Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set (41 page)

Sweeping me into him for a kiss after Anna leaves, Joe requests, “Stay the night.”

“No,” I hesitantly disagree.

“Why not?” he questions, kissing me before I can answer.

“Jimmy and Allen are here,” I present.

“Not yet,” he disputes, then tries to seduce me more with his tongue.

“Soon enough,” I battle in between breaths from our mouths being connected. “Beside, even if I considered it, they’d see me in the morning and I have nothing to wear.”

“You won’t need clothes,” he states, barely letting go of my lips.

“Exactly. Which supports my refusal.”

“I’ll lend you a shirt,” he offers.

Pecking him on the lips, I repeat myself. “No.”

“Then, can I come over to your place?” he questions with the sexy voice.

Joe is starting to become more forward which is turning me on and also heightening my resolve to follow my rules. I can’t break my rules — not any more.

“No,” I say a few seconds later after saying it in my head first.

“What if I promise to behave?” he searches.

“Definitely not,” I reply.

Joe huffs into my neck and groans at his failure to sway me.

Dropping Sadie and me off at the apartment, Joe tries to persuade me into letting him come inside. I contend with the notion that if he did stay that our friends would assume we are sleeping together. After some time kissing in the doorway, Joe reluctantly heads home.

“Goodnight, beautiful,” he sings, rounding the corner to the elevators.

“Goodnight, Joe.”

Thursday and Friday, I close myself off from distractions to focus on business. I spend the majority of the days working on the new Raven software and some Naturally Me content. I’m glad I chose to stay away from people to work because half of the time I am inundated with phone calls or text messages for both personal and business reasons.

Maggie is mostly calling about wedding stuff and asks me to tell Jared that Pop-Pop is invited to the engagement party. I only get to speak with Jared briefly, but I don’t mind, knowing he’s with his grandfather. Amy is calling to give me updates on the information gathering she was doing for me about Maggie’s bridal party. Nathan is calling about Nathaniel’s. Henry is beginning to panic a little between Maggie, her family and his family and I think he is seeking calm reassurance from me that everything is being taken care of. Joe — well, let’s just say that Joe is Joe.

Early Saturday afternoon, I’m finishing getting ready for the engagement party as my phone chirps from a text message.

“Here,” Joe writes.

Like clockwork, Joe is fifteen minutes early.

“It’s open,” I text back before heading into my closest to get my earrings and shoes.

In many traditions, it’s not customary for anyone else to wear white other than the bride-to-be, but this is a Chinese wedding mixed with many Western traditions. I’m wearing a pure white silk, gently ruched sheath dress that stops at my knees with angular, abbreviated cap sleeves. To wear a hint of red for good luck, I’m wearing my ruby earrings and shimmering red Valentino heels.

“Emma,” Joe’s faint voice calls from the doorway.

“In here,” I shout, holding the molding between my bedroom and walk-in closet, slipping on my right shoe. Just as I’m getting my left foot into its shoe, I see Joe standing in the doorway of my bedroom.

“Wow!” he exclaims with wide eyes and a dropped jaw.

My gaze gradually trails up and down Joe’s body two times while I remain slightly bent. I’ve never seen Joe wear a suit minus the jacket and have a vest on instead. Boy does he look scrumptious. Visions of ripping off his clothes seduce my mind and I gladly let them delight my sex until I realize that Joe is standing a foot away from me. What is he doing in my bedroom?

Joe carefully slides each of his hands onto my waist, but doesn’t move to kiss me. He just stands watching me, like he’s waiting for something.

“What are you doing in my bedroom?” I search.

“You said you were in here,” he answers with a provocative smile.

“That wasn’t an invitation,” I explain in a flirtatious tone.

Why am I trying to be sexy?

“My mistake,” he seduces, tightening his grip and pulling me closer.

I find my hands sliding up his hot, muscular chest and my fingers lock behind his neck. Unable to control my urges, I deliver my lips to his. Joe molds his mouth to mine, following my lead as our lips and tongues unite to dance as one. We both refrain from allowing our true needs to surface; our need for more.

Joe breaks contact first and I desperately seek more, chasing his mouth. Like an unspoken knowing, we remain touching, not wanting to let go.

Trying to redirect our attention, Joe says, “So this is your bedroom, huh?”

“Yeah,” I confirm with my voice a little shaky. “You shouldn’t be in here.”

“Why not?” he teases.

“Another step closer to breaking a rule,” I blurt.

Shit. I can’t believe I just said that.

After a breathy chuckle, Joe continues, “Another step closer, huh? We’ve already broken a few.”

“Exactly,” I concur, hinting that I don’t want to check anymore off the list.

“We’ll, we better leave, or else we’ll never get out of this room,” he suggestively infers.

“Only in your dreams,” I goad.

I can’t help but be flattered by his forwardness. It’s strangely not bothering me me as much.

I’ve never had a man pursue me this intensely before without it feeling creepy, and I’ve never desired a man with such severity. I’m enjoying this game of chase we’ve started and I’m guessing he does too. It has come to light in this very moment, that it’s not simply the matter of will I surrender to the temptation of the forbidden fruit, but a matter of when. Does Joe know? Has he known this all along? Have I?

“Already have, beautiful,” he entices. “If you only knew.”

Heat engulfs my cheeks and spreads throughout my body like a wildfire. I turn my face away trying to hide. Joe laughs heartily before kissing me on my temple and then leads me out into the living room.

Joe, Sadie and I head down to the garage where he parked.

“Since when did you get a Tesla?” I inquire as Joe opens the door.

“Since recently,” he admits. “I liked Jared’s and Nathan’s since meeting you guys at the beach.”

I roll my eyes and shake my head as I get in. “What happened to the Audi and Phantom?” I ask as Joe climbs behind the driver seat.

With a wicked smile, he confirms, “I still have the Phantom, but I got rid of the Audi.”

“Boys and their toys,” I muse.

“My parents are excited to meet you today.” Joe changes the subject abruptly as his eyes shift from a strange glare at my legs and sprint to my face.

I can feel all of the color drain from my entire body.

“What’s wrong?” he inquires with concern in his voice.

“Huh? Nothing,” I lie. “I didn’t realize that they would come all the way out here just for an engagement party.”

“Our families have been doing business together the last few years aside from the fact that Henry is like another brother to me,” he explains.

“I know,” I mention, fidgeting with my purse.

I wasn’t expecting to meet them this soon. I thought I’d meet them briefly at the wedding. This is all weird and awkward for me.

Anna greets Joe, Sadie and me in the middle of the hallway when we arrive. She takes Sadie’s bag of food and toys from Joe and informs us that Mr. and Mrs. Covelli are finishing getting ready while Jimmy and Allen are waiting in the living room.

“Emma, you’re here!” Jimmy shouts full of excitement, jumping up from his chair. “I’ve missed you, sweetie!”

Both Jimmy and Allen lightly encase me in a joint hug.

“Don’t get her dress all messed up, babe,” Allen scolds.

“I’m not,” Jimmy rebuts.

“We just saw each other at Jared’s birthday party,” I remind.

“A lot can happen in just two days,” Jimmy instructs. “And, I must commend you. That was a fabulous party!”

“Thanks,” I accept graciously. “But, Nathan helped a lot since I’ve been busy with wedding duties.”

“Is Pop-Pop coming today?” Allen asks while greeting Sadie.

“Yes,” I confirm.

“Great. It’ll be so nice to see him again,” he replies with enthusiasm.

“What took you so long to get here? What were you two doing?” Jimmy presses, insinuating more than I would be willing to explain, even if something did happen. He bends down, taking his turn to greet Sadie.

“What are you talking about?” I calmly feign ignorance to his stipulations.

“Joe left like a half hour ago. It doesn’t take thirty minutes to drive a half mile and back,” Jimmy continues.

“Now James, leave the lovely lady alone,” a charismatic woman’s voice chides from behind me. “It’s none of your business of what she and your brother may be doing.”

“Yes, Mom,” Jimmy concedes without hesitation.

Spinning around, my eyes fall upon a stunning, dark-haired woman who makes me feel like I’m meeting an older Audrey Hepburn, if Audrey Hepburn was still alive. Her striking resemblance to Audrey is uncanny and wasn’t noticed in the photos I’ve seen around Joe’s penthouse.

“Emma, this is my mother Elaine Covelli,” Joe introduces.

Adorned with a Manhattanite presence and charm, Mrs. Covelli glides towards me, reaching her hand out. “Emma,” her voice flows like silk. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. My boys can’t stop talking about you.”

Taking her hand, I blush at her greeting. I’m temporarily speechless by her presence.

“What a strong handshake. Far better than those weak ones most of the women I know give,” she defines.

“Thank you,” I utter.

What an interesting comment to make; one that I was not expecting.

Before I can mutter an appropriate greeting, Mrs. Covelli releases my hand, steps in and gives me a hug. “Mrs. Covelli,” I nervously reply while trying to regain my composure after her warm embrace. “It’s nice to meet you as well.”

“Have we meet before?” she questions, taking another step back, looking me up and down. “I swear we’ve met before.”

“No, Mrs. Covelli,” I answer politely.

“Please, Emma, call me Elaine,” she insists with kind eyes and a flawless smile.

“Sure,” I accept, even though I don’t feel comfortable calling her by her first name.

“Maybe you just remind me of an old friend,” Mrs. Covelli says, rationalizing her feeling of familiarity.

“Perhaps,” I agree.

“I finally get to put a face to the name,” an unfamiliar deep voice declares from my back left.

“Emma, this is my father, John Covelli,” Joe introduces.

Mr. Covelli is a strikingly handsome, older gentleman. I immediately see the family resemblance between Jimmy and Joe and their father. Joe is almost a younger version of his father, but has his mother’s radiant blue eyes. Mr. Covelli has a chiseled jawline slightly more pronounced than Joe and his demeanor exudes a regal confidence paired with humble sweetness and a depth of wisdom.

“Father, I would like you to meet Emma. Emma Peterson,” Joe adds.

Mr. Covelli holds out his hand. Taking mine, Mr. Covelli raises it to his lips and he bows a little before kissing it. “Emma, it’s so wonderful to finally meet you . . . meet the woman who my sons have been raving about and who has been aiding our business.”

“I haven’t done anything Mr. Covelli,” I humbly reply.

“Nonsense. You’ve had a lot of great suggestions that we are incorporating into our business and it looks like we’re changing standards thanks to your input,” he explains. “And please, call me John.”

“Honestly, I haven’t done anything. Joe’s the person taking action. We’ve just talked,” I object.

“Don’t be modest, Emma,” Jimmy contends. “It’s not every day a woman with your brains and beauty, like Mom’s, is found in the business realm.”

“You’ve done more than you realize,” Joe includes with a smile.

I immediately blush hearing their words. I’ve never been praised for what I’ve been able to do with regards to business. Okay, maybe a little from Jared, Maggie and Nathan, but it’s different when it’s not my friends.

“She is definitely stunning,” Mr. Covelli chimes. “I see what lured you, Joseph.”

“Indeed,” Mrs. Covelli graciously agrees.

My cheeks burn hotter as the temperature in the room kicks up a few degrees. I hope I’m not sweating.

“She does look familiar Elaine. I can’t place it either. We’ll remember who she reminds us of,” Mr. Covelli agrees.

“Do you have family in New York?” Mrs. Covelli seeks.

“No ma’am,” I offer, keeping it simple.

“Oh well, it’ll come to me sooner or later,” Mrs. Covelli insists.

“If you’re free this week, Emma, I’d love to get together with you to discuss business,” Mr. Covelli adds.

“Me? Why?”

“I’d love to hear more about what you do and the potential company our family may have as our first technology investment,” he explains.

“Sure. If you’d like to,” I reply, accepting his invitation.

“Of course,” he confirms. “Let Joseph know when you’re free and the four of us will chat. Our schedule is flexible while we’re here.”

“Okay,” I consent.

What is this fascination with me that Joe’s parents have? I’m no one special. I have had success; I’ve made millions each year for the last four years between my two companies, but that’s pocket change when it comes to a family who makes billions and most likely trillions by now.

“Yes! You must come over, and not only to talk business,” Mrs. Covelli insists. “It’ll be nice to have another woman around. No offense gentlemen.”

The men lightheartedly laugh at Mrs. Covelli’s jab. Joe and I make introductions between his parents and Sadie after Sadie whimpered several times to be noticed. Our conversations remain light and friendly until Anna leads us towards the door to leave.

A few minutes later, the six of us are down at the valet, ready for our journey to San Marino. To my surprise, there is a stretch limo waiting. Mrs. Covelli and I are ushered in first followed by the men. I sit facing Mrs. Covelli, Mr. Covelli is next to her followed by Jimmy. Joe is inadvertently next to me preceded by Allen.

As the vehicle takes off, I do my best to suppress any outward signs of agitation for being in a car. I don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention to myself with Mr. and Mrs. Covelli. Jimmy and Allen direct most of the conversation while I sit quietly, twitching the fingers of my right hand under my purse. I’m conflicted with odd emotions when Joe doesn’t take my hand — I’ve become so accustomed to it.

“How are you holding up, Emma?” Jimmy inquires, snapping my attention away from the window.

“I’m fine. Thank you,” I return with a smile.

“Why would you ask such a question, James?” Mrs. Covelli explores.

Why did he have to make a comment? I appreciate what he’s trying to do, but I don’t want to have to explain myself to his parents. I don’t need any more focus on me.

“Emma doesn’t like being in cars,” Jimmy notifies.

I do my best to hide my discomfort.

“How else do you get around, darling?” Mrs. Covelli inspects rather than explore the reason why.

“I walk or bike mostly, but I also take the local train or bus,” I explain.

“There’s a train in California?” Mrs. Covelli says with a little surprise in her tone.

“The majority of the train here in LA is underground, which is why you probably haven’t noticed it,” I explain.

“It’s actually very efficient and effective,” Joe adds openly.

“You’ve taken public transportation?” Mrs. Covelli lightheartedly mocks. “It takes you getting out to California to try public transportation?”