Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set (47 page)

As the second week of June begins, I’m home alone with Sadie as Maggie heads back to Henry. Maggie and I had sex a few times after our cycles stopped, but it was never enough for me. I’ve never had that challenge before with her. If anyone can help with the itch, Maggie can, especially after a few intense sessions. Masturbation is not helping either; it only makes me hornier. I need to fuck a man — not just any man. I need to fuck Joe Covelli.

By the end of the week, I’ve been able to get a lot done with work and the wedding for Maggie, despite the distraction of my itch. I’ve had to masturbate at least two times a day, every day, especially after talking to Joe at night. We talk and text every day since he left, but it’s not enough. Joe’s still in New York and has been bouncing around the country for a few meetings. He tries to coax me into joining him on one of his trips, but I can’t take the risk. The risk of my friends knowing, let alone the risk of being completely and utterly pleasantly distracted by him and his body, not to mention all of the time and attention I have to give to the businesses and the wedding. Having sex with Joe is definitely going to happen. It’s just a matter of when our schedules line up and when we will not be interrupted. Strike another rule off the list.

It’s now halfway through the third week in June and I’m going crazy. This weekend is Maggie’s bridal shower and Joe has yet to come back. One would think that we’ve already had sex with the way my body is reacting to him not being around. Why didn’t I sleep with him already? I would be on to the next toy by now.

Jared’s been doing a great job taking over a lot more responsibilities for Naturally Me and he’s hired Pop-Pop as his assistant, teaching him the ropes. They were over yesterday to squeeze in some additional filming so Pop-Pop can see how the show runs and operates. We’ve already had a steady increase in numbers in gross income from the initial launch of the pet division with Sadie. All of the preliminary social media advertising completely paid off. The first month when the soft launch for the pet division occurred back in May boosted our monthly profits by ten percent and they are now up almost fifteen percent for June.

Maggie’s being doing an awesome job juggling things between Raven Media and her wedding. I keep her up to date on what Brandon, Hannah and I have been doing with the software and what the next steps are once I meet up with the Covellis to sign the paperwork. Maggie has reported that many of the independent contractors were excited to hear the changes that will be made, especially since they will not be losing their jobs. They all will be shifted around to assimilate to new positions that Maggie’s already been training them on as well as being informed that they have an increase in pay coming once the switch occurs. Until the paperwork is officially signed, and the wedding is over, the Covellis and I can’t move forward with moving into a property, however, the Covellis have already begun negotiations with one particular property.

Nathan has been feverishly working on Chris’, Jimmy’s and Allen’s suits and my dress for the premier. Once Chris heads back to Nathaniel’s for the first official fitting, the Raven Media team assigned to Nathaniel’s can start promoting in advance that Chris will be wearing a custom piece designed by Nathan. Most movie stars don’t advertise in advance who they might be wearing, so I’m a little concerned that Nathan may have promised something to Chris on my behalf. When I ask Nathan about when he needs me for my first fitting he just tells me not yet. I’m not sure what to make of his response, but I’m glad that he isn’t needing me to be there with him right now. I don’t want to run into Chris. The less, I see Chris the better.

Saturday early morning, Sadie and I are already in San Marino at Kim’s house making sure things are ready for the bridal shower. Henry gladly keeps Maggie occupied since he’s still making up time from not seeing her much even with him being back. Jared and Nathan are already on their way. The caterers are scheduled to arrive within the next thirty minutes to start prepping in the kitchen. Amelia joins us and is a great asset to the team, making sure everything is taken care of and ready.

Kim has a beautiful home, a house I wouldn’t mind living in. Being a successful naturopath married to a just as successful Chinese medical doctor, with a joint practice, Kim and the Chang family is in want for nothing. There are five bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths laid out in a spacious rancher style home. Since the weather isn’t supposed to be too hot today, we’re able to have the tables set up on her back patio to entertain and host the bridal shower. With the slightly higher ceiling, adorned with several ceiling fans, she’s able to accommodate the seventy-five guests who are schedule to attend which includes us, Maggie’s family and many of Henry’s family who have stayed since the engagement party or who have recently arrived.

As the party begins at eleven and doesn’t conclude until almost five, I’m finally able to relax, knocking another maid of honor task off the list. Jared and Nathan help me pack Henry’s car when he arrives to pick up Maggie. Once the caterers are gone and Kim’s maids are halfway done with clean-up, Jared, Nathan, Henry, Maggie and I drop Sadie home and then head out to meet up with Pop-Pop at Katana’s on Sunset for some sushi and sashimi.

Just as we are seated, my attention is pulled away from Maggie telling me something when Jared shouts out to someone. “Hey man! Welcome back.”

I do my best to focus on Maggie, but she turns with a perky smile to greet the person who I only see in my peripheral vision. Without needing all the details, I know exactly who it is when my body shivers.

“We’ve been wondering if we’d lost you to the East Coast,” Jared teases.

“No, at all,” Joe’s voice announces with a husky tone. “Happy to be back.”

I rise slowly to greet Joe last out of everyone. “Hey,” I offer casually.

I’m miffed that Joe’s back, well, just by his impeccable timing. It’s that time of the month — again.

“Hey yourself,” he returns.

I can see the restraint in his eyes. It’s taking a lot of willpower for him not to kiss me right now.

Once everyone settles into their seats, Henry and Joe allow the rest of us to order a spread for everyone to share while we wait for Pop-Pop. Small talk erupts quickly as if no one has been gone.

“Pop-Pop,” Nathan yells.

Everyone greets Pop-Pop, and after several hours of dining and conversations, Nathan decides to be funny. “Why don’t we hit up Ayana’s for the night? Huh?”

“Not funny, Nathan,” I retort.

“Come on . . .” he presses back.

“Babe, leave her alone,” Jared jumps to my defense.

“What’s Ayana’s?” Pop-Pop inquires.

“A nightclub,” Maggie informs.

“Ohhh, I’m too old for a night club,” Pop-Pop replies with a chuckle. “But, thanks for asking.”

“You keep that up and you’ll have to find Chris another date,” I announce sternly.

“Okay, okay,” Nathan concedes. “I’m sorry.”

“You’ll have to do better than that,” Jared instructs.

“I love you,
Kitten
,” Nathan presents, batting his eyes.

“That’s nice,” I return coldly.

“Ouch! I feel the ice all the way over here,” Nathan dramatically declares.

“Serves you right,” Maggie digs.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you, why do you call Emma,
K
itten
?” Pop-Pop investigates.

“Because she looked like a cute, little, lost kitten when we first met,” Jared half lies.

I watch Maggie and Nathan snicker a little.

“That’s sweet," Pop-Pop replies.

The other half of the truth of why Jared calls me
Kitten
is because I’m like a cat when it comes to men. I only want to be touched when I want to be touched. I like affection, but only from certain people. I’m picky, like a cat, in the sense of who I’m willing to talk to and sleep with. I get the itch to be touched and when I’ve had enough, I just walk away without a care in the world.

Once we’re ready to go home, Jared, Nathan and Pop-Pop leave in one car, Maggie and Henry in another and Joe and myself in the last one. Once on the road, Joe takes my hand as we head back to Pasadena. I lay my head back on the seat and close my eyes to rest for a few minutes, tired from the long day.

I wake to Joe’s warm hand stroking my face.

“Emma,” he whispers.

“Hmmm?” I reply before opening my eyes.

“We’re back,” he informs me.

My eyes open and I don’t recognize where we are for a minute. “Where are we?”

“The parking lot in my building.”

“Why?”

“No one is here. Just you and me,” he reveals.

“I need to get home to Sadie,” I admonish.

A noise comes from the back seat and I feel and hear a dog sniffing my left ear.

“I picked her up. You were out cold,” he chuckles.

We both scratch Sadie’s head.

“How did you get into my place,” I ask eyeing him.

With a sex tingling smile, Joe explains, “I used your key.” He gestures to my purse.

At a loss for words, I just nod my understanding.

Joe is a perfect gentleman. He helps Sadie and me out of the car and he doesn’t touch me other than to place his hand on the small of my back as we ride up the elevator to his door. As soon as his front door is closed, Joe’s demeanor changes. Taking his time, like he’s plotting every next step, he holds me against his body as he places his keys, money clip and loose change in the large bowl that sits on the table by the door. He switches hands on my back, not letting go, before checking the pockets on his other side. Instead of waiting for him to finish, I rush, grabbing the back of Joe’s head and plant my lips onto his. Joe doesn’t move anything except his lips. His manhood twitches, but other than those two organs, Joe is motionless until I gradually pull my mouth away.

“Mmmmmm,” he groans in protest. “God, I’ve missed the taste of you.”

I don’t return the sentiment, not that I don’t feel the same. It’s just that I’ve never said anything like that to any guy before, and I’m not about to start. It’s too foreign and I don’t want to give him the impression that I want a relationship.

“You’ve got very bad timing,” I whine after he pushes my body against the wall and squeezes my ass.

“What do you mean?” he questions, not wanting to let go of my mouth.

I pull away and offer a look. A please don’t make me say it out loud look.

“You’re kidding me?” he replies, catching the hint. “It hasn’t been that long . . . has it?”

“Unfortunately . . . yes,” I regrettably confirm.

He kisses me again before saying, “I don’t care if you don’t.”

“I do,” I profess, stopping a kiss.

We don’t say anything for a minute as we hold each other.

“I could help . . . .”

“No! Out of the question,” he protests before I finish.

His response is definitely not what I was expecting. My brows furrowing at him and are my only best reply.

I’ve never offered or thought about helping a man get off before, especially since every man I’ve been with has left me high and dry, having to finish the job myself. There were one or two guys I hooked up with in the beginning where I did, but then I would be left unsatisfied. I’m not sure why I’m offering now, but I do feel a little bad.

“What?” he asks seeing my express.

“Nothing . . . I’ve just never had or heard of a guy refuse to at least get his own needs taken care of . . .” I explain.

“I’m not getting any until you are, which will be at the same time,” he sternly declares.

I wince and he notices.

“What?”

“Does masturbation count?” I shyly question.

“No,” he chuckles. “I’d have some serious cases of blue balls if I wasn’t.”

I sigh with relief and giggle at him for actually saying blue balls.

“We’re on the same page about that, beautiful. Don’t you worry,” he sweetly comments.

“I guess you should just take me home then,” I mention.

“Why? Do you want to go home?” he says full of concern.

“No . . . I . . . um,” I giggle nervously, not sure what to say.

“I want you to stay regardless,” he states, sealing his words with a steamy kiss.

“No one is here?” I check.

“Just you, me and Sadie,” he confirms.

“Not even Anna?”

“Not even Anna.”

“Good,” I exhale returning my lips to his.

Joe offers me a tee shirt to sleep in and he and I snuggle into his bed with Sadie while we watch a movie. Joe ends up falling asleep before the movie is finished. I can’t sleep since it’s still early for me, so I get up to snoop around a little. Sadie stays with Joe, too tired to get up and join me.

“What are you looking for?” Joe says, startling me as I slip a book back into its spot on the bookcase in his office.

I find him leaning in the doorway. “Nothing? What are you doing awake?” I inquire, turning and propping my ass on the shallow edge of the bookcase.

Joe takes a few steps closer. “You weren’t there to keep me warm, so I woke up.” Joe catches a piece of his shirt I’m wearing and tugs at it for me to move closer.

“I’m not there with you any nights,” I rebut, sliding my hands onto his shoulders.

“Exactly . . . so I notice when you get up,” he informs before seeking a kiss. “How long have you been out here?”

“Probably . . . ten . . . fifteen . . . minutes,” I suggest in-between slow, erotic kisses.

“Mmmm . . . too long then,” he moans, scooping me up.

“I need a book,” I profess just as he turns to leave the office.

“You sure I can’t distract you with something else?”

“Yes,” I whine, not liking my own answer.

He gently lowers me to the ground and I hop over to find a book.

“I might be able to find one faster if you help me,” I tease.

“As tempting as that is, I’m enjoying the view from here,” he says with his sexy voice.

I bite my lip when I turn on my tip-toes to look at him.

“Keep that up and it will be my activity of choice as your only option,” he devilishly threatens.