Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set (35 page)

“I don’t know,” I report truthfully.

“Well, he’s a handsome man . . . has the hots for you, and it has been a while for you since, you know,” he nonchalantly comments. “Too bad.”

“Too bad, what?”

“Too bad you don’t remember. Maybe you can get some action out of the situation regardless,” he teases.

“No. Hell no. You know my rules,” I sternly press.

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” Jared wraps his arm around me, holding me tight. “That doesn’t get rid of the most likely possibility that he actually does like you more than we think and that he might try at some point. What’s not to like with a woman like you? You’re smart, beautiful, funny . . . you love to do things and make your own money.”

I shake my head, opposing his statement to end the discussion. Jared chuckles at my expense.

We continue hiking and exploring for the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sights, sounds and peace. With our bellies grumbling, we elect to find somewhere to feast. One of the locals recommends a restaurant called Mama’s Fish House which is on our way back to the hotel.

Maui’s first fresh fish restaurant, Mama’s Fish House is nestled in a coconut grove on a secluded white beach. The building emulates old Polynesian style from the wood floor and walls as well as the original artwork that hangs inside. Jimmy’s and Allen’s faces beam with excitement for the art and inquire of the waitstaff for more information. Looks like they might be bringing some Hawaiian flair to their art gallery back in New York.

Everyone orders something different for appetizers and entrees so we can each have a bite of the fresh delicacies. The chef was pleasantly amenable to create a fresh, uncooked plate for Sadie.

Laughter and jokes swell from our table and out past the outdoor porch, where we’re sitting in the quaint restaurant. Nothing like great food and great people to celebrate a wonderful vacation as the sun begins to set.

“So . . .” Jimmy strikes conversation back up after we’ve all had a few mouthfuls of our entrees. “I want to know wedding details!”

The pit of my stomach twists and my appetite vanishes instantaneously. I lower my fork to my plate and swallow a large gulp of my Ulupalakua Framboise Raspberry Wine that was made right here in Maui. The day was going so well until now.

“Yeah! Do you know who your bridesmaids will be?” Allen eagerly adds.

“Well, Emma as maid of honor, of course,” Maggie immediately announces.

My eyes widen and I try to smile my excitement for being named the maid of honor and the fact that we’re talking about Maggie’s wedding already.

“Then Jared, Nathan, Amy and Kim,” Maggie continues.

“Who’s Amy and Kim,” Jimmy questions.

“My cousins.”

“You sure that will work?” Nathan questions.

“Why?” Maggie asks.

“Most people aren’t used to seeing men as bridesmaids,” explains Jared. “I’m happy to do it because I love you, but people might give some odd reactions when they see Nathan and me standing on your side.”

“So. It’s my wedding, not theirs. If they don’t like it, then they don’t have to come,” Maggie asserts.

Everyone laughs at her honest declaration.

“Anything to make my sister happy!” Jared chimes in.

“Is Jared really your brother?” Allen explores.

“Emma and Jared are family. We aren’t blood, but that doesn’t make them any less family in my eyes. They’ve been my family for the last eight and a half years,” Maggie explains.

Jared and I blush at her announcement. I love Maggie and the genuine relationship she’s shared with Jared and me. That’s what makes her getting married so hard for me.

“Who’s the best man, Henry?” Jimmy pries.

“Joe, of course,” he says without hesitation. “He’s like a brother.”

“Well, that pairing works with Emma being maid of honor,” Jimmy points out. “But, you’ll need to consider who the next two will be given that they’ll be paired with Jared and Nathan. If they aren’t gay, you’ll need two heterosexual men who are completely comfortable with their own sexuality and won’t mind escorting them.”

“Well, since I don’t have any brothers and I hardly see any of my cousins to be close to them like Maggie is with her’s, I guess then next in line could be you and Allen,” Henry states.

“Seriously! Oh my God!” Jimmy shouts. “This is going to be the best wedding ever!”

“Have you guys picked a location or date yet?” Allen continues.

“Shit guys, they just got engaged last night. I think they need some time to talk about it,” I pronounce before taking another large sip of my wine and completely emptying the glass.

“Maggie does have her wedding binder. Remember, Emma?” Nathan reminds.

Crap. I almost forgot all about her picture binder.

Since she was sixteen, Maggie has had visions of grandeur when it comes to planning her wedding day. The weekend after we popped each other’s cherries, she showed it to me. Then a small book, now a three ring binder full of years worth of photos and ideas of her ideal wedding with everything planned down to the last detail, minus the date and the groom. The groom changed each time she dated a guy or had a crush on a movie star. I know that Henry’s face is now tapped on the shoulders of the groom’s body she has next to her’s in a mock wedding photo.

“A what?” Jimmy inquires.

“She’s basically been planning her wedding since before Emma and I meet her,” Jared informs. “The only two things that were always tentative was the wedding date and the actual groom. If she wanted too, she could have her entire wedding in two or three months given that at least one of her desired venues has an opening.”

“That’s a great idea!” Henry comments.

“What is, honey?” Maggie questions.

“Let’s get married at the end of the summer, in the beginning of August, before my last year of MBA classes begin. We can take a short honeymoon and then an extended one during the winter season.”

My eyes glaze over at Henry’s words. What the hell? Is he really serious? I know he has the money to pull it off. There’s no doubt there. Can Maggie handle that? Can their families handle that? Can I handle that?

“Here,” Jared offers handing me his glass.

“Thanks,” I mutter, then finish the last half of his Mai Tai.

Shock consumes me and lingers through the rest of dinner. I have trouble focusing on comments regarding wedding things so I simply nod in agreement to anything Maggie directs my way. Jared whispers that he’s taking mental notes and will fill me in when I’m in a better state. I nod appreciatively as I stuff my face with food since there is nothing left to drink other than water.

My anxiety lessens when the waitress returns with another glass of wine for me. I instruct her to bring another one in exactly ten minutes. Without judgment, she smiles and agrees. I continue to stuff my face and drink until I literally have no room left.

On the rest of the drive back to the hotel, I’m grateful not to be in the same vehicle as Maggie and Henry. Jared and Nathan joined them to assist with my needed distance until my mind settles and can accept and move forward with the events that have taken place the past two nights.

Instinctually while driving, Joe takes my hand to comfort me.

“Oh my God. I knew it,” Jimmy blurts. “I knew something was going on between the two of you.”

“It’s not what you think,” Joe firmly comments in a serious tone.

“Yes there is. Why else would you be holding her hand?” Jimmy contends.

His words snap my attention back to reality and I instantly pull my hand away.

Joe reaches over and takes my hand before replying, “Emma has trouble being in cars.”

“What kind of trouble?” Jimmy gently presses.

“The bad kind,” Joe informs with a stern tone.

Joe’s defensiveness surprises me, especially since it’s directed towards his brother. I’m surprised he has never mentioned my issue with cars to Jimmy, especially after having the nightmare at his home just before we came here.

Not liking the tension I have caused and how long it’s lingering in the car, I share. “My parents died in a car accident.”

“Oh my . . . I’m sorry, Emma,” Jimmy apologies.

“Me too. We didn’t know. Joe didn’t tell us,” Allen sheepishly adds.

“It’s not my business to tell,” Joe defends.

“It’s okay,” I assure all of them. “They didn’t know and . . .” my voice trails off.

“It’s okay, Emma. We understand,” Jimmy consoles. He and Allen both reach forward and place their hands on my shoulders which helps.

Back in the suite, I opt to change into my swimsuit and head to the beach for an early evening swim. Even with all of the hiking, my body craves more strenuous activity to relax the tension and help me sleep. I plan on sleeping through the night — no more bad dreams. The guys from my suite join me, though Jimmy and Allen choose to get a few drinks at the bar first. As we settle at a casabella lounger on the Beachwalk, Jared and Nathan join us too.

Peeling off my sweater and shorts, I braid my hair back and then run to the water. Sadie follows me, but quickly returns to the guys, too tired to swim out and join me. Sometime later, after enjoying the night swim alone, I head back to my friends. I curl up with Jared and Nathan on one of the extra long chairs as Joe, Jimmy and Allen sit side by side on the other facing us. We all talk and laugh as the night moves on until Jimmy and Allen turn in first. Jared and Nathan follow about twenty minutes later while Joe and I decide to wait a little before returning to our rooms. We’re not interested in walk in seeing or hearing anything.

Once Jared and Nathan are out of sight, Joe slides over to my chair to snuggle. He claims it’s to keep me warm because my hair is still wet. He adds that it’s better to be sandwiched between him and Sadie than just Sadie alone. I disagree with his statement knowing his intentions, but I don’t argue with him. There is a little, cool breeze and I’m grateful for the warmth of his body.

Soaking in the heat of each other’s body, Joe starts to massage my shoulders. “I think we should schedule a massage after zip-lining tomorrow,” he suggests.

“Why?”

“You’re really tense.” He presses harder on a knot and I moan out of pain and pleasure wrapped together. “See,” he confirms.

“I won’t need a masseuse at the rate you’re going,” I praise, not wanting him to stop.

“Careful, beautiful. Don’t tempt me,” he sinfully teases.

“What?” I innocently plea.

“You know what I mean.”

Moving his hands, Joe finds another knot in my back causing me to whimper with delight.

What feels like ten minutes later, as his hands glide down to my lower back, my upper body is like putty and it curls back into his chest. Keeping my eyes shut, I relish his touch, not wanting it to end. Over time, my consciousness fades in and out as the sound and feel of his steady breathing and the ocean in my ear lulls me.

“Emma?” he whispers.

“Hmm,” I breathe out.

He tilts my face closer to his. “Emma. You asleep?”

“Not yet. Soon,” I mumble.

“Let’s head inside.”

“No,” I whine.

“Why not?”

“Feels good,” I acknowledge.

He chuckles lightly and wraps his arms around me tighter. “Five more minutes.”

“Okay,” my voice slurs.

I must have fallen asleep because my eyes fling open at the threat of being kissed again. “I’m up. I’m up,” my voice retorts groggily.

We return to a quiet and peaceful suite. Sadie passes out on my bed before I start getting ready to turn in for the night. My eyes flutter under the warm shower, informing me that mental and physical exhaustion are approaching. I quickly dry off, brush my teeth and dress as my body staggers to stay standing. Concern increases at the thought of repeating last night, so I get the gumption up to talk to Joe. His bedroom door is open, but I knock lightly to be sure I don’t catch either of us off guard.

“It’s open.”

I take a reluctant step in.

“Hey,” he says upon seeing me and puts his book down.

“Hey,” I return.

“You okay?”

“Yeah . . .” I timidly reply.

“What’s wrong?” The worry in his voice has risen. He gets up from the bed and takes a few steps towards me.

“Nothing . . . just . . . .”

How do I ask him?

“I was wondering . . . if . . .” my voice trails, searching for the right words to ask without sounding dumb. “Would you mind sleeping in there . . . or here . . . with me tonight?”

“Of course,” he immediately agrees.

Leading me by the hand, Joe turns the light off in his room, closes the door and takes us both back to mine. Seeing a knocked out Sadie on my bed, Joe laughs and quietly shuts the door before turning off the lights.

We climb under the covers, snuggling right into each other.

“Thank you,” I mention.

He brushes his knuckles across my cheek. “I’m here anytime you need me.”

“I just don’t want to lead . . .” his lips sweep across mine before I finish. My mouth seeks more of his. “Joe,” I breathe in with our lips still touching.

He strokes my face again, “You don’t ever have to worry about that.” He lowers his mouth to mine again.

I’m too tired to fight. Mentally and physically, I’m wiped.

“Joe,” I whimper again as the memory of me kissing him last night emerges.

“I know,” he announces connecting his lips to mine. “Just friends.”

I nod in agreement as we sweetly explore each other’s mouth. Taking a breath, I repeat, “Just friends.”

“Mmm hmm,” he agrees, pulling me back into him.

We kiss a few more times as my body and mind are officially met with exhaustion.

Kissing my temple, he says, “Emma.”

“Hmm,” I mutter.

“Looks like I owe you a song on the piano.”

“Mmm,” I concur.

“Emma,” he continues.

“Hmm . . . .”

“Goodnight, beautiful.”

“Nigh’ . . . ” my voice trails into slumber.

Waking up to a cool morning Spring breeze with the sweet scent of salt water is one of my favorite things. Rolling over, I notice that I’m completely alone in the room. Sounds coming from the patio draw my attention; I see Joe talking on the phone. I’ve seen Joe engage in this behavior quite a few times over the past three months, so I know it’s a business call. He’s had them on Saturdays and Sundays on occasion. Joe is casually pacing in the grass, stopping to pick up the ball and toss it for Sadie when she brings it over. I glance at the clock and notice it’s just after six our time, which makes it nine in California and twelve on the East Coast. There are all types of possibilities to whom he’s speaking with.

Joe and Sadie pop in on me in the kitchenette just as I finish preparing Sadie’s breakfast and two glasses of clay. “Good morning, beautiful.”

“Morning,” I reply, drying my hands and then petting Sadie.

Finishing his drink first, Joe picks up Sadie’s empty bowl and places it in the sink with his glass. Before I finish swallowing the last gulp, Joe sandwiches my body between his and the counter. He takes the glass from my hand, places it in the sink, and delivers a tender kiss that mirrors one we shared last night. I indulge him and reciprocate before removing my lips.

My phone chirps, interrupting Joe’s attempt for a third smooch. Checking the screen, I see that Jared texted.

He wrote, “We’re up . . . sort of. What time do we need to head out?”

“Within the next hour and a half. Let me know when you are ready to eat,” I reply.

“Sure thing,
Kitten
,” he answers, followed by a winking emoticon face and a heart.

Once in the shower, I realize that locking my bedroom door was pointless since both sliding glass doors are wide open. Good thing I at least locked the bathroom door since I decide to indulge myself with masturbation.

Joe and I meet up with Jared and Nathan by six forty-five for breakfast. By seven-twenty, we get in our designated car from the valet and head to the Northwestern shores of Maui for zip-lining. With bathing suits on and extra clothes packed, we embark on a four and a half hour long nine-line tour. We marvel at the beauty of the valleys and sugar cane fields that lead to the first line as our guides offer insight on the stunning Hawaiian landscape and culture. We travel along the double lines, racing each other as we zoom past the Pacific Ocean, follow the trail to the natural pool for a zip-line splash and swim, and get to see the spectacular West Maui Mountains.

In the afternoon, Jimmy and Allen join Joe and me on a helicopter tour over the entire island. Being back in the air strangely didn’t bother me when we took off. Soaring above the land, I realize that there’s so much more to see and do in Maui. We only have all day tomorrow and Monday before we leave Tuesday morning, which is not enough time. I definitely need to come back again just to see the rest of this island and the rest of the land masses that make up all of Hawaii.

Getting back to the hotel, we find out that it’s just the four of us for dinner. Henry scheduled a romantic dinner for him and Maggie, and Jared scheduled a couples massage and a meal for two in the suite. Since we don’t need to rush and get ready, the four of us decide to take a short nap. Somehow Joe ends up in my bed with Sadie and me. He tries to kiss me again, but I skillfully avoid him. It’s not that I don’t want to kiss him. It’s the very fact that I want to that concerns me, especially after last night and this morning.

I’ve kissed a lot of men, far many more than I’ve had sex with. None of the men I’ve only kissed held my interest long enough for me to want to take it any further with them. After the first kiss or two, a girl knows more about a guy than he realizes. The way he treats your mouth is a key indicator of his ability in bed. All of those whom I have had sex with were never able to satisfy me with an orgasm on their own
—
even the good kissers. I’d either have to rub myself with him inside of me, which many get offended by, or I’d just take care of myself at home. If Maggie was around, we’d take care of each other. I would say that there is a distinct home court advantage for women with other women.

The challenge I’m having with Joe is that I want to kiss him, which is odd because I’ve never wanted to keep kissing a man. Every time he kisses me, or I think about kissing him, my body wants more. I’ve tried going out to pick up a guy on my own since going to Ayana’s with my friends, but none of the men are appealing to me. It’s like my body doesn’t want any other man until I test-drive Joe.

I’m not sure what I should do. I’ve tried to avoid him in the past and it just made it more difficult. Maybe if I give in, let him kiss me, I’ll eventually get bored and my desire will go away. Fingers crossed.

The first awake from our nap out of the three bodies on the bed, and seeing the sunset on the horizon, I check the time on the clock. It’s almost six. I’d get up, but my body is encased by Joe’s. Rotating into him, I watch him rest for a few minutes before trailing my fingers through his hair.

“Hey, beautiful,” his husky voice delivers.

“Hey.”

“Did we oversleep?”

“I think so,” I confess. “It’s almost six.”

“Wow. Really?”

“Yeah,” I confirm. “I need to feed Sadie. You should see if Jimmy and Allen are up.”

“Five more minutes?” he charmingly requests and kisses me. His right hand pulls me in closer before it dips down to my ass and scoops my leg over his.

“What are you doing?” I slide my leg back, but he holds it in place.

“Getting more comfortable.” He subdues my mouth with his. I can feel his groin against mine as my lady parts dampen.

As I draw my head away, he immediately cups my face and lures me back. I can’t help but to comply with his demand. Keeping our mouths locked, he rolls on top of me placing my legs on either side of his hips. I shift, accidentally causing my crotch to grind into his. He enthusiastically moans and slides his tongue deeper into my mouth. I gasp when his hand slips under the edge of my shirt getting a hold on my waist.

“No.” I demand, panting and pushing him away.

My heart jumps when I hear a knock on the door. Joe quickly and quietly exits through the sliding glass door.

“Just a second,” I return, trying to sound like I just woke up.

Unlocking the door, I open it to find Jimmy. “Hey sweetie. I just woke up and didn’t know if you and Joe were still sleeping. I knocked on his door, but there wasn’t a response.”

“Did you try using the patio door?”

“No. I didn’t want to catch him naked or anything, if you know what I mean,” he jokingly explains.

My dirty mind flashes to a variety of images of the things Joe could be doing in there, naked or not, which gets a giggle out of me.

“Well, we can send Sadie in there, you can try or call his phone,” I suggest. A lump forms in my throat as I remember that Joe’s phone might be next to mine on the nightstand.

The sound of a door opening scares me for a second until I see Joe standing behind Jimmy. “Hey,” Joe says. “What’s up?”

“I was checking to see who’s up. Why don’t you guys start getting ready and I’ll wake Allen,” Jimmy suggests.

“Sure,” Joe and I say at the same time.

Jimmy nods and heads back to his room. I wipe my hands over my face in shock of almost being caught. Turning, I see Joe’s phone next to mine. I’m glad that Jimmy didn’t call it.

Handing his phone back to him, I declare, “I think it’s best that you stay in your room for the rest of the trip.”

With a wicked grin, Joe asks, “Will you join me?”

“No. Now get out, I need to get ready,” I command calmly.

“Think about it?” he playfully pleas.

“No. Now go,” I insist, taking an assertive step towards him.

Not moving, Joe admits in a tantalizing tone, “You’re just as sexy when you’re mad.”

I glower my response as best as I can.

Chuckling, he adds, “Okay, I’m going.”

Waiting to hear his door close, I lead Sadie to the kitchenette for food. After she’s fed, I make sure that the one sliding door is open enough for her to get in and out. I lock both the bedroom door and the bathroom door before hopping into the shower. I rinse quickly to have enough time to masturbate. Letting my hair air dry a bit, I throw on a robe and toss the ball around for Sadie outside. She seems to have her regular energy back, so I’ll need to take her for a walk on the beach tonight before bed.

With my hair almost dry from the wind, I head back to my room to finish getting ready. I put on nude lace bra and panties, style my hair up into a cute, loose bun, and put on a little bit of makeup before getting dressed. Tonight, I choose a white chiffon, dress that stops at the middle of my calf with several sheer layers that has spaghetti straps and a provocative neckline. I embellish my ears with dangling diamond and pearl earrings and my wrist with a diamond and pearl bracelet.

Just as I’m putting on my Jimmy Choo’s, there is knocks on the door. “It’s open,” I announce.

“Allen’s almost . . . damn, Emma, you look hot,” Jimmy advertises. “Hey, Joe. Come check out Emma.”

“He’s going to see me in a . . .” my voice wanes as Joe enters the room and my eyes soak up the utterly sensual sight of him.

Did he know what I was going to wear? He couldn’t have. I just put it on. He’s wearing an all white suit with a white button down dress shirt and white slip-on dress shoes. His tanned skin glows underneath the elegant fabric and I have the sudden desire to lick him everywhere.

“Wow,” Joe breathes.

“I know! Right?!” Jimmy agrees.

I blush at their statements and at the dirty thoughts running through my mind.

Once Allen is ready, which only takes five more minutes, we venture out to one of the restaurants at the hotel. Jimmy and Allen pick Spago. Yes. There is a Spago in Hawaii, at our hotel. Memories of my date with Joe tempt my already heightened thirst from seeing him in his suit.

Dining under the stars is breathtaking and seductive, especially with Joe sitting right next to me. Looks like my masturbation session in the shower was only foreplay given my current state of arousal. Along with the moisture that is gathering between my legs, I can feel several muscles beginning to tense in my shoulders. No drinking allowed tonight — rules would definitely be broken if I do.

I intently focus my attention on the light conversation my dining companions are having. Joe is a distraction, but it’s much more tolerable than discussing Maggie, Henry, their engagement and potential wedding happening in the next few months.

“So what should we do tomorrow?” Jimmy asks. I know he’s eager to spend more time with Joe.

“You boys do what you want, I’ve scheduled spa time,” I mention.

As much as I want to explore more of this vibrant island, I need to get the kinks out of my body. Joe helped a little last night when he rubbed my shoulders and back, but the tension returned two-fold after almost getting caught by Jimmy.

“We’ll join you,” Allen insists.

“Sure, if you want. I just figured you two would want more guy time,” I explain.

Looking at Joe, Jimmy questions, “What do you think?”

“I’m good with whatever,” Joe replies. “Didn’t you want to check out more local art for the gallery?”

“When are you going to the spa,” Allen queries.

“The majority of the morning.”

“Who are you getting all sexed up for?” Jimmy teases.

“Me,” I say with half truth.

“We can easily do both,” Allen suggests.

“Then, that settles it,” Jimmy states. “We’ll join Emma for a spa morning and then enjoy the rest of the day with other local visual delicacies.”

After agreeing on our plans, I shift the conversation and start asking Jimmy and Allen how they got into the art scene and owning their own gallery. Apparently, Jimmy has been fascinated by art since a young age and was always drawing or painting. Every trip he and his family took, Jimmy would seek out the local museums and galleries. Recently, due to Allen’s influence, Jimmy has been experimenting with clay sculptures. He shows me a variety of pictures on his phone of some of his original work. They’re pretty impressive despite the fact that I know nothing about art.

Jimmy and Allen met in college during Jimmy’s sophomore year and Allen’s junior year. They were both art majors, but Allen included a minor in the theatrical arts. Interestingly, they attend Dartmouth just like Joe and Henry. Apparently Jimmy started off at Brown, but didn’t like the curriculum.

I ask Jimmy if he’s had a chance to visit any of the museums or galleries in the Los Angeles area. Coming to California with Joe after Easter was Jimmy’s first time in LA, so I recommend a few key locations for him to visit next time he comes back. Joe mentions our recent trip to the Norton Simon and his desire to visit the Getty and the Griffith Observatory.

Finishing dinner, Jimmy and Allen choose to take another stroll throughout the hotel to look at the impressive art collection for a second time. Joe and I head back to the suite.

As we make our way back through the hotel, Joe keeps his hands to himself the whole time. He’s a perfect gentleman. While walking, I vow to adhere to my earlier decision to take Sadie out for a run on the beach. I want to avoid being alone with Joe.

After getting changed, I tie my hair up and grab Sadie’s ball. Just as I’m about to leave my room, Joe knocks on the door. He’s changed too, and not into pajamas. Looks like he’s planning on joining us on the beach. Damn it. There goes my plan of reprieve from his sexiness.

I am rather impressed at how well we run together. It feels like we complement each other each time we do. Sometimes I will push a little for a faster pace and sometimes he does. Neither one of us seem unable to keep up. I’ve never been able to run with Jared, Nathan or Maggie like this. Usually, my friends drop off after the second mile.

Back from our four-mile jog, I take a shower before grabbing a book and heading out to the fire pit with Sadie. To avoid temptation for when Joe comes out, because I know he’ll be outside soon, I purposefully put on a pair of workout capris over my boy-shorts underwear. I don’t bother with a bra, but I do grab a cardigan for additional coverage.