatever else might need to be completed well in advance.”

  As we eat dinner, the conver
sation continues on whether it should be a big or small wedding, what colors they’d want, if Nathan would be designing their suits, who should be in the bridal party for each side and so on. They even play fight about which one of them gets Maggie and me as bridesmaids.

  “Boys,” I call.

  “Yeah, Kitten?” they say at the same time.

  “Unless one of you is wearing a dress, neither of you are a bride, therefore, there are no bridesmaids,” I explain.

  “Well . . . that sucks,” Nathan pouts. “It would be weird having you and Maggie listed as groomsmen.”

  “I don’t care,” I state. “I’d be happy to wear a suit too, if you’d like. I know that Maggie wouldn’t mind.”

  “No,” Nathan objects. “I wouldn’t do that to you. You ladies look beautiful when you’re in your business suits, but I think you should be wearing dresses . . . you know . . . look pretty for your men.”

  “Ha ha. Very funny,” I mock.

  By the time I leave, I learn that Joanna has been more involved with the senior section of Naturally Me and is really taking a liking to it as well as getting some great feedback from our audience. Her classes have been consistently filled during the past month and she’s becoming more comfortable in front of the camera. Plus, Pop-Pop has announced that they’re moving in together. There hasn’t been mention of a wedding or engagement for them, but Joanna will be joining Pop-Pop at his apartment since her lease is up in the next month — I’m so happy for them.

  Once home, I take a bath to relax, waiting for Joe to call or text, knowing he will even though we’ve already talked three times today.

  When I get into bed after brushing my teeth, I see a text message from Joe. “Free to talk more. Miss you. XOXO.”

  I write back, “Hey.”

  “Hi,” he writes a few seconds later and then my phone vibrates from Joe’s incoming call.

  “Hey,” I greet.

  “Hi, beautiful. How was your day?” he says in the sexy voice.

  My body tingles. “Good. You?”

  “Good. Would have been better if you were around,” he shares.

  I don’t reply even though my body is radiating the same feeling — I’m really missing him right now.

  “I’ve been thinking about you too,” he chimes in, interrupting my delicious thoughts.