Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set (88 page)

“Emma,” Mr. Nelson calls.

“You didn’t kill them, Emma,” Mrs. Nelson tries to soothe.

“Yes, I did,” I retaliate. “If we didn’t go out, they would still be alive.”

“Emma,” Joe says in a low voice.

“No!” I repeat, standing up. “Thank you for having us Mr. and Mrs. N, but I need to go.” I head to the door with Sadie and them on my heels as I put on my jacket.

“Emma,” the three of them repeatedly call, chasing after me.

My brain shuts off and I climb into the limo quickly as Hunter holds the door open. Sadie is quick to follow me and it takes Joe a few moments to enter the car. Once Hunter gets behind the wheel, the car carries us off. Joe inches closer, testing how far he can move until he’s on top of me. Tired, scared and upset, I turn into him, crying uncontrollably into his shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” I say after a long while.

“It’s okay,” he soothes. “Mr. and Mrs. Nelson understand and so do I.”

“It wasn’t fair to them,” I begin.

“Don’t worry about it,” he says, holding me tighter. “They understand. Trust me. They said to come back or call when you’re ready.”

“Good,” I sob into his sweater.

“They gave me the house key to give to you for when you’re ready to return,” he shares.

I nod.

Joe lifts my chin and stares into my swollen, red eyes. His lips meet mine and I eagerly accept them aside from the fact that I feel and look like a fool. We kiss for I don’t know how long as the car carries us along.

After some time passes, Joe asks, “So, where do you want to go?”

“What do you mean? Aren’t we back in New York?” I look out the window and can tell by the houses and streets that we’re still in New Jersey.

“I told Hunter to just drive around and to stay close by, just in case,” he shares. “Thought there might be a small chance you’d want to go back to see Mr. and Mrs. Nelson.”

“Thank you,” I say, smiling at his kindness.

We return to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, giving them a proper farewell this time. I give them my cell number and email address and they reassure me that we’ll take this in baby steps, especially when it comes to handling things with my parents’ house.

As the limo pulls away from my childhood home, Joe comments, “I now understand your opposition celebrating your birthday.”

“Yeah,” I reply, lowering my head.

“It wasn’t your fault, Emma,” Joe assures.

I don’t say anything.

“What time were you born?” he searches.

“What? Why?” I inquire.

“Just curious to know which one of us is older,” he mentions.

“Would it be a challenge if I’m older?” I muse.

“Not at all,” he says with a grin, kissing the back of my hand.

The next morning, I wake to Sadie and Joe surrounding me. The nightmare occurred again last night, but the emotional drain from the previous day made it easier to cope. Joe insists on me staying in bed, offering to take care of Sadie for the morning. When he comes back to the room, Joe joins me back in bed, allowing me to snuggle for as long as I need before facing the day.

Once we’re dressed and fed, it just takes me a little longer to get the gumption to leave for my last, planned destination before returning home. This part of my journey probably should have been first on the list, considering that it feels easier to do than where we went yesterday.

As we take the Holland Tunnel into New Jersey, I’m content with this location being the last. I probably would never have gone to my parents’ house if I had done the easier trek first. There’s no one to really see, other than perhaps in passing.

The limo pulls up to the shop a few doors down and I confidently step out. The restaurant sign is still the same as if nothing has changed. Smells rush my nostrils, reminding me of the good memories formed with Martin, Celia, Brittany and Leslie. I lower my head in prayer, hoping that life has been good to Martin and Celia because of the kindness and generosity they had given me and the girls.

“Emma?” a girls voice calls. “Emma? Is that you?”

My head snaps up, expecting a slew of people and cameras rushing toward me. Instead, I’m meet with the prettiest green eyes I’ve only ever seen on an old friend. Shock and disbelief consume me as I seriously consider that I’m hallucinating.

“It is!” she shouts, running toward me. “Oh my God. It is you. Mom, Dad and Leslie will be so happy to see you!” Her arms stretch upward as she hugs me.

My body remains stiff as it tries to catch up to my brain.

“They didn’t believe me when I told them that was you on the tv,” she announces into my ear. “Come on, come on. You have to come inside. It’s too cold out her and everyone will want to see you.” She yanks on my hand and my feet follow with weighted steps.

“Brit . . . Brittany?” my voice mumbles.

“Of course, silly!” she confirms.

I see that Sadie and Joe are close on my heels with Hunter and Taylor not far behind when I look back.

“Mom! Dad! Leslie!” Brittany shouts as she pushes the door open.

“What?” Leslie groans, popping up from behind the counter. “Oh my God!” She bolts around the corner and runs straight for me. “Emma! It’s you!”

“What’s all the fuss, girls?” Celia questions, coming from behind the kitchen door. She stops in her tracks when she sees me. “Marty! Get out here!”

“What is it?” Martin inquires, walking up behind Celia.

“Emma’s back!” Brittany shouts.

Martin and Celia rush across the restaurant. They both put their hands on my cheeks as if they don’t believe that I’m really there. Before I know it, they all surround me with their arms.

“What’s going on?” I mumble, confused.

“Mom and Dad adopted us after the . . .” Leslie begins before Brittany jabs her in her side.

“Ow, that hurt,” Leslie whines.

“I can’t believe that it’s been nine years,” Martin remarks.

“Has it been that long?” Celia questions.

“Yes,” my voice shakes.

“Who’s this?” Leslie asks, squatting and petting Sadie.

“That’s Sadie,” I comment, taking a step back from the group in amazement.

“And, who is he?” Leslie continues.

“Huh?” I return.

“Hello. I’m Joe,” he offers, stepping forward to shake their hands.

“He’s cute. Cuter than Chris,” Leslie remarks.

“Are you her boyfriend?” Brittany explores.

“Girls, that’s not polite and none of your business,” Celia corrects.

“No,” Joe answers with a chuckle. “Emma and I are friends.”

“Please, come in. Take off your coats and sit. I’ll have the cooks prepare us some food and we can sit and chat,” Celia offers, moving as if everyone has agreed. She never waits for anyone to object.

“Who are they?” Brittany asks, gesturing to the men behind Joe and me.

“That’s Taylor and Hunter,” I explain.

“Is one of them your boyfriend?” Leslie peruses.

Laughing, I answer, “No. They’re our bodyguards.”

“Why do you need bodyguards?” Leslie continues.

“For safety,” Joe offers.

The girls nod their acceptance even though their eyes give away that they don’t understand and want to know more.

We sit down in one of the large back booths while Taylor and Hunter stay toward the front of the restaurant. Leslie helps Celia with drinks while Brittany gets place settings and utensils.

“Where did you go?” Brittany breeches. “You know . . . after the last night we saw you.”

I explain enough, including when I met Jared, and the girls seem content when I don’t expand further. Our conversations turn toward how we all ended up in the foster home with Dean and Amber. I share first, wanting to get it out like ripping off a bandaid.

“We were bounced around foster homes since I was three,” Brittany explains. “We don’t remember anything. All we know is that our mom couldn’t take care of us anymore and there was never any mention of our dad.”

I stare at the two girls, perplexed at how different they look. Martin and Celia don’t look like they’ve aged.

“Are you moving back?” Leslie asks.

“No,” I admit. “Just visiting.”

“What was it like?” Brittany starts.

“What?” I reply.

“The dress. The movie premier?” She expands.

“Fun and interesting,” I offer with a smile.

“Why did you break up with him?” Leslie searches.

“Who?”

“Chris, silly.”

“Chris and I never dated,” I explain.

Brittany and Leslie don’t seem to understand. I explain how there are politics even in the entertainment industry and how Chris and I are just friends.

“So, Joe is your boyfriend,” Brittany states.

With a giggle, I answer, “No.”

“Just friends,” Joe adds with a wink meant for me, but the girls catch him and snicker.

Our conversation bounces between a wide variety of topics as we become reacquainted with each other. Brittany, who is now sixteen, is a cheerleader and loves to play the violin — she’s hoping to go to Juilliard next semester. Leslie is a little tomboy, playing a sport every season and ends up outside playing with the boys each day. Both girls are doing well in school and Martin and Celia seem to really love them.

During my visit, Brittany finds a moment to speak to me alone. “Emma?”

“Yes, Brittany?”

She nervously twists her shirt in her hands while monitoring the proximity of the others in the restaurant. “Can I ask you something?” she whispers.

“Of course,” I reply with curiosity.

“Do you really know gay people?” she hesitantly inquires.

“Yes,” I verify. “Many men and women. Why?”

“I think I’m gay,” she confesses, darting her eyes around the room to make sure no one heard her.

My arms stretch out, wrapping around her lovingly. I kiss the top of her head and then release her. “That won’t change their love for you,” I encourage.

“How do you know?” she asks tentatively.

“When you’ve been around enough people who aren’t,” I begin. “You can kind of sense it after a while . . . who is accepting and who isn’t.”

Brittany’s eyes beam more, full of confidence.

“And, I’ve got better gay-dar than Jared,” I share with a smile.

“Really?” she questions.

“Yep,” I laugh. “He thought Joe might have been gay when we first met him.”

Brittany looks over my shoulder and giggles. “Definitely not gay.”

“Nope,” I confirm.

“It’s obvious he into you,” she announces, covering her mouth quickly. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to make things weird between you two since you’re friends.”

“Don’t worry,” I soothe with a smile. “That won’t happen.”

“I’m pretty sure Leslie is into guys,” Brittany adds like she wants to change the subject. But, I’m not completely sure.”

The two of us laugh when everyone else gathers closer.

Before Joe and I leave, the girls and I swap information and promise to make time for them to visit in the summer.

I’m in better spirits when we return to the hotel. Who knew that reconnecting with some people from my past would have this effect on me? Contentedness fills my heart as I relax on the hotel bed and stare at the ceiling while I pet Sadie.

The sound of my phone ringing startles me. “Hey, Jared,” I greet warmly.

“I thought you wanted to keep a low profile,” he says oddly.

“What are you talking about?”

“You’re in the news again,” he announces.

“For what? I’ve barely been outside,” I challenge.

“They’ve seen you entering the hotel,” Jared shares. “There are pictures of you . . . with Joe.”

“What?!”

“Is there something you want to tell me?”

“I ran into Joe at the hotel. His family apparently owns it,” I explain. “He had a meeting and saw Sadie and me.”

“Oh,” Jared replies. “That makes sense. Well, you’ll need to relocate. The news is right outside the hotel.”

“Shit. Are you kidding me?”

“Nope.”

“Damn it,” I exclaim. “Wait. What are they saying?” I grab the remote and flip through the channels until I see a picture of Joe and me wearing the same clothes we have on now. Pressing the volume button to make the television louder, my ears focus on what’s being said by the news anchor and ignore Jared.

“Sources confirm that Emma Peterson is in fact dating Joseph Covelli, Manhattanite Billionaire and one of New York’s most eligible bachelors. Looks like we now know the reason to why Emma isn’t dating Chris Cooper,” says the blonde, female news anchor.

“That, or was she cheating on Chris with Joseph Covelli the entire time,” say the other female news reporter.

“She did claim that she doesn’t date and Joe wouldn’t share anything during the recent event at Nathaniel’s,” the other news anchor adds.

“Fuck!” I yell, shutting off the television.

“
Kitten
?”

“Yeah,” I huff.

“Ignore them.”

I don’t care what other people think or say about me, but now that it involves Joe, I’m miffed. I’m not interested in not being able to enjoy my
friends with benefits
thing with him.

“You can’t stay at the hotel anymore,” Jared comments. “You know that, right?”

“I need to think. I’ll call you back, okay?” I reply, noticing that I’ve been pacing the floor rapidly when I almost trip over Sadie.

“Sure,
Kitten
,” Jared says. “Just let me know what you plan on doing.”

“Okay.” I hang up the phone without thinking and ponder my options.

“Emma,” Joe says loudly.

“Huh?”

“We need to get you out of here,” Joe announces.

“I’ll just pack and go home,” I blurt nervously.

“They’ll follow you and just make more accusation,” Joe comments. “Why don’t you come and stay with Jimmy and me?”

“Yeah, that’s a great idea,” I reply sarcastically. “Then, their claims that I’ve cheated on Chris with you or that we’re dating will be validated.”

“They won’t know where we’re going,” Joe returns. “There’s an access point for our condo that is underground. They can’t see who comes and goes other than a vehicle.”

I sigh.

“Jimmy and Allen insist that you come,” Joe coaxes. “And, my parents would like to have you over for dinner tonight.”

My head bobs as I consider my options. There’s no way I can take a train back and I’d have to find out when the next charter plane leaves the city.

“I’ll call the desk to check you out and have someone help with the bags while Hunter waits for us in the underground staff parking. We’ll leave and the paparazzi will just think you’re hiding out,” Joe suggests.

I would really like to stay a little longer. The fact that I’m here allows me to see the Nelsons or the girls again at least one more time before leaving.

“Okay,” I agree. “Where will I be sleeping?”

“We’ve got a guest bedroom, but . . .” Joe offers with a smirk.

Twenty minutes later, Joe, Sadie and I meet up with Hunter and Taylor in a black SUV this time instead of the car. I guess they want to either change things up or keep the paparazzi guessing who’s in which vehicle if they see us. The vehicle takes to the roads from a back alley, allowing us to sneak away like a mouse in an underground tunnel.

Jimmy and Allen practically knock me over when I enter their huge loft.

“Emma!” yells Jimmy. “So, are the rumors true?”

I give him a look. “No,” I verify.

“So, why are you in New York?” Allen inquires.

“I had to take care of a few things and was trying to be under the radar,” I sort of lie.

“Well, we’re glad you’re here. Mom and Dad are excited to have you join us for dinner tonight at their place,” Jimmy mentions. “Especially since Joe cancelled his birthday dinner plans.”

“Jimmy,” Joe chides.

I can tell Joe doesn’t want Jimmy asking questions and I think they can see it too and don’t pry any further.

They follow Joe and me into the bedroom that is on the lower level of their two-story loft, chatting away as Joe places my bags on the bed. They eagerly take me on a tour of their home and I happily follow, glad for the distraction from the news earlier. The kitchen, living room and dining room are one large, spacious area with a ceiling that stretches up to the second floor. They have two other large bedrooms, each with a private bath, upstairs that are their rooms along with a home office. Off the kitchen which is partially situated under the second floor, there’s a little hall that I notice.

“What’s back there?” I inquire.

“Laundry and Ana’s room,” Jimmy answers eagerly.

“Oh,” I reply. “Where is she?”

“Running errands,” Joe offers. “You’ll see her soon.”

“So, Emma,” Jimmy probes. “I’m guessing you’re the reason why Joe cancelled his birthday plans.”

“Jimmy,” Joe defends.

“What? It’s a valid question,” he supports.

“We ran into each other at the hotel. He didn’t know I was coming,” I comment. “When he found out what I was doing, he offered some assistance.”

Jimmy and Allen snicker.

“What kind of assistance?” Jimmy pokes.

I glare at him.

“Geez, lighten up,” Jimmy responds. “I’m just kidding.”

“No, you’re not,” Allen remarks.

“When is mom expecting us?” Joe changes the subject.

“Around five,” Jimmy answers.

At four-fifteen, our vehicle pulls into a large, underground parking garage after driving through a tunnel entrance that is wide enough for two cars to pass each other — Joe wanted to give me some time to see the place and to prepare to meet the rest of his family — whatever that means. The cart port is quite expansive, housing five different vehicles with room for about ten more. I find out that this is the family’s private garage. We take the elevator up to the fourth floor of their home. There’s no other family living in the building and the first two floors are for the staff.

A butler announces our arrival and Mr. and Mrs. Covelli happily greet me. I’m grateful that they don’t mention the news or ask about why Joe had cancelled his birthday I don’t doubt that Jimmy will clue them in later. Mrs. Covelli offers a tour and I gladly accept, hoping to avoid any uncomfortable conversations brought on by Jimmy.

Their home is amazing, to say the least. The fourth floor consists of a grand, main kitchen, a secondary staff kitchen, a living room, sitting room and two different sized dining rooms aside from several bathrooms and a variety of closets. The fifth floor is where Mr. and Mrs. Covelli’s bedroom resides, with a huge balcony, along with John’s and Elaine’s offices that are next to each other, separated only by a glass wall with two large sliding glass doors on either end. They have a master bath and a walk-in closet that are the size of my apartment and two half baths close to their offices. There’s another sitting room on the same floor. The third floor is nothing but more bedrooms, all for the Covelli boys, each with their own personal bathroom along with a living room with game tables, a bar and a floor to ceiling television screen.

Mr. and Mrs. Covelli lead us back up to the fourth floor to the sitting room while we wait for the rest of the family to arrive. At some point, my nerves get to me and I need to use the ladies’ room after my second cup of tea. When I round the corner to rejoin the Covellis, I hear a few more voices to the mix.

“Hi,” a good looking man says, winking at me and flashing a smile. “I’m Thomas.”

Just as I take his hand to shake it, another man jumps in taking my hand first. “Back off, Tom, I saw this vixen first.”

“And, this is Tony,” Joe announces taking my hand before Tony can kiss it. “He still carries cooties. Watch out.”

“Back off little bro,” Tony declares. “I saw her first.”

“You back off,” Jimmy advises. “If anyone saw her first it would be Joe. Besides, Emma doesn’t date.”

“What a coincidence, neither do I,” Tony adds with a sinfully wicked smile.

The Covelli boys do have a way about them aside from their good looks.

“Go away, you vultures. Emma’s too good for either of you. She’s out of your league,” Jimmy claims.

“Don’t smile at them too much. It only encourages them,” Joe comments.

“You’re one to talk,” Jimmy goads.

As we finish making introductions to Sadie, a man, woman and two children enter the room. I recognize them easily from their photos and because the man is a younger version of Mr. Covelli. Upon introductions, my assumption is correct that I’m meeting John Covelli Jr., his wife, Emily, and their two children, Lily and John I.

Lily beams as she’s officially allowed to meet Sadie though her parents are a little apprehensive about the idea — I know it’s because of Sadie’s bread. Joe reassures them it’s fine and Lily takes a spot on the floor with Sadie as the rest of the family trickles in. Emily gravitates toward me, chatting freely as if we’ve been friends for years, as does Charlotte and Isabella, David’s and Daniel’s wives as soon as they arrive.

I find out after finishing our soup that there’s a five-course meal that has been prepared. By the time our entrees are served, Tony breeches a subject I wasn’t expecting.

“So, Emma,” Tony begins. “How long have you and Joe been dating?”

“Excuse me,” I gasp.

“Knock it off, Tony,” Joe asserts.

“Joe and I are friends and business associates,” I comment calmly.

“Right,” Tony replies sarcastically. “You want me to believe that you two aren’t dating.”

“It’s the truth,” Jimmy supports.

“When has Joe ever brought a woman home to meet the family?” Tony presses, looking to everyone in the family around the table.

“That’s true,” David chimes in. “He’s never brought a girl home during high school or college.”

I look to Joe and I can see his cheeks reddening.

“”Boys,” Mrs. Covelli calls. “Leave your brother and Emma alone.”

“Yes, mother,” the say in unison.

Mrs. Covelli immediately poses a question to Charlotte, deflecting the attention away from Joe and me. I don’t really hear their comments as my brain digests what Tony said. Other topics flow in and out through the rest of dinner and well past dessert. I catch a few pieces of conversation, adding a comment or asking a question, but remain mostly quiet unless someone speaks to me directly.

At some point, Joe, Jimmy and Allen take me to the living room on the third floor. The four of us play a game of pool to relax as Jimmy and Allen enjoy a cocktail.

“So, Emma,” Tony says, coming into the room. “What brought you to New York?”

“Some personal and business reasons,” I answer.

“Personal? Like my brother?” he presents.

“No,” I quickly reply.

“Stop trying to hit on her,” Jimmy comments. “You have no chance.”

“She likes it,” Tony remarks, winking at me and then walks over to the bar and makes himself a drink.

I fight to refrain from giggling at his bravado.

“Right,” Jimmy contends, seeming unamused.

Over the course of our next game, Tony throws a few pickup lines at me. Thomas is quick to join us as well, challenging Tony and his attempts at flirting. I refrain from commenting most of the time, but a smile does pop onto my face at their blatant attempts, especially when I see Joe getting irritated. I decide to flirt back at some point — why not have a little fun and amusement, hoping it’ll keep them from asking more questions.

We say goodnight to the family members who haven’t left and head back to Joe’s place with Anna riding with Hunter. When I go to change for bed, I notice that Anna had snuck into my room at some point and unpacked my clothes for me. I take a bath and then curl up on the bed with Sadie while I read a book.

Joe sneaks down to my room. The second I see him, I jump out of the bed and move toward him, seeking a kiss he’s happy to give. My desire for him is obvious, even to him, but he doesn’t do anything other than hold me close and continue to kiss me.

It’s been a while since we’ve had sex and I’m starting to not care if his Jimmy and Allen overhear us. My emotions have distracted me long enough from his gloriously, sexy body and how he uses it to satisfy me beyond description. With the events that have been unfolding the past few days, my brain and body are ready for familiarity.

“I want you,” I confess.

“I want you,” he shares. “But, it’s not safe.”

“I know,” I accept.

He joins me in the bed, snuggling with Sadie and me for a little while.

“Brittany, Leslie, Martin and Celia seemed really happy to see you,” Joe mentions.

“Yeah,” I agree with a smile.

“And, obviously you’re happier now that you did go,” he adds.

“Definitely,” I confirm. “Thank you.”

“For what?” he searches.

“For everything. Being there . . . being here,” I say, sliding my hand down his back and squeezing his ass.

Joe laughs at me while his mouth takes mine and his hand shifts my leg over his hip, pulling me as close as he can get me. Despite my attempt to take his clothes off, Joe fights to keep them on. Our heated embrace continues and when he realizes that I’m not going to give up, several of his fingers caress over my sex.