Just Breathe Series (Trilogy Box Set)

by Martha Sweeney

  “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?”

  “It’s because of Emma,” Jimmy accuses, throwing a jab at Joe.

  “I like her even more,” Mr. Covelli comments with a smile. He winks at Joe and laughs when I catch him.

  “Me too,” replies Mrs. Covelli.

  Joe blushes and hangs his head for a few moments, obviously taking the good-natured fun his family is having at his expense. I lower my eyes and watch my twitching fingers before returning my gaze out the window.

  Guests aren’t scheduled to arrive until three in the afternoon, but the six of us arrive just after two for the party. The Wú house is exquisite to say the least. I would suggest that it’s almost a mega-mansion. With an authentic French Country Manor exterior and a modern Chinese zen flair interior, which gives the home an interesting and appeasing French-Asian fusion style, the Wú estate sits on at least an two or three of land and will easily entertain the one hundred and six guests who responded their attendance. The house is formally decorated for today with a beautiful, large white tent pitched in the backyard to keep out the hot Summer sun. A variety of traditional Chinese wedding decorations and flower bouquets, with the colors of red, white and gold, are intricately placed throughout the interior of the house, the tent and the back yard. Buffet tables of endless food are already being stocked and there are two open bars on either end of the Olympic-sized pool. There are ceiling fans and chandeliers hanging in the tent as well, keeping the interior lit and cool at the same time. Amelia worked with Mrs. Wú on all of the decorations and party arrangements; they did a wonderful job. I’m glad I didn’t have to take care of all of this in such a short amount of time.

  I don’t have time to explore the Wú mansion due to meeting all of the guests and Henry’s entire immediate family, who flew in from China this past week. Maggie seems more nervous than I would have expected her to be — she’s a little excited, but really more nervous. Then again, Henry has a very large and affluent family. I bet I know what’s going through her mind. All Maggie wants is for them to like her.

  Maggie’s wearing a gorgeous red silk strapless dress that ends at her knees with a simple, white silk sash around heir waist paired with sparkling red Jimmy Choo heels. Henry is wearing a solid light grey vest and pants with a white dress shirt that has thin red pinned stripes and a solid red tie.

  I’m excited to see that Jared, Nathan and Pop-Pop have already arrived and rush over to them. I know I need to be polite and finish meeting the guests and all of Henry’s family who are already here, but I need to see how things have been going since Jared’s birthday party Wednesday night; Jared and I have only spoken once since then. Jared explains that the past two days have been exceptionally well for him and there’s talk about Pop-Pop officially moving out to California from Arkansas. Pop-Pop’s been retired for a number of years and said that he would much rather be around happy, loving family members aside from catching up more with Jared for all of the missed years.

  On top of meeting Henry’s grandparents on both sides, I also meet his mother’s brother and wife, their two sons who are married, one of which who has a baby on the way, and Henry’s father’s brother and sister and their spouses, who each have a son and daughter Maggie’s age, but who are not yet married. Everyone seems extremely friendly, especially once they know that I speak fluent Mandarin.

  I’m excited to meet old friends of the Li family who live in China. Many of them know who I am from pictures and stories Nǎinai or Mŭqīn have shared with them over the years as well as when some of them visited a few years back. The last time Maggie and her family went home to China, they invited me to join them. I hesitated for many reasons, but I’m now considering and understanding the need to open myself more to Maggie’s family. They’ve given me so much and I need to honor their kindness and generosity.

  The rest of the engagement party is a blur. There are so many people to meet that I’ve already forgotten most of their names. If I had the choice, I would stay in a corner, but being the maid of honor puts you out in the open almost as much as the bride and groom for most of the party. There are a number of times I’m able to hide out in the kitchen; I’m able to give my feet a rest as the maids and catering staff bounce in and out serving food and drinks.

  As the sun begins to set, I start to hover around Jared since a few of Henry’s friends and some of the other single men haven been trying to strike up conversation and blatantly pick me up. Jared immediately knows what I’m doing and places his arms around me. I stand quietly as Pop-Pop shares story after story about Jared from before Jared and I met. I haven’t seen Maggie much other than her off in the distance, chatting away with all of the guests.

  At one point, Joe, Jimmy, Allen, Jared, Nathan, Pop-Pop and myself are sitting around a single table and Jade is on my lap — she plays with a lock of my hair as she swings her feet on either side. A few other men and women our age hang around too. Everyone is chatting freely as I watch filled with contentment. Half of the guests have left and it’s still a little early for the rest of us to head home. Joe’s parents are still catching up with many people they know.

  “Hey Jade,” Joe calls. “Did you see what I’ve been wearing today?” Joe holds up his right wrist and shifts his cuff.

  I notice what he’s showing her, but my attention is captivated by the ruby cufflinks.

  Jade beams with excitement when she sees the bracelet she bought Joe at New Year’s. “You still have it?!”

  “Of course I do,” he replies. “I’ll keep it forever.”

  Jade is now bouncing a little on my lap full of happiness.

  Joe gets up and returns a minute later with an extra plate of dessert. “Want one?” he asks Jade.

  “Mommy said I can’t have anymore,” Jade pouts.

  “I don’t see Mommy around. Do you?” he returns.

  “No . . .” she confirms, shaking her head.

  “Then, this is just between you, me and Emma,” he sweetly states.

  “Don’t bring me into this,” I tease.

  Jade laughs taking a small cupcake for her first round of over indulgence. After Jade’s first bite, Joe takes her off my lap, suggesting it’s better to get his suit dirty than my dress. I sit watching the two of them, quietly giggling at their secrecy. Joe reaches towards me offering a bit and I gladly take one, leaning in with my mouth without thinking. The fire in my body roars when my lips make contact with one of Joe’s fingers. I wasn’t paying complete attention, nor was Joe, because our eyes have been locked the entire time. As I whip my lips with a finger, I check to make sure no one saw our exchange — looks like we’re in the clear.

  About an hour later, Jade is asleep on my lap and the crowd of guests has diminished. Kim and Peter come over to say goodnight and carry Jade home. Not much later, Joe, Jimmy, Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Covelli and I are back in the limo on our
way to Pasadena.

  Joe drives Sadie and me home after saying goodnight to his family. When we get to my apartment, without thinking, I unlock the door and proceed in. Sadie stays nearby laying on the floor as I put her bags on the counter. Before I turn around, Joe’s hands are on my waist pulling me into him as he kisses my shoulder. He tickles the base of my neck with his lips, gradually moving up all the way to where he grabs the bottom of my earlobe with his teeth.

  I emphatically moan louder under his seduction and my hand reaches up, seizing his hair. “What are you doing?” I manage to utter when his lips temporarily move to their next target.

  “Having a little fun before I have to go,” he teases into my ear as he spins me around to face him. “Unless you let me stay.”

  “You can’t stay. You know that,” I comment after our lips lock several times.

  “Why not?” he whines a little, enticing me to reconsider.

  “To start, people know you are here,” I contend, taking his mouth with mine.

  “Mmmm.” Joe keeps himself locked to me. “Then I better make this count.”

  Within seconds, I find myself pressed up against something, probably a wall, but I’m too distracted to really care by his tongue swirling with mine. My hands grip onto his shirt, pulling him closer. One of Joe’s hands slides up over my ribs and I gasp in ecstasy as he cups my breast. He pulls away from my wanting mouth and resumes his previous lure on my Achilles’ heel.

  “Not . . . the . . . neck,” I whimper, rilled with pleasure.

  He chuckles lightly as he continues his pursuit. My fingers tighten in his hair and my eyes flutter as the desire to rip our clothes off rises inside of me.

  “Joe . . .” I plea.

  “Not yet,” he taunts while adding his tongue into his persuasion.

  “Mmmmm . . . Joe . . . nooooo . . .” I beg, unable to stop moaning.

  He temporarily relieves me of his fiery torture by returning to my mouth. I grab the back of his neck, yanking him into me, needing more. Joe tightens his grip around my waist before sliding one of his hands up my back and the other over my ass. Pulling him into me further, I feel his hot, swollen erection twitch on my lower belly.

  Knowing, no, feeling his desire for me, entices my itch. He wants me. I want him.

  “No . . .” I weakly command, pushing him away.

  My brain hasn’t completely failed me yet.

  We both pant, trying to regain our composure which is not so easy when you’re still locked in a steamy embrace.

  “Sorry,” he stammers, shifting slightly back, but continues to hold onto me.

  I step into him seeking his lips. I’m not sure if I am trying to console him, myself, or both of us from our heated outburst.

  “If I’m going to go . . .” he states, keeping his lips to mine. “We need stop.”

  “Mmm hmm,” I agree, continuing my embrace.

  “Emma . . .” he hums.

  “Mmm . . .” I take another kiss before he pulls away.

  “Do you want me to stay?” he questions, keeping his mouth an inch away.

  My body wants him to stay. I can’t take it anymore, but my brain is still a contender on the debate — a weakening contender — and I’m not sure for how much longer. Rules, Emma. You have rules and now is not the time, especially if we factor in his family. They know he drove me home and the longer he stays the easier suspicion arises even if Joe hides the truth.

  “My rules . . .” I weakly answer.

  “We’ve broken a few already,” he reminds.

  “Your family . . .” I add.

  Joe and I kiss a few times with slow, lingering pecks.

  “Can I see you tomorrow?” he searches with longing in his voice.

  “I’ll be tied up with Jared and Nathan for business,” I affirm.

  “All day?” he slightly huffs disappointment.

  “And night,” I announce.

  “Monday?”

  “I’ll still be with Nathan and Jared,” I explain.

  “Tuesday?”

  “I’ll see you in the morning for the meeting with your dad, but then I have wedding things to attend to with Maggie and Amelia,” I explain.

  Without saying another word, Joe sweetly kisses me, keeping his hands only on my face. He groans as he reluctantly peels away. I don’t make it easier when my mouth chases his. My body instinctually follows him and Joe doesn’t seem to mind as his hands return to my hips and our lips reach for contact. Holding on to each other, we gradually move towards the door.

  “Goodnight, beautiful,” he lulls, creeping away from my body, opening the door behind him.

  “Goodnight Joe,” I reply as he closes the door between us.

  Thirty Five

  After a restless night’s sleep, mostly waking up with the insatiable need to pleasure myself, even after having three intense orgasms courtesy of B.O.B. before bed, I leave Pasadena to visit with Jared, Nathan and Pop-Pop, taking Sadie with me. We meet up in WeHo at Nathaniel’s late in the morning so Nathan can check in on the store before we have a day of just the five of us. Sales have been doing really well and Nathan eagerly shares with me three different sketches he has for Chris’ custom suit along with sample fabrics. Whichever ones Chris doesn’t choose, Nathan will just put them out as one of a kind items. We’re apparently waiting for Chris to arrive to decided which suit he wants before we go to lunch.

  Just as Chris literally walks into the store, he’s followed by Jimmy, Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Covelli and Joe.

  What is everyone doing here? I wasn’t excited about the fact that I would be seeing Chris today and now with all of them here, who knows what might happen. I can handle Chris or Joe alone, but having them both here — shit! This is not good.

  We all begin to greet each other and exchange introductions. I immediately feel awkward when Chris moves in to greet me with Joe standing by, waiting to do the same. Chris tries to kiss me on the lips, but I’m able to deflect his attempt. After Chris kisses me on the cheek, he maintains a lingering hug. I feel awkward with Chris touching me — he’s not the one my body craves. Chris stays next to me with his hand on my hip as I try to pull away when I greet Joe.

  There’s definitely some peacocking going on by Chris. He better not be trying to claim me like Caleb did the last time I was at Ayana’s. Jared sees my signals and swoops in flawlessly to get distance between Chris and me.

  After a few minutes of pleasantries, everyone gathers around as Nathan show’s Chris the three suit options. Nathan has outdone himself again. He has created three distinct outfits that alter the style of a customary suit just enough for it to stand out. There are three specific suits with flecks of color to pop and accentuate a mood, as well as define a particular statement that go with the color scheme of the sci-fi action movie. Chris’ reaction gives it away that he’s not much of a fashion guy despite his interest and awe for what Nathan has designed. Jimmy and Allen offer their comments, as well as Mrs. Covelli, on which outfit would be the most stylish for Chris’ body type.

  “This one. Don’t you agree, Emma?” Mrs. Covelli addresses, snapping my attention away from my thoughts of Joe and me together last night.

  I was picturing Joe naked from the waist up since I know what that looks like.

  “I”m sorry. What?” I return hoping not to sound flustered.

  “This one,” she points at the charcoal grey design that has gold pieces for the vest, tie and handkerchief. She takes the fabric pieces and holds them just under Chris’ chin. “See. This is the one would be the most dashing on Chris.”

  “Yes,” I force out quickly, tightening my grip around Jared’s waist.

  I’d much rather see Joe wear it — and then not, with it ending up on my bedroom floor. Mrs. Covelli could have held up a photo of Chris, naked, and I wouldn’t have even noticed. Joe naked, on the other hand — I feel my mounds tingle at the idea — ow that would be dashing. Joe naked with me on top of him. Yes. That would be —

  “O
h my God, Emma! You have to!”

  Jimmy’s declaration snaps me back to the conversation.

  “Have to do what?” I ask.

  I hope no one noticed my daydreaming.

  “Be Chris’ date for the premier so pieces from Nathan’s men’s and women’s lines are on the red carpet,” Allen states with jubilation.

  “Nathan should create a custom matching piece for Emma,” Jimmy announces.

  “Oooo, yes!” Allen cheers.

  “Wait?! What?” I return, clueless about what everyone else is talking about.

  “We should totally wear the other two suits Nathan makes and attend the event too,” adds Jimmy.

  “Oh my goodness, baby. You are a genius,” Allen praises with his voice up a whole octave.

  “I can get enough tickets for us all to go. Just tell me how many and it’s done,” Chris cordially offers.

  I glance around the room staring into the faces of everyone waiting for my answer. Everyone seems excited by the idea and are encouraging me to agree with their eyes — everyone but Joe. Joe’s eyes look blank, like he’s trying to hide any emotion while his jaw is clenched. Chris is emphatically smiling at me, coaxing me with his grin while Nathan begs with his hands clasped together as he mouths please, please, please.

  The room feels hotter and I swear it’s starting to spin.

  “Please, Emma,” Nathan begs, taking my hands in his. “It would mean so much to me!”

  Not wanting to disappoint Nathan, and because I know that it would make the most sense, strictly from a business standpoint to have more items on the red carpet, I calmly agree shrugging my shoulders. “Sure.”

  Cheers erupt from my friends except for Joe and me. I smile and play along in the moment, but I’m not really happy to be doing it. I think I catch a temporary expression of disappointment on Joe’s face. If I was going to be caught out in public on anyone’s arm other than Jared or Nathan, a man who was not gay, I would much rather it be Joe.