With the best impassive look on my face I can muster, I rebut, “What do you mean you don’t know? What did you do with it?”
Grinning, Joe looks like he’s contemplating his reaction. “I didn’t do anything. You must have done something with it,” he accuses.
I’m not surprised by his playfulness and do my best to stay composed with his face a few inches from mine and complain. “Me? I’m not the one who isn’t on their side of the bed.”
He props himself up on an elbow and briefly searches the room. Joe lowers himself back down, placing his head in the palm of his hand and his left hand on my stomach. Looking at me he chuckles and gestures. “You threw it over there.”
Not believing him, I sit up to see. The pillow is on the floor and on his side of the room.
While seated, I assert myself. “Seriously? It’s on your side of the room. I didn’t move it, you did.”
With a full flirtatious tone, he replies, “You moved it . . . right before you snuggled up to me and put your head on my chest.”
I swear the blood drains from my face at hearing his words. Shit! He was awake. Processing everything, I realize that that means he knew what he was doing when I rolled away.
Scooting out of the bed, I shake my head in disbelief. “No way!”
Joe is cool and calm, laughing at my reaction and my enter body ironically yearns for him.
Panicking, I question, “How long were you awake?”
With a teasing smile, he rolls onto his back putting his hands behind his head. “Long enough.” He seems unfazed and almost happy to let me know.
How am I the only one embarrassed by this situation? I want to say more, but all I can do is rattle my head as I grab some clothes to change in the bathroom. When I come back out, he is still on the bed, but now sitting up and petting Sadie. I do my best to control myself, but I’m sure he sees my distress.
“Either one of us could have moved the pillow in the middle of the night. It’s no big deal. I didn’t mind,” he comments.
I stop dead in my tracks at his admittance. I can feel his eyes watching me with precision.
“Besides . . .” he continues as he gets out of the bed. “. . . you were fun to snuggle with.”
My eyes meet his for a brief moment. He slowly starts moving in my direction. Wanting to avoid Joe, I reach for the main bedroom door to open it and go feed Sadie. Keeping my gaze straight, I let out a sigh of relief when I hear a more distant door close.
I use the half bath while Sadie finishes eating to avoid going back into the bedroom. Taking a little longer than usual, I examine myself in the mirror. My hands tremble as I regain control over my breathing. What the hell was that? What the hell is wrong with me? Was I on the brink of breaking a rule with Joe?
Please don’t be in the living room, please don’t be in the living room, I repeat several times in my mind before exiting the bathroom. Of course he’s in the living room, I exclaim to myself seeing him on the floor with Sadie. Joe looks up at me with a laid-back smile. Act normal, Emma. You can’t let him know that you’re flustered.
Before I can say anything, Joe asks, “Do you mind if I join you ladies?”
I try not to show my disjointed emotions. “Sure.”
We head out to the beach as I debate with myself on whether or not to confront him. I find myself chewing on my bottom lip and weighing my options. I conclude that talking with him is out of the question. Let it go, Emma.
We walk peacefully and unaffected by our lack of verbal communication. I fight the urge to look at him, but sometimes I can’t help it. Every time our eyes meet, he offers a sweet smile and I return a nervous grin as my body lusts after him.
My thoughts drift back to this morning. I’m confused, unnerved and still completely aroused by him. What is going on? I got comfortable, too comfortable to the point where I let my guard down. Why was I curled into him like that? Why did I let him stay that close? I fear that if he had kissed me, more would have evolved. Crap. Does he know that?
It’s just after six when we get back to Nathan’s and Joe and I still haven’t said a word to each other. Something has to be said. I guess I should break the ice. Be friendly, not too friendly, to dispel anything from earlier while keeping him at a distance. What should I say? I scramble for something — anything.
“Do you need to shower?” Joe searches, beating me to the punch.
Be cool, Emma.
“What? . . . Oh, no . . . I um . . . I’m going to rebound,” I barely mutter.
Well, that was completely ungraceful.
We awkwardly bump into each other as I turn to head into the bedroom. “I . . . I need my headphones,” I stammer.
Joe smiles as he lets me into the room first. Keeping my head down, I reach for my bag that is on the dresser a few feet away. Turning, I catch the sight of Joe’s almost bare back as he shrugs off his sweater and his shirt gets pulled along with it. I bit my lip as the fantasy of running my nails down his skin as he’s thrusting inside of me consumes me. I tingle with delight until I find Joe staring back at me with a wicked gleam in his eye and a smirk pushed to the left side of his face.
Crap. Double Crap.
Holding my breath, I spin to rush out of the door. I let out a huge sigh as I close the door to the patio behind me. Sadie lays on one of the chairs with her bone in her mouth as I turn on some music. I position the rebounder and myself in the corner to hide as I start jumping, facing out towards the ocean. Peace slowly surrounds me as I bounce the built up tension loose for at least forty minutes. When I stop to stretch, I almost scream when I find Joe sitting on the same chair as Sadie. How long has he been there? I don’t think I want to know.
Neither one of us say anything as I stretch and his eyes stay on his book — at least I think so. Time to shower. I hold the patio door open and wait for Sadie to follow me in, but she stays with Joe. She picks Joe over me?! Traitor.
I lock the door to the bedroom and the bathroom — I don’t need Joe coming in or hearing anything. The shower is refreshing and I can no longer fight the urge to pleasure myself. Everyone will be asleep for at least another hour or two, so I savor every stroke of my fingers and the sea sponge as they fondle my skin. I begin to rub my breasts leisurely, tugging at my hard nipples a few times. The memory of Joe’s warm body engulfs my mind as I carefully drag my left hand down to my folds and brush them back and forth. Thinking of him while masturbating turns me on more and I don’t care. I realize that I won’t be breaking any rules during this act which inflames my need. Leaning up against the tile wall, I place my left leg up on the small built-in seat. Dropping the sponge, my right hand progresses down to join my left hand. Thrusting two fingers inside myself, my left hand circles and massages my clitoris. I’m so desperate for an orgasm that I wish I had brought my vibrator in with me. As I continue to plunge my fingers inside, I do my best to curb my moaning. I have a tendency to be a little vocal. Needing more, I slide a third finger into my cave and the memory of Joe’s mouth on my neck returns to my consciousness. Shoving my fingers in harder, faster, my body inches closer to orgasm.
My eyes fling open when I hear an unfamiliar sound. A naked Maggie stands before me. Keeping our eyes on each other, I resume pleasuring myself as Maggie touches herself and wades underneath the water. She moves closer, barely an inch away as she lifts her hands, needs my breasts and sucks on my right nipple. I gasp at her first touch. Sliding her hands down, she replaces my right hand with hers. Our mouths meet, grazing each other’s as she sinks her fingers into me. I moan on a sharp inhale as her tongue massages mine. With my right hand now free, I fist her hair, pulling her further into my body. Vocalizing my satisfaction into her mouth and tightening my grip on her, I fiercely climax. Her fingers loiter inside of me, waiting for my last shudder of release.
We lick ever last drop of me off her fingers before Maggie quickly drops to her knees and returns her fingers to my sex followed by her tongue flicking across my clitoris. My fingers tangle in he
r hair and my hips sway with the pulsing of her fingers. It doesn’t take Maggie long to return me to a point where I’m close to orgasming. A few pants later, it springs to life inside me when the though of Joe between my legs enters my thoughts.
Hungry to taste her, I spin her around to switch places. My tongue eagerly slips between her folds, catching a large gulp of her arousal and then focuses on her nub. Two of my fingers penetrate her sex, striking her in the very location that brings her to climax easily. As Maggie comes down from her release, I shift her body, making her face the wall. I creep my lips up her rear to the tops of her shoulders as my left hand reaches around to her clit and my right hand dives into her cave. Pressing my entire body against her, my hands work to make her gush a second time. Once Maggie finishes, we share the flavor of her off my fingers.
The taste of us both lingers in my mouth as we wash our bodies and hair. I ward off thoughts of who may have heard us, not wanting to relinquish this moment of satisfaction.
Dressed, Maggie and I are met by all four guys sitting quietly on Nathan’s large sectional. Without a word, Maggie curls up with Henry. Jared stretches out his arms for me to join him and Nathan, so I do.
We all sit silently for several minutes until Nathan investigates, “Who’s hungry?”
No one answers.
A snicker escapes Jared and I elbow him.
“Seriously? Do you guys want to eat or shower first?” Nathan inquires as the good host.
Jared immediately chuckles louder, followed by Nathan once he recognizes how Jared is twisting the meaning. I admit, it is funny, even though it is at Maggie’s and my expense, and I do my best to try and come up with something to chide him, but fall short.
Maggie beats me to the punch and says innocently, “Why don’t we all eat?”
Laughter erupts out of Jared and Nathan. Henry and Joe both are pursing their lips, attempting not to join in. I cover my mouth with my hand.
“What?” Maggie questions, still not getting it.
All four men are roar with laughter as I do my best to refrain my own giggles by biting one of my fingers. Joe and I catch each other’s eye and we both blush. Maggie peers at us quizzically for a moment before the reason for our amusement pops into her head.
Trying to contain a smile, Maggie shouts, “That’s not funny.” She gets up to smack both Nathan and Jared, but they pull her down on top of me.
It’s times like these when I wish it didn’t take Maggie as long to get the joke and inadvertently extend it with her innocence.
Jumping up, Nathan yells, “Ok, we’re eating.”
Everybody giggles at his announcement as he moves into the kitchen. I shift to get up and help him, but Jared wraps his arms and legs around me tighter. Instead of fighting, I give into his affection — I need it. Maggie returns to Henry’s lap and Joe gets up to help Nathan.
Whispering in my ear, Jared checks, “You okay?”
“Mmm hmm,” I hum, curling into him more.
At first glance, if people didn’t know us, they would think that Jared and I are boyfriend and girlfriend.
I continue our conversation in a low voice, “What’s going on with you and Nathan?”
Jared smiles at Nathan’s name and shrugs his shoulders.
“Is it serious?” I mumble.
Jared blushes but doesn’t say anything.
“If it is, I’m happy for you,” I convey. “If it isn’t, I’m happy for you. I just want to see you both happy.”
Kissing me, he breeches the topic, “I know. I love you.”
Snuggling up to him, I reply, “I love you too.”
I’ve always loved to cuddle with Jared. The weird thing is, I’m noticing a difference as well as similarities from this morning with Joe. Knowing this, I now understand that I can’t let Joe in like this. It’s too much. He needs to be kept at a distance.
After breakfast, Maggie and I take care of the dishes while the guys shower. Joe washes up first as Henry attempts to help with cleaning. It’s clear that he’s had other people take care of tasks like this for him, probably all of his life.
I read on the couch as Maggie and Henry make out once we finish tidying up. When Joe comes out, Maggie follows Henry into the bedroom. Pretending to read, I watch Joe go to back into my room and then come back with his book. We discover ourselves looking at each other a couple of times. A few minutes later, Jared and Nathan stroll out and join Joe, Sadie and me on the couch.
“What should we do today?” Nathan inquires trying to be polite.
I give him a sideways glance as I’m sandwiched in the corner of the couch by Jared and him.
“What?” he says confused by my reaction.
“This is typically the sex-capades day for you two couples,” I indicate, pointing at him, Jared and then at the bedroom where Maggie and Henry are hiding.
“She’s right,” Jared confirms.
“Ohh, speaking of sex . . .” Nathan comments with a teasing tone. “I forgot to tell you who called for me at Nathaniel’s yesterday?”
I’m not curious or excited to find out what he has to say, but ask to be polite. “Who?”
“Your friend . . . Chris . . . from Ayana’s,” Nathan whispers, smiling wide and giggles.
I shrug my shoulders. “So.”
“Soooo . . . Denise said he seemed a little flustered when he was leaving his message. He wanted to talk about possibly wearing one of my suits for the next red carpet event, and . . . ” Nathan’s voice trails off looking for a reaction.
“Congrats! That could be really huge for Nathaniel’s!” I comment.
I’m genuinely happy for him and the attention he could get for dressing an A-list actor.
Wise that I was avoiding that he had more to share, Nathan continues anyway, “And . . . .”
Is he actually going there?
“He told me that the next time I spoke to you that he wanted me to say hi,” Nathan wickedly sings, deliberately trying to illicit a response from me.
“Ok.” I shrug again, glancing at Joe with my peripheral vision.
“Ok?” Nathan questions with a little attitude. “Ok . . . not even a hi back for the guy?”
I glare at Nathan.
“Fine. Break the guy’s heart.”
“Stop trying to play matchmaker!” I say with a stern, low voice.
“I’m not. Just seeing . . . .”
“Don’t,” I caution.
He’s trying to see if he can set me up with Chris again or wants to see how I handle the information in front of Joe. I’m onto his ways.
“Don’t worry. I won’t give him your number or anything,” Nathan assures. “Don’t get your panties all in a bunch. I know you’re trying to play it cool with Joe sitting here.”
I shoot Nathan a look that gets a roaring laugh from him.
“Come on,” he playfully teases. “I’m just having a little fun.”
“A little too much fun,” I retort, eyeing him.
“Babe,” Jared quietly interjects.
Leaning his head to the left, Nathan catches Joe’s eyes. “She’s a heartbreaker, this one! Her and her rules.”
I don’t give Nathan the satisfaction of a verbal response and keep my eyes on my book.
“Babe, leave her alone,” Jared commands with a quiet, stern voice.
“What? Okay. Fine,” Nathan replies, trying to sound innocent from his words and actions.
I continue to ignore Nathan as Jared squeezes my hand. Jared knows I’m a big girl and can take care of myself, but I appreciate the sentiment. Jared’s been very protective of me, and I of him, since we met.
My attention stays on my book as Jared and Nathan whisper to each other. Jared starts playing with my hair as Nathan shifts and lays his upper body across Jared’s lap.
“I love you!” Nathan professes in a cutesy voice.
I glance at him for a moment before returning to my book.
“I love you,” he repeats, then bites my thigh.
“Ouch,” I cry. I immediately spring up, jumping on top of him.
Screaming, Nathan calls to Jared, “Help. . . help!”
Nathan and I spar for four seconds until I’ve got him pinned to the floor.
Laughing, Jared stays where he is and insists, “Hell no. You did that yourself.”
Sadie makes her way over to Nathan’s face and starts licking and sniffing him.
Maggie flies through the bedroom door to see what the commotion is about. “What are you two doing?” she scolds.
“It serves him right,” Jared contends. “He started it. She’s going to finish it.”
Everyone stares, muffling snickers.
Breaking the silence, Jared comments, “My bet is on Emma. Anyone think that Nathan has a chance?”
I smile when they all shake their heads. For a little fun, I decide to let Nathan think he’s winning from time to time before returning him to a fully pinned status.
Maggie takes Henry back to the bedroom before Nathan and I are done. Jared turns on the television a minute before Nathan taps out of our match. When I get back to the couch, Jared gives me a high-five just before Nathan turns his playfulness on Jared. Soon after, they are heading to their room.
Before closing the door, Nathan shouts, “Everyone’s on their own for lunch. We’ll figure out dinner later.”
Within five minutes, Joe and I hear noises coming from both rooms. Breaching the subject first, Joe inquires, “How about getting out of here?”
“Sure.”
I immediately regret my agreement, but being stuck in the condo overhearing my friends having sex seems more uncomfortable than being stuck out in public with Joe.
I take Sadie with us when we take to the streets. Conversation strikes back up as we walk around and eventually sit to eat lunch. I’m glad when we’re able to chat about everything and anything except what happened last night, this morning or when Nathan mentioned Chris. There comes a point where laughter floats in and out of our chatting, erasing any of the previous tension.
Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set Page 19