Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set

by Martha Sweeney

  “Of course not,” I interrupt. “Joe and I were just going over some business.”

  Mr. and Mrs. Covelli’s eyes bounce between Joe and me several times.

  “Business? This late?” Mrs. Covelli questions with a smile.

  “Yes,” Joe agrees. “Emma’s a little nervous, so we’ve been discussing things.”

  “Oh, well we can see to ourselves while you finish,” Mrs. Covelli comments.

  “We’re finished,” I offer quickly. “I’ll be on my way for you to visit.”

  “Nonsense,” Mr. Covelli interjects. “Please stay and join us for some tea.”

  “Yes, please. I’m not quite ready for bed, sweetheart. We had a nap on the plane and I’m wide awake,” Mrs. Covelli adds.

  All three of their faces are bright and I can see that Joe definitely wants me to stay, even if just for a little longer.

  “Sure. Tea would be lovely,” I agree.

  We make our way to the living room and Anna is quick to bring out a tray for tea. Our conversations are light and not on business as we sip our drinks. Mrs. Covelli mentions how Jimmy and Allen are excited that the premier is just two weeks away — is it really?! Time has flown.

  “Can you tell us anything about the dress?” Mrs. Covelli inquires politely.

  “Unfortunately, no,” I share.

  “Nathan really does want to surprise everyone, doesn’t he?” she continues.

  “Actually,” I continue. “I haven’t seen it.”

  “Really?” she searches. “He needs to check the fit. He’s cutting it pretty close, I would say.”

  “I know,” I nervously agree.

  “I don’t doubt you’ll look beautiful,” she comments sweetly.

  “Thank you,” I accept. “The suits he has for Chris and everyone else look great.”

  “Wonderful,” she praises. “I can’t wait to see everyone dressed up.” Mrs. Covelli takes a sip of her tea. “I’ve already shared the few items I’ve purchased with a dear friend of mine who is in the fabric industry and she’s very impressed.”

  “Wonderful,” I say excitedly.

  “She’s eagerly awaiting the reveal for the premier, as am I. We’ll be watching that night,” Mrs. Covelli informs. “If she likes what she sees, she’ll be a key person to help get Nathan into the fashion show line at the beginning of next year.”

  “Seriously?” I question, not that I doubt her.

  “Yes, sweetheart,” she confirms with a pleased smile.

  “I know that Nathan would be more than excited to hear that,” I mention. “Thank you. It would mean the world to him.”

  “Fingers crossed,” Mrs. Covelli says with a confident grin.

  I smile and nod.

  The four of us sip our tea in silence for a few moments, enjoying the buzz floating in the air.

  Suddenly, Mrs. Covelli announces that she’s tired and needs to rest. I’m only halfway done with my cup and I can’t believe that she’s already finished hers. I doubt that she’s lifted her cup to her lips more than the rest of us. Mr. Covelli quickly agrees and they bid Joe and me goodnight, insisting that I stay and that they can sleep through anything. What an odd and random statement.

  Joe and I sit awkwardly for at least ten minutes, finishing our drinks. He eventually moves closer to me on the couch.

  “I should go,” I announce, placing my empty tea cup and saucer on the tray.

  “I’ll walk you,” Joe insists with a smile.

  We take our time, dragging out the walk as long as we can back to my apartment, not wanting the night to end. When I get the door open, Joe cautiously steps inside. I give him a quizzical look and he tells me he’s making sure no one has snuck in my place as he closes the door behind him.

  Unable to take the lack of his touch, I step into him, desperate to feel him all over me. Our mouths unite as one and Joe annoyingly takes his time. My hands frantically scramble to undo his belt, but Joe hinders me by the wrists. My head snaps back for me to question him, but he presses more against me, wrapping my arms around his neck and snatching my lips. He holds my arms in place, gradually releasing them as if he’s making sure I don’t lower them. As our mouths stay together, Joe leads me with his hands on my waist, directing me to follow him.

  When Joe breaks contact, I growl my disappoint. He spins me, facing away from him and I notice that we’re at the edge of my bed. Wanting his lips, I try to turn, but he holds me still. Joe dips his right hand down, sliding it under my dress and gently rubs my sex. As he returns his lips to mine, my ass presses into his erection. My left hand reaches up and my fingers tangle in his hair while my right hand reaches around to his firm, right butt cheek. Each time my body dances with the movement of his hand playing between my legs, Joe’s groin presses harder into me.

  Joe disconnects his lips from mine once both of his hands encase my sex. I try to turn to face him again, but he blocks me. When Joe’s hands shift again, I feel his right hand sweeping my hair off my neck just before his lips taste my skin. He steadies my head in place, as his tongue explores my neck. My brain finally surrenders to his direction, allowing him to lead. Ten seconds later, Joe is lowering the zipper to my dress. He meticulously lowers each strap with painstaking precision, moving them barely a centimeter at a time before they roll off the edges of my shoulders, forcing the dress to immediately fall to the floor.

  His hand slowly slip across my skin, with one hand returning to my sex while the other glides over and around my breasts and nipples. Joe’s mouth returns to the nape of my neck, gradually moving down my spine. Shifting his hands to my hips, Joe is suddenly kneeling behind me. He nips at my left buttock with his teeth, making me jump slightly. My hands play with my breasts as Joe’s mouth inspects each of my cheeks, biting me just enough on each one occasionally when he isn’t kissing them.

  One of my hands dips down to my sex when I feel Joe leisurely lowering one side of my panties followed by the other until they surround my ankles. He guides me to shift my weight from one leg to the other, releasing the panties and removing my shoes.

  Joe’s lips return to my skin on the edges of my ass, traveling up my spine and diligently proceeding upward to my neck and shoulders. He presses his body into mine, guiding me to move closer to the bed until I can’t step forward anymore. Reluctant to break contact, I lean forward, placing my hands on the bed so I can kneel. A sudden rush of elation floods my body — a new position.

  My expectations are quickly squashed when I look back as Joe prompts me to flip over. His mouth immediately converges with my sex, washing away my disappointment instantaneously. Joe’s tongue and fingers dive in, striking the very locations that bring me to orgasm.

  While Joe licks his fingers clean from my release, I sit up and get to work on his belt. Joe and I stare at each other with eager anticipation as we both work to get him naked. Just before I get the chance to taste the pre-cum I see on the tip of his penis, Joe starts putting the condom on. Bending down and catching my waist, he shifts me back on the bed as his mouth returns to mine.

  I gasp when Joe’s penis breeches the rim of my cave, gradually slipping in deeper. With slow, rhythmic thrusts, Joe takes his time. I notice him watching me when our lips release each time as if he’s studying every reaction I have to his body touching me. My second orgasm arrives quickly.

  Joe alters his position when Sadie jumps on the bed where he’s kneeling straight up, with his cock still inside of me. My body rings from a new sensation as he holds onto my hips, waiting to see where Sadie will end up.

  When Joe yanks on my hips a second time, pulling me toward him to make sure he doesn’t pop out, I announce my desire. “Again,” I pant.

  Joe begins to lower himself and I lift my hand to stop him.

  “No,” I direct.

  He gives me a quizzical look.

  “Stay up,” I explain.

  Joe obliges when I direct his hands back to my hips once he’s kneeling again.

  “Yes,” I confirm. “J
ust like that.”

  Joe eases into rhythmic pulses as if he’s not sure about my level of enjoyment. It doesn’t take long for my moans to reassure him. His thrusts become harder and faster when I raise my pelvis up slightly, allowing him better access. My right hand jumps to my clit, feverishly rubbing.

  “Don’t . . . stop . . .” I cry as I feel the release building inside.

  The orgasm rushes into my body, causing convulsions and moans that reverberate throughout my frame to escape my mouth. Joe lowers, kissing me sweetly as my body finishes pulsating.

  “That sounded like a good one,” Joe comments, grinning from ear to ear.

  “Mmmm hmmm,” I concur, unable to vocalize any other sound.

  “I’ll make sure we do that position again,” he notifies.

  “Good,” I agree.

  Joe returns his mouth to my neck, taking his time tasting me as he entwines our fingers. He returns to the slow, rhythmic thrusts into my body, and all I can do is drink up the euphoria coursing through me.

  Enjoying ourselves, we don’t rush. Joe takes his time like he doesn’t want this moment to end. My body shivers each time Joe pumps into me, sensitive to each caress on every inch of my body, especially on the inside.

  As the next orgasm stirs inside of me, I can tell Joe is getting closer too by the way he groans and the slight increase of his thrusts.

  “God . . . I love the way you feel,” he whispers into my ear.

  Several more thrusts and Joe groans, orgasming with me.

  As we lay connected after our release, my brain wakes back up. Did Joe just say what I think he said? No. No. Yet, he did use the L word. Shit. I don’t care how he used it. He used it with me — that can’t happen.

  “You should probably get going,” I say impassively.

  Joe’s expression changes. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” I lie. “You’ve been here a while and we’re leaving Wednesday.”

  “What’s going on?” he asks, not believing me.

  “Nothing,” I deny.

  “You’re acting weird,” he accuses.

  “No, I’m not,” I say defensively.

  “Did I do something wrong?” Joe looks worried and hurt.

  “No,” I quickly reply, nervous by his reaction. A pain forms in my chest seeing him like this.

  “You sure?” he checks.

  “Yes,” I console.

  Sadie comes over seeking attention, ironically helping to diffuse the situation. Joe studies me for several long seconds and I have trouble maintaining eye contact. He uses the bathroom before getting dressed and I put on my silk robe while he finishes buttoning up his shirt. Neither of us talk. This is the first time the silence is awkward — at least for me.

  I find myself walking Joe out to the door and right after he cracks it open, he suddenly turns, grabs me and delivers a fervent kiss. My body melts immediately and molds to his, wanting the embrace to last.

  When my eyes open after our lips part, I find that a smile has returned to Joe’s face. I can’t help but return the expression.

  “See you,” he states with a mild hint of questioning.

  “See you,” I breathe out, desperate to taste him again.

  Joe presses his lips harder to mine, keeping them there for a long time, barely pulling away before returning them again for more. What is this spell he has on my body?

  “Goodnight, beautiful,” his voice sings.

  “Goodnight, Joe.”

  Sixty Five

  The past few days have been much better for Maggie and the whole family. Joe’s parents went to visit, having lunch or dinner the past two days. I joined them only for one of the meals, wanting to stay at home and work with minimal distractions before our trip. It’s really nice to see more of the real Maggie — the happy, fun-loving Maggie. She even perked up a little when reminded of the premier. Everyone seems excited, except me.

  Wednesday morning, Sadie and I are in the plane with Joe and his parents heading to Oregon. The flight is much more bearable, especially since it’s my fourth trip in an airplane. The five of us get settled quickly into our hotel and then have lunch before heading to the facility.

  Apparently, Joe and Mr. Covelli were able to get a really good price on the property, especially since they purchased the thirty plus acres next to it. The facility is an old, rundown factory on the border of the town it’s located in, with easy access to the main highway. Several of my current staff who live in Oregon meet up with us to know where their new office will be. As we tour the place, I notice that it’s already been gutted and many of the new structural layouts have been put into place, along with radiant floor heating and a cooling system. The section that will be the home for Raven Media has a small office upstairs and private access to the lower level that will contain the servers. I take a variety of pictures, sending them to Maggie to show her the current status. Once the interior walls and floors are finished, Joe, Maggie and I will return to supervise the delivery and installation of the hardware.

  Mr. and Mrs. Covelli, Joe, and I bid farewell to my staff after treating them to dinner. I fight with Joe about covering the bill and there’s a pleased, smug look on both of Joe's parent’s faces as he and I banter. I share a gloating smirk when I win. Back at the hotel, Joe’s parents say goodnight, leaving Joe and myself in the bar after having a round of cocktails and chatting with us for the last hour.

  I head to my room, changing before taking Sadie out for a jog. Joe joins us and we cover about five miles by the time we get back. Somehow Joe manages to get past me as I open the door to my room, letting himself in when I announce that I’m going to take a shower.

  “What are you doing?”

  “We’ll, we both need to shower, and knowing how eco-conscious you are, I figured we’d conserve water,” he innocently states.

  “Conserve water?” I repeat, making sure I heard him correctly.

  “Yes,” he confirms, grinning. He leans forward to kiss me, but I block him with my finger.

  “Nice try,” I reply.

  “Why not?”

  “We’re here on business and . . .” I stop myself from the real reason.

  “And . . . ?”

  Shit. He heard that extra part.

  “And, I don’t mix business with pleasure,” I calmly respond.

  “It’s a little late for that, beautiful,” he counters.

  “How?”

  Joe gives me a look — a look I understand. It’s a look that says we’ve been having sex this whole time after already starting our business venture, and there’s no way I’m going to talk him out of it. He snags a kiss, sealing his victory.

  “What’s wrong?” he checks. My expression must have alerted him.

  My eyes lower, not sure how to tell him. “I . . . it’s . . . .”

  God, this is so awkward.

  “It’s that time of the month,” I blurt, nervously giggling after the words escape my lips.

  I can’t believe I just told him. I’ve never offered that information to a guy — a guy that isn’t Jared.

  “That’ doesn’t bother me,” Joe sincerely offers. “Even just to shower and hang out.”

  My fingers anxiously twist in his shirt. It’s odd to me how it doesn’t bother him at all.

  “Okay,” I hesitantly agree. “No sex?”

  “No sex,” he sweetly replies. “Not unless you change your mind.”

  My eyes squint, confirming that I won’t change my mind. “Give me a second first, okay?”

  “Sure, beautiful,” he says, giving me a long peak.

  I head into the bathroom with Sadie on my heels, closing the door behind me for a little privacy. After I get my menstrual cup out and cleaned, I tuck it away in my toiletry bag. “Okay,” I say, cracking the door open.

  Joe peeks around the door, making sure I was serious. He catches me with my running shirt halfway up my body, and he quickly places his hands along the edges, assisting me. Once my shirt is off, Joe pull
s me into him, delivering his lips to mine ever so gently. He takes a small step back and removes his shirt. When my hands start to push my running capris down, Joe tentatively helps, as if making sure he isn’t overstepping boundaries. I let him, but my body shakes when he kneels in front of me, assisting to lift each foot out and places his mouth on my navel. I hear him take a long, deep breath in and then his mouth inches up my belly, past my breasts and stops at my collar bone. In one quick movement, Joe shrugs his shorts and underwear down to the floor and then carefully removes my sports bra.

  “What are you doing?” I question, not sure why he’s starting a bath.

  “I thought we could start in the tub,” he comments. “We can end up in the shower afterward.”

  “Okay,” I tentatively agree.

  “We don’t have to,” he begins.

  “No, it’s fine,” I confirm. My hands tremble a little.

  Joe turns off all of the lights, except the recessed lighting at the bottom of the sink area. I grab my jar of bath salts from a bag and my hands clasp uncomfortably in front of my sex, not sure what to do. Holding out his hand, Joe softly tugs for me to move forward. He lets me sprinkle in the salts and then takes the jar, returning it where it belongs. He holds my hand as I step into the overly large, white porcelain tub. Once I get settled, Joe climbs in, sitting behind me with his phone in hand. He turns on some music and we lounge, enjoying the music. Joe either has his arms wrapped around me or is playing with a strand of my hair when he’s not kissing the back of my head, my shoulder or holding my face to the side to get to my lips.

  At some point, Joe gets a little daring, walking his fingers down my belly. He swirls his finger around my bellybutton and then slides it down my hip and onto my thigh, to the tip of my knee that is sticking out of the water. My mouth is unable to object when his fingers slide back down the way they came and end up circling my lower belly, just above my sex. My breathing becomes a little unsteady for how close his hand is, and before I know it, a moan releases from my mouth when his fingers gently rub over my clitoris. Joe’s hand doesn’t falter and continues without a break in pace.