“I love you,” Joe says softly into my ear.
“I love you,” I return as I shift my head to face him better.
“There’s no place else I’d rather be, than right here with you and our son,” Joe shares.
A tear finds its way down my cheek.
“Don’t cry, beautiful,” Joe coaxes, wiping the tear away.
“It’s a happy tear,” I share.
“It is?!” he says with a widening smile.
“Yes,” I confirm, pressing my lips to his. “There’s no place I’d rather be either.”
Joe’s right hand travels down the length of my body as his left holds my cheek while he continues to slip his tongue into my mouth. My hips sway to the rhythm of his hand as his fingers swirl around my clitoris. He takes a hold of my hair and directs my head to the side as his lips and tongue tease the skin along my neck and shoulders. Joe’s teeth nip at my earlobe, sending shivers throughout my body and eliciting my orgasm to rise faster.
“You like that?” he breathes into my ear.
“Yes,” I sigh. My fingers tighten into his leg.
“Should I let you cum right away?” he teases, slowing his fingers and sliding them inside me.
“Yes,” I pant, desperate for release.
“We’ve got all night,” Joe states wickedly.
I groan in protest.
Joe chuckles and resumes playing my body like an instrument, coaxing each note, each string to ring until the climax of the song arrives, causing its echoes to escape my mouth and bounce off the walls. Remnants of the ecstasy linger in my bones, indicating that that was only the beginning to the symphony he’s planning on performing tonight.
I spin to face Joe, sloshing water around ungracefully. Sliding onto his lap, my hands take his hair with force and position his head to the side so my tongue can tease him. “You like to torture me, don’t you?” I hum into his ear and then nip it.
“Only because you like it so much,” Joe goads.
“You like it too,” I return, denying him a kiss on the lips and sinking my teeth into his shoulder.
“Fuck, Emma,” he groans with pleasure. Joe curls his arms around my waist as if trying to make our bodies a single mass. His hands meticulously caress my body as our lips lock.
After a few moments, his grip loosens and I’m able to surround his cock with my hand, stroking it with a tightening grip as I pull up. Joe’s body pulses to the downward stroke of my hand while his eyes are closed.
“I want you,” Joe professes.
“Not yet,” I tease.
“I want you wrapped around me, beautiful,” he declares.
“Not yet,” I repeat. “We’ve got all night.”
“Fuuuuuuck,” he whimpers.
As his cock hardens, getting ready for release, Joe guides my other hand that is cradling his balls to trace the seam of his skin to his anus. My hand pauses, just for a brief second, shocked by his openness. Joe’s eyes open and I can see a mixture of emotions. With a smile, I lean forward, kissing him as my finger softly caress his hole.
“You don’t have to,” Joe says, pulling his lips slightly from mine.
“Do you want me to?” I check, happy to give him what he wants.
“Only if you want to,” he states nervously.
“This . . .” I say with a reassuring smile as my finger twitches slightly. “Isn’t about me. It’s about you. What you want. What you need.”
“I want you,” Joe says as if to reassure me.
“I know,” I reply lovingly. “And, I want to give you what you want, what you need too.”
“I’ve never let anyone . . .” he begins but stops.
I smile as my heart melts, realizing that he’s opening up to me in a way he never has — probably not with anyone.
“I love you,” I say.
“I love you,” Joe replies. He kisses me with desperation and longing.
My hand wrapped around his cock slowly resumes its strokes, soothing him, relaxing him before the fingers of my other hand tease his hole. Joe grunts and moans at the added stimulation and even shifts at one point, allowing me to slip one of my fingers inside him. He sucks in a sharp breath and I pause, scared that I moved too quickly.
“Don’t stop,” he requests.
Smiling, I nod and continue.
Joe takes over stroking his shaft, allowing me to focus on stimulating his anus. I purposefully kiss him, wanting him to know my comfort at fulfilling his needs and knowing that I love him even more for letting me in, trusting me with this desire.
His breathing becomes erratic and his free hand takes hold of the back of my neck, keeping our faces close. Joe’s mouth consumes mine, moaning his satisfaction, only pulling away when his orgasm surfaces. “Fuuuuuuuuck, baby,” Joe groans. His body convulses as his eyes roll back into his head.
I can’t help but giggle at the sight of him, excited at seeing him cut lose. I try to hide my excitement when his eyes open. “Sorry,” I apologize. “I wasn’t laughing at you . . . well, I was . . . but not like that.”
Joe lifts a brow.
“Thank you,” I say.
“For what?”
“For letting me in like that,” I state.
A smile spreads on Joe’s face as his cheeks redden.
“I didn’t mean it in the literal sense,” I scold. “I meant . . . never mind.”
“Thank you,” Joe returns, kissing me.
“For what?”
“For not judging me . . . for helping me,” Joe reveals.
“Why would I judge you?”
Joe’s shoulders shrug. “I know that we have family who . . . you know . . . and this doesn’t mean I want anyone else, Emma.”
“I know,” I say soothingly.
“You are the only person who I will ever give my heart to,” Joe states confidently.
With a smile, I ask, “What about Joe Jr.?”
Joe eyes me. “That shouldn’t even be a question.”
“I’m just teasing,” I say.
“Whatever happens . . . between us and when we interact with Maggie and Henry again, or anyone else for that matter. You are my home. He is my home,” Joe states, rubbing my belly. “No one else will ever be home . . . family and friends, yes . . . but you, him, us . . . that is my home. Nothing, and I mean nothing will ever change that.”
Tears trickle out of my eyes, hearing him profess his love for me, for us, for Joe Jr..
“What’s wrong?” Joe questions with concern.
“Hormones,” I mumble.
Joe pulls me into him, cradling me as if I was a part of his body. “I love you, Emma.”
“I love you,” I reply.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he declares. “No matter what happens, I will always be here, fighting for us until the day I die.”
My fingers brush the side of his face and my mouth takes his, trying to profess my own unspoken love and need for him. “Get up,” I instruct well into our heated embrace.
“What?”
“Get up,” I repeat. “Sit on the edge.”
“Why?”
“Just do it,” I direct sternly.
Once Joe’s seated on the edge of the tub, my mouth consumes his penis, pushing it as far as my throat will let it go. Joe’s fingers tighten in my hair as he moans satisfaction. Each time I press my mouth down, Joe’s hips buck up slightly. My fingers dig into his sides as I continue to work his shaft until he ejaculates.
“Fuck, Emma,” Joe whimpers as I remove my mouth from his body and swallow the last of his cum. He cups my face, eager to taste himself on my lips as his body lowers back into the water.
Once he’s seated, I straddle him, wanting so desperately to share with him in words how much I love him and need him, but can’t. Why are words so challenging for me to share my emotions? Instead, as always, I use my body to the best of my ability for the rest of the night to share with him the love within me.
One Hundred Forty Six
T
he rest of Summer flies by as my belly grows. The first time I felt Joe Jr. move threw me completely off guard and has me calling Maggie at three in the morning while Joe sat next to me in bed panicking. I’m not sure what had made me think to call Maggie, but I’m glad I did. Her sweet, loving laughter and excitement actually eased my nerves once I realized what was happening. Joe and I stayed up for the next few hours after that too excited to go back to sleep despite the fact that we were scheduled to start moving into our new home the next day.
Joe Jr. decided to make his presence known more the following day at the house while we were planting the living urn for my parents. Joe insisted that we start off the house right by giving mom and dad their spot right away before we did anything else. So, as the movers took care of the boxes and furniture under Anna’s direction, we added their ashes with the tree. Joe Jr. kicked right as we finished covering the hole with the last few scoops of dirt. Joe said it was an omen — a sign of good luck.
As Anna brought our lunch out to us on the patio, we had just finished getting our room taken care of, I almost spat my drink out when Joe Jr. decided to kick again. Joe had a worried look on his face, thinking something was wrong, but I knew what was happening. Joe shifted in his seat, excited to feel his son when I explained. After moving Joe’s hand around on my belly, sure enough, Joe Jr. made contact again with his father when Joe placed his cheek next to his hand and started talking to Joe Jr.. Right after lunch, Joe and I immediately started working on Joe Jr.’s room.
A few weeks later when Maggie’s baby shower took place, I realized that there was still so much I didn’t have for the baby and was extremely happy to know that mine is a boy to help with planning. Joe and I have been so focused on preparing the house and where Joe Jr. will be born, that there are a lot of little things we’ve forgotten about. Brenda and Gwen were sweet, stating that things can always be taken care of after Joe Jr. arrives, but were supportive when I asked questions and started getting other items as well.
Joe has yet to propose and I know in my heart that I don’t need him to marry me to make me feel loved and complete. I don’t need to marry him to know he loves me — he just does. I see it in his eyes and I feel it every time I catch him staring at me or how he holds and kisses me. Yes, it’s a day of sharing our vows in front of friends and family, but signing a piece of paper in the eyes of the law won’t establish this relationship — our relationship. It’s known between the two of us with everything we do on a daily basis. The kisses, the little smiles, the inside jokes, the way he touches me and our unborn child, the way we make each other laugh, the way we’re completely comfortable with each other sexually and non-sexually, is what matters most. I’ve resigned to the fact that knowing and feeling it is more important than just one day — just one day out of all of our days together so far and what they’ll be in the future.
Sadie is attached to my hip at all times, not that she’s never been protective and always there, but she won’t go anywhere without me, not even outside to run around or potty even when the doors are left wide open. She’ll whine a little, letting me know she needs to go out and waits patiently for me. Anna’s need to walk Sadie has disappeared with the house, so I make sure that I get outside several times a day for both myself and Sadie. She doesn’t really play fetch anymore, not willing to go beyond ten feet from me, but she’ll play with Joe, me or anyone else who’s over, wrestling, playing tug-of-war or jumping in and out of the pool.
It’s now the first weekend in August, and today, we’re having everyone over for a relaxing barbecue. Joe and I have been able to have some much needed quiet and prep time for business and the baby, so we figured we should have everyone over as our official housewarming party. All of his family have been in California for the past month with them staying at his and his parent’s penthouses on Colorado. The Nelson’s are enjoying being in California and Mrs. Nelson has been over since eight in the morning helping Anna and me with the food. Mr. Nelson is out on the patio with Joe, heating up the grill as all of our friends and family trickle in by eleven.
“Hey, Kitten,” Jared greets, walking into the kitchen.
“Hey,” I return with a smile.
“How’s my favorite nephew?”
“Good,” I say.
“How’s Maggie?” Jared checks.
“Good,” I answer. “She and Henry are out on the patio with everyone.”
“She hasn’t popped yet, has she?”
“No,” I laugh. “Not yet. But, if she did, we’re ready for it here.”
“Is he awake?”
“Who?” I check.
“Joe Jr.,” Jared says, touching my belly. “I want to feel him kick.”
“He’s been quiet for the past hour,” I inform. “But, as soon as he wakes up, you’ll be the first to know.”
Jared pulls me into a hug. “I’m really proud of you, Kitten.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Jared confirms. “You’re amazing and I’m really proud of how well you’re handling all of this.”
“Thanks.”
“I know I’ve known you for a long time, but I’ve never seen you this relaxed and happy,” Jared shares. “I mean, I’ve seen you happy, but never this happy.”
My hand glides across my belly. “It’s probably all the hormones,” I joke. “How’s the wedding planning going?”
“Great,” Jared confesses. “We’ve got everything covered and done. Mrs. Silkworth and Joe’s mom have been really helpful. Nathan and I just need to fly back to New York one more time to finalize a few minor details, but we’re waiting until Maggie pops first.”
“Elaine told me she didn’t know anything about the wedding,” I comment.
“She knows a little,” Jared admits with a smirk.
“Jared,” I press.
“Just relax, Emma,” Jared insists. “Some of us know how to plan things other than you.”
“Hey,” I reply with a fake pout.
“You’re not fooling anyone,” Jared laughs.
“What?!”
“If you’re good, I’ll show you the dresses we picked out for you and Maggie,” Jared reveals.
“Really?!”
“Only if you’re good,” he reminds.
I bat my eyes and smile.
“That’s not working to your favor,” Jared teases.
“Then, you don’t have to be Joe. Jr.’s godfather,” I present nonchalantly.
“We’ve been through that threat already, remember? Besides, Joe would argue with you on that one,” Jared boasts confidently.
“Argue with Emma about what?” Joe asks, coming into view.
“About Nathan and me being godfathers for Joe Jr.,” Jared states.
“Emma?” Joe questions as if I’ve done something wrong.
“I didn’t say Nathan wouldn’t . . . just you,” I say smirking.
“Emma,” Joe calls speculatively.
“He started it,” I return.
“That doesn’t mean you have to finish it,” Joe states.
“Yes, it does,” I retaliate.
“Emma,” Joe scolds sweetly, smacking my ass.
Jared snickers.
“I’m the one who is pregnant,” I challenge.
“So?” Jared says.
“So, you all have to be nice to me and be on my side,” I comment.
“Since when?” Jared debates.
“Since always,” I goad.
“Fight nice, you two,” Joe directs, kissing me.
“I’m always nice,” I challenge.
Joe and Jared laugh.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing,” they say in unison.
“You’re not the godfather anymore,” I say to Jared and then look to Joe and comment, “and you’re not getting laid today.”
They continue to laugh.
“What’s so funny?” I question.
“Nothing,” they say again.
My eyes narrow.
“You and
I both know that you’ll be begging Joe for some action tonight,” Jared teases.
“No,” I counter though it’s a complete lie.
“We’re men, Emma . . . but, we still talk too,” Jared announces.
“What do you mean you still talk too?” I press.
“Just because I’m your best friend and he’s . . . Joe, doesn’t mean we don’t have guy time,” Jared presents.
“Guy time?” I question.
“Don’t get me in trouble,” Joe declares.
“Trouble?” I ponder. “Why would Jared get you in trouble, Joseph?”
Jared laughs.
“God, it’s still sexy when you say my name like that,” Joe replies.
“Since when do you two talk?” I press.
“Since . . . uh,” Jared coughs.
“Since we knew each other,” Joe admits.
“Why?”
“Why what?” Jared asks.
“Why do you two talk?”
“Because we’re friends,” Joe laughs.
I eye them suspiciously. “Friends?”
“Yes, beautiful,” Joe confirms. “Friends.”
“What have you two been talking about since you met?” I search.
“Things,” Jared says. “Guy things.”
“Guy things?”
“It’s not always about you,” Jared states casually.
“Why do I get the feeling that you two have been talking about certain . . . things before Joe and I even started dating?” I ask.
“What do you mean?” Jared questions, acting like there’s nothing to be suspicious about.
“We did talk about you a little bit,” Joe reveals.
“Did?” I ponder.
“Jared was helping me to understand you,” Joe shares, taking a strawberry from the plate in front of me and popping into his mouth.
“Helping you?” I repeat.
“Mm hm,” Joe confirms.
Neither of them says anything further.
“You’re off the godfather list,” I state calmly to Jared.
“Can’t take me off the list, Kitten,” Jared says confidently.
“Why not?” I check.
“Because, I’m marrying his other godfather,” Jared reminds.
“Emma,” Joe calls.
Just Breathe Series (Trilogy Box Set) Page 132