We decide to sit in the sand after a little bit as Sadie bounces into the water chasing the waves on occasion and then runs back to us. Anytime there is silence between us, it isn’t awkward for me and it doesn’t appear that way for him.
“No interrogation for me today,” he teases as he bumps my shoulder.
I get the feeling that he wants me to question him. “No . . . not now, anyway,” I reply with a smile, aware of the bait he’s laid out for me.
“Do you mind if I ask a few questions?”
I inwardly cringe at the thought, but relay an expression as if I’m considering it.
“Nothing too intrusive. Just a few little questions,” he nudges gently.
“I guess . . .” I say with my voice trailing off as our eyes meet.
He hesitates for a moment, considering on what question to ask first. “Henry is like one of my brothers. I only want to see him happy. So, I guess . . . I was just wondering, from your perspective, what does their relationship mean to Maggie?”
I’m shocked at his question. He seems protective of Henry like I am of Maggie. I like that a lot, but feel defensive of Maggie at his subtle implication.
“She’s not a heart breaker or a gold digger, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Bashfully, he responds, “I wasn’t trying to imply . . . .”
I cut him off before he can continue, “It’s okay . . . Maggie is the type of girl who falls for guys easily just to have her heart broken.” After another beat, I add, “I can see there is a connection between the two of them. A connection I’ve never seen her have with any other guy. . . .” My thoughts and where they are leading cause me to stop short of saying them out loud.
“Good. I mean . . . I’m sorry. That came out wrong,” Joe replies while trying to recover.
He really is trying to be respectful towards both of them. It’s sweet and I find myself liking him more.
“Relax,” I say with a little chuckle which seems to ease him.
I’m excited to hear we both feel the same way about our friends.
After a few more minutes of quiet, Joe asks, “So, should I be worried about your boyfriend seeing us talking. If he’s the jealous type?”
He just went there and the funny thing is that I’m not really surprised or offended. “No. No boyfriend.”
“Really?” he declares with awe. “I can’t believe for one second that a woman as beautiful as yourself doesn’t have a boyfriend.”
He’s totally hitting on me and I’m enjoying it more than I should.
Trying to control myself, I reply, “Really?!”
“Well, I’d ask about a girlfriend, but that was ruled out at New Year’s by Nǎinai,” he jokes.
Carefully considering how I want to answer, I glare at him with a grin before responding. “Do you really think flirting with me will help your case?”
“Is it working?” Joe inquires with a large smile.
He’s clearly not afraid to hide it.
“No,” I sternly reply, holding my ground. “Besides, I don’t date.”
“Must be your pleasant personality when people first meet you,” he teases, bumping his shoulder into mine again.
“I’m not going to respond to that,” I declare as I shake my head and push his shoulder away a little.
Yep, definitely all muscle. Yum.
He sits laughing under his breath at his little victory as I look away, trying not to smile. I can’t let him see that he’s gotten to me. I oddly find myself more turned on.
Sadie bounces back from the water to us, staying close while we sit in silence, and on occasion I swear I can hear Joe laugh when I don’t look at him. Our eyes meet for a moment and his gaze captivates me.
Joe’s eyes suddenly dart up, and before I can respond, Jared wrestles and pins me to the ground. Jared’s temporary victory doesn’t hold me long as my reflexes from the years of training kick in. Within just a few seconds, I’ve got Jared pinned in a Jujitsu move that I know he can’t get out of.
“Shit!” Jared whimpers.
Jared has been strong since we first met and is the person who introduced me to self-defense. Though he had about a year on me in training, I caught up pretty quickly. Jared was always willing to practice at home, and we’d spend a lot of free time sparring. We finally reached a point where the skill was thoroughly engrained in us and everything became instinctual. It was like breathing. We just do it. However, I continued to train. I loved to learn new things aside of my compulsion to feel safe and secure. Jared knows as much as I do, because whenever I learn something new, I show him. The only difference between us is that I practice more often.
Nathan is laughing profusely at our entanglement.
“Should we break them up?” Joe says with a little concern.
“Not at all,” Nathan reassures him. “They do this all the time. Kind of like a big brother, little sister thing.”
“Say it,” I command.
“Never,” shouts Jared.
“Would you two stop it! Somebody’s going to get hurt,” Maggie yells at us like we’re children fighting as she and Henry stroll closer.
“Never,” Jared repeats. Frustrated with his position, Jared tries anything and everything to get free. “Get ready, Nathan!” Jared presses his fingers down causing me to yelp and release him. Before I can compose myself from being tickled, Nathan grabs my legs and Jared has my arms secure behind my back.
“The only way you ever win is by cheating! Don’t think I won’t get even!” I yell in defiance.
The two men proceed to stand up and head towards the water.
“Don’t . . . you . . . even think about it,” I shout in warning, aware of their intention.
Though they’re both strong, I’ve got more body awareness and control from all of my compulsive exercising. I start thrashing my body up and down, bending at the waist in an attempt to break free. Nathan tries to pull a little on my legs to sturdy himself while temporarily hindering my movement.
“Leave her alone,” Maggie commands in the distance.
I appreciate that she’s trying to help, but it’s already beyond the point of words. We’re all having fun and I doubt she realizes it.
I call for Sadie, but all she does is run around us as we get closer to the water. Seeing that we’re on the water’s edge, I give a sudden thrust with my entire body knocking all three of us down into the oncoming wave.
“Shit!” Jared yells, scrambling to his feet, soaked all the way up his back.
“Damn that’s cold,” Nathan shouts, crawling out wet from the waist down.
“Serves you right for trying to mess with Emma,” Maggie chides as she rushes to help me while trying to avoid the freezing water.
“Yoooooou . . . ssssssuckkkkkk!” I stammer as I slowly creep up out of the water, exposing my drenched, shivering body. Immediately, I place my arms across my chest not concerned that I’m wearing a wet, white shirt, but simply because the water in California this time of year is that cold, especially when the wind gusts along incessantly.
“We weren’t really going to throw you in,” Jared proclaims walking towards me hesitantly. “Honest.”
“Shame on us,” Nathan announces, still laughing.
I can’t help but smile at them. It was funny — though I was the one who got wet the most. At least I got them a bit too.
The wind is making the chill worse, so I peel off my shirt exposing my six pack abs and my more prominently erect nipples that are pushing through my white sports bra.
Joe moves toward me as he takes off his shirt and hands it to me, “Here. I have extra in the car.”
“Thhhhanksss . . . bbbbbbut I’mmm ffffine,” I confess, too proud to cover up from the cold as my teeth chatter.
Joe grins while biting his bottom lip. I watch his eyes travel down to my breasts. I smile back at him not caring at this point.
“I’ll take it,” Maggie says as she drapes the shirt around my shoulders. She wants to
help, but doesn’t like the idea of getting wet.
“Do we have any towels?” Jared asks.
“They’re in the car,” I advise with my teeth chattering less.
Maggie’s body heat is helping to warm me and I savor her touch.
“Where are the keys?” Henry asks. “I can go get them.”
“Hooked on Sadie’s leash.” I point in the direction of where I left it.
Henry grabs the keys and jogs to the car as we begin to follow. Henry reaches the car first, but the rest of us are shortly behind. Maggie grabs one of the towels from Henry and drapes it over my shoulders. Nathan and Jared giggle as they watch Joe and Henry stare with stunned looks on their faces as Maggie’s hands rub me down, including my breasts, rear and thighs. Though I protest, she ignores me. I don’t think she realizes what’s happening, so I start to laugh at her innocence.
“Looks like we should change before heading to lunch,” Nathan states the obvious while trying to direct everyone's attention away from Maggie’s actions.
“Yep,” I agree as my suppressed laughter returns. “Maggie, I’m good. Thanks.”
“What? Oh, okay,” she replies. After a few more pats, Maggie leans in and asks, “Do you mind if I ride back with Henry?
“No,” I chuckle, taking the towel from her hand to stop her.
Maggie smiles eagerly. She’s so cute.
I put my running jacket back on as Jared opens the door for me. Does he really think that an act of chivalry will win him back into my favor? I signal for Sadie to get in after putting the towel on the seat to minimize the amount of moister from both of us. Nathan jumps behind the wheel and starts the car as Jared climbs in. Two seconds later the right back passenger door opens.
“You joining us?” Nathan says as more of a statement than a question.
“I figured I should give them a little privacy. Just in case,” Joe say, sliding across the seat still topless.
We all nod and I purposefully fix my gaze to the front of the car, not wanting to stare at Joe’s half naked body.
Joe looks over to me with a smile, “How are you feeling?”
“Better. Thanks,” I reply, keeping my eyes forward.
Nathan turns on the heat before pulling away from the parking spot and up to the street. Jared reaches back to hold my hand for the ride and I graciously take it.
“I’ve got the car registration and insurance in my bag,” I announce to Nathan. “Don’t let me forget to give it to you.”
“Why didn’t you give it to me yesterday?” he inquires.
“Wasn’t thinking about it. It popped into my head just now,” I confirm.
“Why do you have his car information?” Joe queries.
Great! Now here’s another item about me that shouldn’t be disclosed. What was I thinking?
“She technically owns it,” Jared explains.
“No, I don’t,” I protest.
“Okay. My bad. Actually her company owns it,” Jared corrects himself. “They’re all company cars.”
“All?” Joe searches.
“Yep. Nathan’s, mine and Maggie’s,” Jared confirms.
“Smart . . .” Joe comments. “. . . but, funny.”
“What’s funny?” I inquiry.
“You hate cars, but technically own three,” Joe replies with a chuckle. “I understand why. It’s just funny.”
“I know. Right?!” Nathan adds.
I don’t say anything because there is truth to the irony of it all.
Back at the condo, Nathan escorts Joe and Henry to the third bedroom which is on the other side of Maggie’s and my room that is divided by a joining bathroom. “You guys can stay the night, or weekend, if you’d like. We’ve got plenty of room and food.”
“Thanks,” Henry and Joe reply.
I shudder at the thought of Henry and Joe joining us as I make my way to the bathroom. Maggie is going to be obsessed with Henry the whole time.
“Nothing fancy,” Jared instructs with regards to clothing. “We’re just hanging out.”
“What do you boys like to eat?” Nathan questions.
“I’m not picky, “ Joe responds.
“Me either,” Henry agrees.
Looking to me as he opens the door further from the third bedroom into the bathroom where I am, Nathan inquires, “Where should we go to eat?”
“RFD?” I question back.
“Ohh, I haven’t eaten there in a long time,” admits Nathan.
“There’s only two and half bath here boys, so you’ll need to wait for the girls to finish showering before you can jump in,” Jared instructs.
“Unless you want to . . .” Nathan begins.
“Don’t even go there,” I reprimand him as I snap a towel on his backside. “Go rub each other down and leave us be,” I dictate with a glare.
“Okay, okay,” Nathan sheepishly retorts, grabbing Jared’s hand and leads him out the door.
“You girls can shower first,” Henry offers.
“Thanks,” Maggie says with bubbly enthusiasm. She gives me a look to see if I want to go first.
I know she wants to spend more time with Henry, so I don’t mind. Plus, I’m still a little chilled from Jared’s and Nathan’s dunking.
The shower is absolutely invigorating. I stand soaking for probably five minutes under the steaming hotness before moving to wash. There are no plans to have sex with anyone for the next couple of days, and since I got waxed a week ago, I’m good in the hair removal department. I start with shampoo, leaving it in while I lather up my body. As I rinse the soap off, my entire body tingles all the way down to my loins. If I knew I wouldn’t be heard and that I had time, I’d masturbate. I finish with conditioner, letting it sit for a few extra moments as I keep my body under the water.
Getting out of the shower, I towel dry my hair. There’s no need to blow dry it since there are three more people to take turns. Securely wrapping the towel around my body, just in case there are people in my room or the bedroom door is open, I head to Maggie’s and my room. I’m relieved to find the room empty and that the door is closed, allowing me to begin changing.
Santa Monica is typically about ten degrees cooler than Pasadena, so I dress in blue jean, a cotton white tank top and a sky blue v-neck cashmere sweater. I put my makeup on, brush and dry my hair a little more before going out to the living room.
“Got kicked out of your own room?” I question Joe when I find him on the couch, still shirtless, with his iPad and Sadie.
Why is he still shirtless? I am shocked to see Sadie laying with him instead of being in the room waiting for me. This is new.
“How can you tell?” he responds with a hint of sarcasm.
I nod, rolling my eyes, not surprised.
We both look over towards Nathan’s room suddenly as we hear some soft moans echoing through the wall.
I laugh at the sound. “They must have forgotten to close the bathroom door.”
Joe nods in agreement but doesn’t seem flustered or irritated.
“Do you have access to your stuff?” I ask, wanting to redirect our attention to something else.
“Yes. I left my bags just over there. I figured I might be on the couch tonight. Why?” he says.
If he’s got access to his stuff, why hasn’t he put on a new shirt?
“Might as well take your turn in the shower,” I suggest. “I doubt that Maggie or Henry will be next. There are plenty of towels in there too.”
“Thanks,” he says, rising to get his bag.
I show Joe where everything is in the bathroom. Turning around to give him privacy, I almost bump into his impeccable, naked chest. “Apologies,” I offer trying to keep my composure and not show signs of being flustered. “Let me know if you need anything.”
A wicked grin forms on his face and he works hard to stifle it. “I should be good. Thanks.”
I head to Nathan’s door first, to hurry the boys along as well as to encourage them to muffle their sounds of pleasu
re. Pounding a little on the door, I give them fair warning and they immediately take the hint. I turn to head towards the room where Maggie and Henry are and I catch the sight of Joe standing in the doorway to my bedroom with nothing but a towel around his waist.
“Everything okay,” he questions.
It takes me a second or two to respond. “Yeah. Just giving them their warning. They know what it means. Sorry.”
He nods, smiles, and leaves the doorway. I take a deep breath in and out. I lost myself there — my mind imagining what was under his towel and what I would like to do to him. Focus, Emma. Breathe.
Our conversations are light and fun as we dine at Real Food Daily, our favorite organic, vegan restaurant in Santa Monica. We arrive just before the lunch crowd starts filling in, which makes it easy for us to get a table right away. We share a few appetizers, have entrees and now we’re considering our dessert options. Maggie declines, but all of the guys are in for something sweet. I happily join them.
“How can you eat all of what you ate and more, and . . . um . . . ?” Henry asks amazed. A small flush rises in his cheeks.
Joe snickers as he finishes the rest of Henry’s question for him, “And, have the body she has?”
This gets laughs from Nathan and Jared as they look to me for my response. Maggie tries to suppress a giggle.
I compose myself and my answer as I let their laughs die down, “I’m a very physically active person.”
More laughter stirs from Nathan and Jared. I know that their idea of my physical activities is not limited to only sports. But then again, they probably see sex as a sport as well.
“She loves to trampoline,” Maggie adds eagerly.
“Trampoline? Where do you trampoline?” Henry inquires.
“I have a rebounder, mini trampoline, at home and I go about two or three times a week to one of the local places that have larger trampolines lined up side by side. You can jump from one trampoline to the other,” I inform him.
“It’s so much fun,” Maggie shares. “We go all the time.”
“It sounds fun!” Joe states.
“Definitely,” agrees Henry.
Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set Page 13