Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set (39 page)

“This is good, but not as good as my homemade recipe,” I comment.

“You make your own ice cream?”

“Mmm hmm,” I return with a third mouthful.

“Do you plan on sharing? You know I made that big bowl for us to share?”

“And here I thought you were just trying to give me a sugar rush,” I say sarcastically.

In less than ten minutes, Joe and I finish the huge bowl of ice cream. We play fight over the last few spoonfuls, accusing the other of sneaking some extra bites.

Joe sweetly caresses his fingers over my bare forearm as I try to watch the movie. My brain bounces between everything that’s going on and the insatiable itch this
Sex Kitten
has and is having bad for the man behind her. Periodically, Joe kisses me on the top of my head and I’m left wondering if this was a good idea. My kissing theory is a dud so far. All I want to do is to continue kissing him and there are other lustful vision of desire dancing in my head.

At some point during the movie, I shift to reposition my body and end up looking at Joe. Why am I compelled to look at him?! I have no idea. He immediately makes eye contact before lowering his lips to mine. Joe’s hand leaves my arm to find and hold my neck as he continues to ardently kiss me with only a little tongue on occasion. Joe breaks the embrace each time, but a couple of times he initiates first by repositioning my head for easier access to my lips.

As the movie comes to an end, Joe squeezes me tight. “Will you stay tonight?”

“No,” I politely refuse, looking deep into his eyes. Leaning forward, I kiss him fervently.

“No one is here,” he coaxes before returning the passionate embrace and pulling me onto his lap.

“All the more reason for me to leave,” I let out in a breathy voice.

Joe moans his disappointment but doesn’t push.

Fifteen minutes later, after making out, Joe walks Sadie and me home before we partake in our regular departure ritual.

After delicately mauling each other’s mouths, Joe bids, “Goodnight, beautiful.”

“Goodnight Joe,” I return with a smile.

Over the course of the rest of the work week and into the weekend, when I’m not tied up with working or personal items, my time is dedicated to Maggie and assisting her with wedding choices and planning. My schedule is booked from sunup to well past sundown.

Come Friday afternoon, there still isn’t an official wedding date or venue. However, we do have Maggie’s custom wedding dress, a mother of the bride, a mother of the groom, a grandmother of the bride and three bridesmaids’ dresses being created all thanks to one of Jimmy Covelli’s designer friends, Ali Jacobs. Maggie, Amy, Kim, Mŭqīn, Nǎinai, Mrs. Wú and I were measured on Thursday, and hopefully within a month, the dresses will be at a point for us to do the first fitting.

To help take the edge off of Maggie’s anxiety, I arrange for us to visit a baker with all the girls who were fitted along with Henry, Jared and Amelia to taste wedding cakes and desserts. Maggie and Henry didn’t select what they wanted, but they did enjoy the sugar high before Henry has to leave for a business trip.

Certain things like flower arrangements, a photographer, a band or DJ, place settings and other things can’t be finalized due to not having the venue yet, but Maggie and Henry have half of their gift registry completed as well as all the details for the engagement party. In the meantime, I have Kim, Amy and Jared assisting with the bridal shower. We’re scheduling to have the shower sometime in June at Kim’s house in San Marino.

Nathan, as busy as he is, graciously takes the lead on finalizing Jared’s birthday party that is scheduled this Wednesday, three days before the engagement party. I instruct Nathan to oversee the final arrangements since the bills have already been handled.

With Henry away for business this weekend and into next week, Maggie plans to stay with me. She voices that she loves and appreciates everything that Mŭqīn and Mrs. Wú are doing, but needs a break from all of their help and opinions. Aside from a much quieter environment as a de-stressor, I’m also able to provide Maggie with some much-needed physical relief and satisfaction which I selfishly enjoy.

“Do you think we’ll find a venue soon?” Maggie asks with concern.

“Of course, Mags,” I assure.

It’s just a matter of which one and when.

“Good. Oh, Henry and I decided last night that if we are going to have bachelor and bachelorette party, that we want it a few days or a week before the wedding and we don’t want anything big . . . just a few friends,” she presents. “We’d don’t mind having the parties become one party either.”

“Really?! That could make some things easier. I’ll contact Joe to make plans,” I reply. “Have you and Henry picked the rings yet?”

“No, but we narrowed it down to three each. We might need your help when he gets back,” she states.

“Sure,” I confirm. “I’ve already started to look into getting the marriage certificate and license.”

“Thanks so much, Emma. I really appreciate all of your help. You don’t know how much having you help with all of this means to me,” she says.

“Of course, Mags. Anything for my sister,” I encourage.

“Does Jared know about the birthday party or is he still in the dark?”

“Still in the dark from what Nathan tells me,” I reinforce.

“Awesome. I can’t wait for Wednesday. I think it will be a great to get Henry’s and my attention off of the wedding for a little bit,” she admits.

“I bet,” I console. “I know how Mŭqīn and Nǎinai can be, even with the best of intentions.”

“I know, right?!” she agrees.

An hour after dinner and a session of sex, Maggie and I are curled up on my bed watching a movie with Sadie. My phone chirps halfway through and I discretely check to see who’s calling.

I don’t answer, but text Joe back. “Maggie’s over.”

“Is she missing Henry?” he writes.

“And, avoiding family regarding wedding opinions.” I return.

“How long is she staying?”

“Not sure. Most likely the whole weekend. Why?” I answer.

“Curious. Thought I might be able to convince you for another snuggle night,” he texts. “What are you ladies up to?”

“Movie,” I answer.

“Where?”

“My bed.”

It takes him a few extra seconds to reply. “Naked?”

“No.”

“Too bad.” He added a winking emoticon.

“We were earlier,” I jab.

Let’s see him respond to this.

“Any photos or video?” he texts after at least twenty seconds.

“Nope. Jealous?” I poke.

“A little,” he professes. “Was really hoping to get to see you.”

“See me or see me naked?” I pry.

Why not have a little fun? I’m safe texting.

“Both,” he returns.

I smile ironically at his admission.

“Henry tell you about the laid back bachelor and bachelorette party they want to do? They wouldn’t mind combining them into one?” I reply, skillfully moving the conversation off of me being naked and the idea of him being on top of me and naked out of my head.

“No. Good to know, though,” he confirms. “Looks like we get to spend some extra time together. For planning purposes, of course.”

“Right . . .” I sarcastically respond.

“Who are you talking to?” Maggie interrupts.

Before I can answer, her phone rings.

“It’s Henry,” she squeals.

I pause the movie as she leaves the bedroom for some private time. “Henry just called,” I inform Joe.

Why did I just tell him?

“Alone at last,” he muses. “So, who’s better to snuggle with?”

“Up for debate,” I taunt.

“If you’d stay the night I could sway you or change your mind,” he writes.

“Just friends,” I assert.

“For now . . . .” He kindly changes the subject, “Talked with Jared earlier.”

“About what?”

“General stuff. Looks like he still doesn’t know about Wednesday,” he confirms.

“Good. Nathan will be happy to hear that,” I reply.

“How long do Maggie and Henry usually talk?”

“Not sure. Why?”

“The more they talk, the more time I get with you,” he comments. “Will you switch to the phone?”

“Why?”

“So I can hear you.”

“Why do you need to hear me?” I write.

“It’s easier to know and understand your reaction,” he states. “And, I like hearing your voice.”

“No,” I object.

I want to hear his voice too, but I like the advantage texting provides, ensuring the mystery of what I say and what I mean.

“Why not?”

Maggie bounces back in the room with an improved mood.

“Maggie’s back. Starting movie,” I inform him.

“Text me later,” he writes.

“Maybe,” I contend.

“Please.”

“Can’t guarantee anything,” I say.

“I’ll be hoping you do. Goodnight, beautiful,” he texts.

My fingers stutter across the phone screen to write, “Goodnight, Joe.”

Maggie and I finish the movie and then have another round of sex before succumbing to the late evening for rest. After using the bathroom for the last time tonight, I find a passed out Maggie on the bed with Sadie curled up next to her.

I send one final text just after midnight to Joe. “Sweet dreams.”

I hear my phone buzz and I check Joe’s response.

“With you in them, I will.” Joe adds a winking emoticon. “Goodnight, beautiful.”

“Goodnight, Joe,” I write.

Just as I finish cleaning up breakfast Saturday morning, I get a text message from Amelia to call her. I return the call immediately after drying my hands.

“What’s up Amelia?”

“I can’t get a hold of Maggie. Where is she?” she says frantically.

“She’s here and in the shower. Why?”

“I need to talk to her right now. This is time sensitive. I’ve got the St. Regis on the other line,” she exclaims.

“Hold on. Maggie!” I yell running into the bathroom. “Maggie!”

“What?” Maggie answers.

“Get out of the shower. Amelia needs to talk to you. She has the St. Regis on the other line,” I explain.

“What?!” she shouts. “Holy crap!” She jumps out of the shower and grabs the phone from me as I wrap her in a towel. “Hi, Amelia!”

Following Maggie out to the bedroom, I listen and watch. I pace the room with Sadie on my heels waiting for more information. I should have pressed the button for speakerphone to know what’s being said.

“Okay, hold on. Emma, can you get my phone and call Henry?”

“Why?”

“I need to know if likes the date,” she explains.

“Maggie, you don’t need to talk to Henry. He told you that any date would be fine. You need to trust you gut and make a decision,” I instruct.

Processing my words, Maggie answers Amelia about ten seconds later. “We’ll take it!” Maggie beams the minute the words come out of her mouth.

“So?” I inspect as she hands back my phone.

“So, we’ve got the St. Regis for the Saturday before my birthday!” she squeals with complete elation. Jumping up and down, Maggie continues with more details. “Apparently a celebrity just canceled. The hotel didn’t say why, but we’ve got the entire hotel. It’s going to be only us for the whole weekend!”

My heart settles and tension releases from my body that I didn’t know I had. It’s all coming together. Maggie’s going to have her dream wedding.

“Get dressed and call Henry. I’ll call Mŭqīn and Jared. We’ve got a lot of things to do,” I direct.

The timeline for the wedding has just been bumped by approximately a whole month. Maggie and Henry were shooting for late August but now the wedding is set for the end of July, just three days before Maggie’s twenty-fifth birthday. I’m grateful that we’ve got Amelia to help as well as the rest of the family. Everyone is going to need to pull together if it’s all going to happen and happen successfully.

Maggie, Mŭqīn, Nǎinai, Mrs. Wú, Amy and I drive down to the St. Regis in Dana Point, California to meet up with the head manager of the hotel. Amelia arrives at the same time as the rest of us while Jared and Nathan show up about ten minutes later. Formal introductions, arrangements and instructions on the variety of services the hotel can provide are the priority of this initial meeting. Maggie, Amelia and I will be back several more times with Henry to determine food and wine selection for the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception along with other meetings for table arrangements and other necessary incidentals. We are given a brief tour before we are provided a complimentary lunch for our small group. As my companions finish eating, I’m able to collect the remaining needed information to complete both the save-the-date announcements and the wedding invitations. I order a proof of each of the few designs that Maggie had chosen which should be ready by Monday.

By the time we leave the hotel, everyone has agreed to their assigned tasks to move the wedding planning forward. Jared and Nathan follow Maggie and me back to my place. As I cook dinner, Maggie fills Nathan and Jared in on all of the details they may have missed, on what needs to be done, as well as checking in with Henry.

Jared and Nathan leave around ten, and after getting changed into my pajamas, I find Maggie asleep in my bed. Not wanting to disturb her, I grab a book and head to the living room.

My phone suddenly vibrates, scaring me enough to cause me to jump a little.

“Heard you ladies got good news today,” streams across the screen as a text message from Joe.

“Yes,” I confirm. “Henry tell you?”

“Yes. You ladies celebrating?” he continues.

“No. Did earlier. Maggie is passed out,” I respond.

“What are you doing?”

“Reading. You?” I inquire.

“Was trying to do the same,” he writes.

“Trying?” I text.

The phone buzzes at me. Joe’s calling.

“Hey,” I greet in a hushed tone.

“Hey, beautiful,” he returns.

“Why were you
trying
to read,” I investigate.

“I was distracted . . . kept thinking of you,” he admits.

“Joe,” I mildly protest.

I secretly enjoy hearing his confession.

“It’s the truth,” he admits. “Any chance I can see you before Wednesday?”

“No,” I argue.

“We do have a bachelor-bachelorette party to plan,” he reminds.

“That can wait until after Saturday,” I claim.

“You avoiding me?” he teases.

“Maybe,” I nudge back.

“Mmm,” he hums. “You have an interesting way of engaging in foreplay.”

“This is not foreplay,” I appeal.

Definitely flirting, but this is not foreplay.

We sit quietly on the phone for a few minutes of relaxed silence. It’s funny how it never feels awkward. I enjoy listening to him breathe on the other end. It makes me think of the second time we shared a bed together. The first time was a little stressful, but the second time was thoroughly enjoyable.

“Did you fall asleep on me?” he checks.

“No,” I laugh. I watch Sadie suddenly get up and head to the front door.

I’m not sure what she’s doing.

“Where are you?” he asks.

“In my apartment. Remember?” I remind.

“I know that. Where in your apartment?” his voice is quieter.

“Why? Are you trying to have phone sex with me while Maggie’s asleep?” I accuse playfully.

“No, but we could if you’re up for it,” he wickedly returns.

My sex tingles at the idea. It technically wouldn’t be breaking a rule. Why am I even considering the notion?

“I don’t think so,” I reply in the best resolute tone I can muster.

Ten seconds later, I hear a strange noise.

“Knock knock,” he whispers.

Sadie starts whimpering.

“What do you mean . . .” my voice trails as my brain processes the noise and his words. “Where are you?”

“Knock knock,” he repeats.

The noise happens again and Sadie’s whimpering gets louder.

Jumping up, I rush to the door. I look out the peephole to find Joe standing outside. Shit. Crap. My heart rate increases as a weird mix of emotions run through me.

Instead of opening the door, I question in a loud whisper, “What are you doing here?”

“Wanted to see you . . . and Sadie,” he confidently replies.

Without thinking, I open the door. “Go . . .” I begin to order, but he cuts me off with a sultry kiss. My brain fights to gain control of my body that has already wrapped my arms around his neck.

Chuckling, Joe announces with his lips still against mine, “See. I knew you missed me too.”

I bashfully peel myself off of him, but he keeps a firm grip and doesn’t let me go right away. When Joe bends down to pet Sadie, I check to make sure the door is unlocked before I close it behind me.

“What are you doing here?” I express with agitated shock.

“I told you. I wanted to see you.” He sandwiches my body between his and the hallway wall, nuzzling me.

My hands instinctually slide up his arms and I cuddle into him. Joe’s mouth sweeps up my neck towards my ear, shooting exquisite electric shocks throughout my body. Filled with desire, my lips seize his. I reluctantly pull away once I recognize my blatant need and embarrassing actions. He guides my attention back to his face as he gently nudges my cheek with his palm. Before either of us say anything, his mouth is seducing mine. He releases my lips as I try to reconnect, wanting more.

“You can’t be here,” I caution.

“No one can see us. No one will know. I promise.” He reassuringly kisses me several time.

“Maggie’s inside,” I remind.

“She’s asleep,” he replies calmly, followed by his mouth returning to mine. “It’s okay.”

We stay connected and stand in silence for a while as our bodies have their own conversation. Joe caresses my cheek each time our mouths unite.

“What are your rules?” he mumbles.

“Huh? Why?”

“I want to understand them,” he admits.

“Why?”

“You have them for a reason, and I want to understand them. I want to understand you.”

Contention forms in my stomach over telling him. Part of me wants to throw my rules out the window, but at the same time, I need them more than ever. I know that things are changing and that scares me even more.

Considering what to say, I embarrassingly admit twisting his shirt in my fingers, “Umm . . . It’s complicated . . . especially with you . . . I . . . .”

“Will you tell me?” he requests politely, trying to get me to look at him.

I don’t need to let him know about the internal struggle that I’m having. He just wants me to tell him what they are. It’s not his fault that I’m confused by my wants and desires. I don’t understand them which frightens me.

Sucking in a deep breath and avoiding eye contact, I reveal them. “No dates, before or after meeting. Never sleep over at their place after sex. Never let a guy know where I live. Never have a guy back to my place. Always us protection. Never sleep with a guy who I could or do see regularly and always have more than one exit strategy.”

Joe doesn’t say anything for a minute and I start to panic. I can feel my body fidgeting.

“So we’ve broken just a few,” he states matter-of-factly with a hint of consoling.

“You’re not some random guy. Your a friend of Henry’s. Breaking them was never a consideration with any of Maggie’s ex-boyfriends’ friends,” I blurt.

Chuckling under his breathe, he comments, “Well, at least kissing and snuggling aren’t rules. I’m glad you didn’t add them.”

“Yeah,” I timidly laugh.

I can’t believe I told him. What was I thinking?

“I should let you go,” he advises.

“Okay,” I agree.

“See you Wednesday,” he proclaims more than asks.

“Wednesday,” I repeat.

“Goodnight, beautiful,” he delivers delightfully, sealed with a kiss.

“Goodnight, Joe,” I express after seeking another kiss.

Joe walks away backward with a grin on his face until he hits the corner for the elevators. Once he’s out of sight, I sneak back inside without a sound. I grab my vibrator and take care of myself in the office as to not draw any unwanted attention or wake Maggie. She is sound asleep and doesn’t even flinch when I get into bed.

Sunday meets Maggie and me with reviewing the proofs for the save-the-date cards. The gold embossed cards with an adorable photo of Maggie and Henry are ordered and expected to be ready by Wednesday morning the latest. We have a lunch meeting with Amelia, that lasts several hours, to choose which of the services the St. Regis offers that Maggie and Henry will be using. As Maggie and Amelia talk with Henry on the phone regarding other arrangements, I check in with Nathan about Jared’s party that is happening in a couple of days. Nathan’s excited to hear that Jared still doesn’t know about the party and that Joe confirmed Jared’s present will be arriving Tuesday.

Early evening and dinner finds Maggie, Jared and me using my iPad to select more items for the wedding gift registry while Henry is on speaker phone. Henry sweetly delegates all decisions to Maggie, but he happily offers his opinion and desires. I keep to myself and only direct them back to the task at hand when their chatting gets too far off topic. Maggie and Henry talk into the evening as Jared, Sadie and I curl up on the couch.

Monday morning, I wake my best friends up to join me at the local trampoline place for an early morning, hour long intense workout to begin our day and planned, hectic week. Maggie’s grateful for the distraction and the physical exertion. After showering and breakfast, the three of us take care of business needs. With a short nap and lunch in our bellies, we then journey with Sadie out to our next round of wedding appointments. Time to meet up with Amelia to pick out a band or a DJ for the ceremony and the reception.

Maggie successfully chooses a harpist for the ceremony and decides on a DJ for the reception. Jared parts ways with us to help Nathan at Nathaniel’s. With Jared gone, Maggie and I stop at the Mondrian Hotel where we’re hosting Jared’s private birthday party up in their infamous Skybar. I check in with the management team on any last minute details that need to be addressed that Nathan couldn’t take care of over the phone. Maggie and I then proceed to the private airport to pick up Henry and make our way to the Li family house in Chinatown for dinner.

Waking alone to peace in my apartment Tuesday, I quickly jump into my regular routine and prep for the Naturally Me crew for another day of filming. Jared and I decided to get ahead of schedule with the filming side of things prior to our days being bombarded with last minute errands and details for Maggie’s wedding. With extra filming complete, we can stay ahead of schedule and have a backlog of video that only need to be edited and posted. During our lunch break, Jared has an awesome idea for Maggie’s wedding. Before the end of the day, Henry and Maggie hire Ian’s and his wife’s company for video and photography.

With everyone gone, I jump on the phone with Nathan making sure that everything is lined up for Jared’s birthday party tomorrow. “As far as I can tell, Jared doesn’t know,” I mention.

“Good. I hate to keep Maggie in the dark about the added surprise, but I know she’d slip,” Nathan adds.

“I know. At least Joe has been a big help,” I console.

We don’t like keeping secrets from Maggie, but with all of her wedding planning, she can easily get distracted and say something by mistake to Jared.

“Thanks for footing most of the bill,
Kitten
.”

“I’m happy to since you’ve been handling most of the arrangements for me on top of being so busy with Nathaniel’s. There’s no way I’d be able to plan it with the wedding and Maggie’s and your birthdays coming up,” I express.