Joe’s and my rooms are side by side and each has their own full private bathroom; mine is connected to my room, but Joe’s is just across the hall from his door. My room has two sliding glass doors on the far right corner, which I make note of, for when I’ll need privacy for changing and for Sadie to have easy access to the private yard. Jimmy and Allen have the master bedroom which is all the way on the other side of the suite — all the better to reduce the sound of any hanky-panky. The majority of our suite’s rooms have one hundred and eighty-degree ocean-front views.
Joe shouts from the living room to Jimmy and Allen, “You guys coming with us?”
“Go without us,” a faint voice replies.
I’m not sure who it was, but I definitely know what they are doing.
Joe, Sadie and I head out of our suite to check in with the rest of our group who are staying in the Maile Presidential Suite which is on the top floor. Maggie is buzzing when we enter and she shows me around the suite. They have the same ocean-front view as us, but their’s is from the top of the building in the penthouse. I know why Henry and Maggie gave us the lower level — to give Sadie room to run around if she’s stuck in the suite for any length of time and I appreciate their consideration. The layout of the Maile Suite is very similar to ours, however, the decor is very different. A bit more modern luxury style where ours is a contemporary luxury feel.
Minus Jimmy and Allen, my friends and I head out to walk around the grounds of the hotel before deciding on changing into our swimsuits and lounging at the pools. Within fifteen minutes, the six of us, plus Sadie are at the Serenity Pool that has designated cabanas just for our use during our stay. The staff willingly show us the cabanas’ amenities which include a television, wi-fi, mini fridge, couches and ceiling fans. Maggie and Henry are already in the water and ordering drinks from the swim-up bar with Jared and Nathan just behind them. I order a drink for myself and Sadie from our waitress before she turns and takes Joe’s order.
Alika, our concierge, and Kahoni, the other suite’s concierge, check on us after a while and to see if there are any services or amenities we’d like to book. We schedule a group luau dinner for tonight, and a morning of hiking at the waterfalls tomorrow. Other than dinners, I doubt that we’ll all be getting together for excursions each day.
About an hour after being at the pool, Jimmy and Allen join us. With everyone a little hungry, we order some food to eat to tide us over until dinner. We drink. We eat. We swim and we laugh. Some of us nap in between in cabanas or the sun.
Knowing that we’ll be hanging out together the majority of the time, Joe and I start to determine which activities we’d like to definitely do while in Maui.
“I definitely want to do a helicopter tour,” Joe mentions.
“You do that,” I reply, not sure about being back in the air so quickly.
“Come on . . . it won’t be as fun without you,” he encourages.
I mull over the thought. Once we were up in the air on the plane, I actually didn’t mind it. “Okay, if you agree to go zip-lining,” I add.
“Sure,” he agrees. “We should see if it’s still whale migration season.”
“You want to go whale watching?” I muse.
No man admits that he’s into whale watching openly.
“Yeah. I love sailing. It won’t be as private as our family yacht or sailboat, but it’s just the same.”
“Okay,” I agree willingly. “Wait. Your family has a yacht and a sailboat?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Could they not choose between the two so they figured they’d buy both,” I mock.
“Something like that,” he replies, poking me in my side.
“We all should do the couple’s spa package,” Maggie adds, coming over.
“Only one small challenge with that, Mags,” I protest.
“What?” she innocently questions.
“Joe and I aren’t a couple,” I remind.
“So . . .” she pushes.
“So . . . you’re completely naked during those types of massages other than a towel that gets moved around and you massage each other,” I inform her.
“Oh, really?” She ponders the idea. “So. You’re practically naked now. It’s like the same thing.”
“It’s not the same thing,” I argue.
“Yes it is,” she rebuts. “Besides, Joe wouldn’t mind. Would you Joe?”
“No comment,” he says blushing.
Maggie walks away and joins Henry on a lounge chair. I watch Joe’s face and I see him raise an eyebrow at me, as if hoping I will consider the option. I just shake my head in contention. Currently seeing as much naked flesh of Joe Covelli is enough of a distraction. Sunglasses easily hide any gawking I may have been doing or continue to do while lounging.
Around four, we head to our suites to start getting ready for dinner. I order some food from Alika specifically for Sadie and he is quick to appease while taking notes on what to expect for future breakfasts and dinners. After Sadie is fed, I jump into the overly large and elegant marble bathroom to shower. Since I left the bedroom door and one of the sliding glass doors open, I consciously close the bathroom door for privacy. I don’t need to suddenly have a naked Joe coming to join me — I wouldn’t put it past him to try.
Stepping out into the living room, I’m met by six handsome men, four wearing different styles of light grey dress suits with crisp white shirts and Jared and Nathan who are wearing khaki color suits and crisp white shirts. Maggie looks magnificent in a silk red and white floral dress. They all, gape when I come out.
“What?” I question, checking myself to make sure nothing is out of place. I instantly blush not knowing what’s causing their reaction until I process what I am wearing.
Jared walks over to me first. “You look exceptionally lovely.”
“I didn’t know you bought the dress,” Nathan remarks, jumping up and down hugging me.
“Uh, yeah. I wanted it to be a surprise,” I return as my blush deepens.
I knew that if I didn’t wear Nathan’s dress, the one that Joe bought for me, I would never hear the end of it from Joe about why I didn’t put it on, even with it just being the first night. I do love the dress and the way that I feel in it. Joe shares a very pleased gleam in his eye while suppressing a smile at the fact that I’m wearing it.
We file out of the suite in pairs, with Joe and I last as we leave Sadie behind for a few hours. Piling into the Teslas that are free for our use with the suites, we drive out for dinner. It’s luau time.
The setting, entertainment and food are marvelous at the luau. It’s an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life. As the evening moves by and the entertainment is finished, all eight of us are up dancing and having fun. When a slow song starts playing, I rush to take my seat at the table. Five steps later, Joe is grabbing my hand and pulling me into him.
“What are you doing?”
“Dance with me,” he requests.
“No.”
Instead of arguing with me, Joe holds me tighter to his rock, hot body with his right hand as his left hand takes my right. “You look exquisite in that dress,” he redirects.
“Thanks.” I blush, enjoying the closeness of his body. “Some cute guy, I don’t remember his name, bought it for me.”
“Cute, huh?”
“I think so. I can’t really remember,” I tease.
We sway to the music effortlessly.
“I’m surprised,” Joe begins.
“By what? That I’m wearing the dress?”
Chuckling, he explains, “No. But, thank you for that! You look even more beautiful under the moonlight wearing it.”
After blushing more at his compliment, I’m able to ask, “Then, for what?”
“For someone who always like to have control, you’re letting me lead the dance.”
As I comprehend his words, my feet suddenly falter. “I’m sorry,” I say after almost stepping on his toes.
&
nbsp; “That’s my fault. I shouldn’t have said anything,” he offers, taking the blame. He repositions us gracefully as if nothing happened.
“No, it’s my fault,” I disagree.
“No, no. It’s mine. I shouldn’t have said anything. You were doing very well,” he insists, assuming responsibility. Within seconds, our step wavers again. “Now I’m distracted.”
“Distracted? By what?” I ask.
He tentatively discloses into my ear, “I’m distracted by you.”
Sweat gathers in my palms. Clearing my throat, I ponder what to say, but I’m left speechless. My eyes hesitantly meet his as the heat in my cheeks boils hotter.
His lips are seductively inviting, especially as he bites his lip trying to stifle a smirk. “The fact that all I want to do is kiss you right now. I’m tempted to do it, risking the chance of getting slapped,” he admits freely.
My feet waver at his admission, but he flawlessly stabilizes me. I keep my head turned in the direct of our friends dancing for two reasons. One, to not give Joe the opportunity to kiss me in public, and two, to see if our friends are watching us. Thankfully, my friends are all consumed by their own partners. Relief temporarily settles in my heart, but something catches my attention just beyond the dance floor. My heart roars, my body becomes rigid, and I can feel all of the blood draining from my face.
“You okay?” Joe mutters.
I barely hear him.
“Emma? You okay?” a voice questions very slowly.
Shock engulfs me as I stand motionless. “I . . . I . . . need to use the ladies room,” I fumble.
My chest aches with each shallow breath, gasping for air as I dart away from the dance floor. My vision blurs a little just before I make it to the farthest stall in the women’s restroom. I’m not sure if anyone was following, but I don’t care. Trembling, I press my hands to the walls to steady myself. Breathe, Emma. Breathe. My eyes were playing tricks on me. That’s it. Breathe, Emma.
I hear a woman whoop, trailed by light scuffling and a man’s voice. “It’s okay Mama, I’m just looking for my sister, and don’t worry I’m gay.”
Two men's designer shoes appear at the base of the stall door, escorted by a light knock. “Emma?” Jared searches.
Sucking in some air, I confirm, “I’m . . . I’m okay.”
“Will you let me in?”
“I . . . I just . . . need a minute,” I claim, working on controlling my breathing.
“No one noticed, by the way,” he offers sweetly. “Other than Joe, they all think you’ve been in here.”
“Uh huh . . .” I affirm. My head is spinning and a tear or two trickle down my face.
“I locked the bathroom door, so no one else is coming in until we head out,” he indicates. “It might not be good to let the door stay like that for too long. We wouldn’t want to bring too much attention over here.”
“Just a second . . .” my voice stutters. “I just . . . need . . . a second.” Cautiously, I stand to make sure I’m not dizzy anymore. I take a deep breath in before unlocking the hinge.
“You okay, Kitten?” Jared says, studying my face.
“Mmm hmm,” I testify but I still haven't convinced myself that I am.
He surrounds me with a careful bear hug. “Do you think you can make it out of here?”
“Yeah . . .” my voice shakes.
Laughing he says, “We’ll you’re hiding it well from your face already, but your voice says otherwise.”
“Thanks,” I muster.
There aren’t any women waiting outside of the bathroom when we finally leave, which settles me more. Jared and I walk arm and arm over to our friends who are now sitting at the table chatting and drinking.
“Yay, you’re back,” Maggie beams. “Did Jared tell you?”
I bluff ignorance, “Tell me what?” I glance around the table.
The only two people who know about my lie are Joe and Jared.
Witnessing the sparkle, I know now that my eyes were not playing tricks on me.
“Henry proposed,” Maggie gleams, extending her left hand over for me to see the enormous rock glistening on it as she jumps up and down.
At least ten karats, probably larger, my eyes are having trouble focusing, a rounded square, pink diamond rests in the middle of a vintage style band. Clear diamonds encompass the gem as well as the entire band wrapped around her tiny finger.
“Wow!” I gulp, keeping my eyes on the ring. “I’m so happy for you. Congratulations,” I add with a forced smile, moving over to hug her and then Henry.
I immediately take my seat, feeling my legs buckling underneath me. Jared discretely takes my hand in his, dangling them between our seats. Everyone’s attention goes back to Henry and Maggie as I process what happened. With my free hand, I reach for the glass of wine sitting in front of me. I chug it in two large gulps. On an exhale, I search for more. Right as he’s reaching for it, I take Joe’s glass and chug down the rest of his as well.
“Easy there lightweight,” Joe mockingly suggests, loud enough only for me to hear as he takes the empty glass.
Our waiter brings over two bottles of champagne and new glass flutes to toast the occasion.
“To Maggie and Henry,” Jared salutes, once the waiter has filled everyone’s glasses.
Anxiety rises within me and my hand clenches down on Jared’s.
“To Maggie and Henry,” the rest of us repeat.
I down my glass of champagne discretely, only capturing Joe’s attention.
“And to love,” Nathan adds.
“To love,” everyone repeats, except me.
I hold up my glass and pretend to drink.
“Tonight we celebrate, tomorrow I want details,” Jimmy attests. “Let’s get back to dancing!”
I try to sit down a few times, claiming that I’m tired, when really all I want to do is drink to numb the pain of officially losing one of my two best friends. Either Jared, Nathan or Joe drag me back out after I get a gulp or two of more wine. Joe is right, I am a light weight. I barely drink and when I do it’s only a glass. The amount I’m drinking right now is a bit excessive. I’m right on the line of numbing the pain just enough, but almost too much where that line can blur and disappear, allowing the possibility of losing all of my inhibitions.
I dance with my friends but end up with Joe each time a slow song comes on. “How are you holding up?” Joe inquires holding me tight.
“Great,” my mouth slurs a little. My nose takes a large whiff of him. “God, do you smell good.”
A hearty laugh escapes his throat. “Careful, beautiful . . .you don’t want to start anything you might regret,” Joe sinfully replies.
“Mmm,” I hum. “Is that a challenge?” I slide my left hand under his jacket and up his bulging chest. His right nipple hardens as my fingers graze over it several times.
Laughing again, he answers, “You have had too much.”
“Maybe it’s just enough,” I suggest, placing my mouth closer to his bare skin.
“And, why is that?” he asks while trying to control his words.
“Enough to give you what you want.” I press my hips into him.
“Now I know you definitely had too much,” he whispers in my ear before kissing me on the cheek.
My mouth turns in the direction of his, wanting a taste. Joe keeps his mouth just far enough away as we stare into each others eyes.
“How we doing over here?” Jared questions behind my back.
“Fine,” I offer, laughing into Joe’s chest.
“I think it’s time to go,” Joe recommends.
“So, you are trying to sleep with me,” I contend, snickering.
“Yep. Time to go,” Jared confirms. He and Nathan dance away for a moment.
Twenty Two
“I can take her from here,” Joe offers as he and Jared walk me to my room.
With a wicked grin, Jared states, “It’s not her that I’m worried about.”
“I’ll be fine,
” Joe insists.
“You don’t know what she’s like when she’s drunk,” Jared argues. “She gets freakishly stronger.”
“Stop talking about me like I’m not here,” I slur in protest. “I’m not drunk, just a little buzzed.”
The two of them stare and laugh.
Offended by their mockery of me, I demand, “Out! Out of my room!”
Jared turns and heads to my bathroom and comes back with a glass and something in his hand.
“Ooh, you’re a good friend. You brought me more to drink,” I confess. Taking a sip, I immediately spit it out. “What the hell is this?”
“Water,” Jared comments.
“I take it back. You are not a good friend,” I demand.
Joe muffles another laugh.
“Take these too,” he offers, holding out his hand.
“I don’t want them,” I protest.
“Either you take them willingly, or . . .” he pushes.
I’m not in the mood to fight, and as much as I’ll deny how drunk I am, I know that Jared would have the leg up if we did wrestle, especially with Joe to help him. I do get stronger with liquor, but not with this much in my system. Plus, I don’t want to mess up my pretty dress. I like my dress and each time I remember that Joe gave it to me, I can’t help but smile.
“Fine,” I say, reaching out and popping the two black pills into my mouth, chasing them with the glass of water.
“She’ll be fine now. If she drinks more, just feed her two more of these and extra water.” He places the bottle down on the nightstand.
Jared takes the empty glass and fills it again, then hands me the glass. Despite my protest and desire for more liquor, I eagerly drink the water.
“Watch out for her,” he adds. “She’s sneaky.”
“Got it,” Joe replies.
“I love you.” Jared hugs and kisses me on the cheek.
“Still not my favorite person right now,” I comment with my arms crossed.
Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set Page 30