Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set

by Martha Sweeney

  “Seriously?” I whine.

  “Yes,” she confirms. “They don’t need big, showy type of gifts like we do to feed their egos, but they do secretly want and desire gifts from the heart.”

  “Shit,” I huff under my breath.

  “I know sharing your emotions isn’t easy,” Maggie reminds. “But, a lot can be said in a gift that is simple but meaningful rather than just expensive.”

  “What did you get Henry for Valentine’s Day?” I ask.

  “He’s been wanting to see an opera, but we’ve been so busy, so I got us tickets and arranged his schedule so we can go,” she shares. “I also booked us a hotel that night so we can really be alone and bought some sexy lingerie and a couple of toys to use.”

  “Shit,” I exhale. “He really is kinky like Jared said.”

  “Yeah,” Maggie giggles. “He’s just not as comfortable expressing it as I am . . . especially to others.”

  “I have no clue what to give Joe,” I comment.

  “Gifts don’t have to cost anything, Emma,” she states. “Does joe have any pictures of you or the two of you at his place?”

  “I think just on his phone,” I share, not wanting to mention the ones that are on his computer screensaver.

  “I don’t doubt he’d want a framed picture of you for his office or bedroom from when you aren’t there,” she mentions.

  “We’re together every night, except for when he goes to New York,” I reply.

  “See,” she says excitedly. “He might not have a photo for his place back in New York.”

  “He has photos on his phone,” I remind.

  “Framed pictures still hold meaning, Emma,” she says. “He’s got photos of his family in both places. I remember seeing pictures when we had dinner with him, Jimmy and Allen at their place back in January.”

  “Yeah,” I sigh. “What else?”

  “Henry has been eyeing a couple of classic cars and I found one online,” she mentions. “I got a really good deal on it with Joe’s help and it’ll be delivered to us on Valentine’s Day morning with a large ribbon on it.”

  “Shit,” I exclaim. “I thought the gifts don’t have to be big.”

  “Size doesn’t matter,” Maggie chuckles. “It’s the fact that I got him one of the exact cars he’s been wanting. The price doesn’t hold the true value of the gift.”

  “Well, aside from a photo and sex, I’m screwed,” I inform. “I have no idea what to get Joe and I’ve got only tomorrow to figure out something.”

  “What does Joe have planned?”

  “I don’t know,” I reply. “Do you really think he’d clue me in on what he’s planning for me . . . for us?”

  “Good point,” Maggie giggles. “Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are staring you right in front of your face. Don’t really think about it, let it come to you.”

  “What if I can’t think of anything and all I give him is a stupid framed picture?” I complain.

  “Stop beating yourself up about it,” Maggie instructs. “Besides, this is your first boyfriend and your first Valentine’s Day with someone other than Jared, Nathan and me. Joe’s going to be happy just with the fact that you’re willing to spend it with him.”

  “I guess,” I reply frustrated. “But, I know he’s going to give me something. That’s just how he is and I’ll feel really shitty if I don’t have something for him.”

  “Emma,” Maggie calls. “We give because we care not because we expect anything in return.”

  “Then, why does there have to be a day where you feel obligated rather than just show it on a daily basis?” I ask.

  “That’s a great point and something you should bring up to Joe,” Maggie suggests. “In the meantime, do what makes you feel the most comfortable.”

  After our pedicures, Maggie and I have some tea in her sunroom while we wait for Henry and Joe to arrive. Our conversation is light as my mind desperately searches for a gift for Joe. I do my best to chat with Maggie about how she’s doing and all, especially with the pregnancy. She shares a little bit, but always changes the topic back to Joe and me, asking questions about things we’ve done together. I get it. She’s hoping to spark an idea for my gift, but I keep coming up with nothing. My anxiety increases a little when we hear footsteps coming toward us. I look at the clock and notice it’s only six-thirty.

  “Hi, honey,” Maggie beams, jumping up to greet Henry.

  “Hi, sexy,” Henry says, kissing her. “How was your day?” He drops to his knees and kisses her belly.

  “Great,” Maggie answers excitedly, running her fingers through Henry’s hair. “We got all dolled up and we’ll be ready for Valentine’s Day.”

  Henry looks to me. “Hi, Emma.”

  “Hi,” I huff, standing to give him a hug.

  “What’s wrong?” Henry asks with concern.

  “Nothing,” I reply, not wanting to be so obvious when Joe sees me. “Where’s Joe?”

  “He’s finishing up a call,” Henry informs. “He’ll be in in just a second.” Henry looks back and forth between Maggie and me. “What happened to a relaxing afternoon?”

  “We’re good. We’re relaxed,” Maggie answers with a smile.

  “Emma doesn’t look relaxed,” Henry remarks.

  “It’s nothing, Henry. I’m fine,” I fib.

  “You’re more than fine, beautiful,” Joe says with a smile, headed right for me.

  “Hey, you,” I say.

  Joe wraps his arms around me, planting a huge kiss on my lips. “You okay?”

  “Yeah,” I reply with half truth.

  “Emma was telling me how excited she is to have her first Valentine’s Day with you,” Maggie announces.

  Joe laughs. “Really?”

  I do my best fake smile and nod my head.

  “Don’t lie, beautiful,” Joe says. “You know what happens when you lie.”

  “Now that, I’m excited about,” I tease, grabbing his ass.

  “There you are,” he comments, kissing my nose.

  “What happens when she lies?” Maggie pries with a devious grin.

  My fingers dig into Joe’s ass, prompting him to keep quiet.

  Joe doesn’t reply, but his facial expression gives enough of an answer.

  “Ooo, I like that,” Maggie comments.

  “I think it’s safe to say you like almost anything, honey,” Henry says under his breath, but loud enough for Joe and I to hear it.

  “Well, now I’m horny,” Maggie announces.

  “When are you not?” I goad.

  “It’s more,” Henry snickers slightly with a proud smile. “A benefit to pregnancy.”

  “That’s the kind of stuff I don’t want to know,” I reply.

  “Trust me,” Henry begins. “It’s better hearing about that than some of the other stuff Amy and Kim have told her.”

  “Don’t,” I say, holding my hand up. “We can stop there.”

  “Well, we better go eat or else I’m going to ravish this man right here,” Maggie states, kissing Henry several times while feeling him up.

  “Emma and I can let you two go,” Joe offers. “If you need some alone time.”

  “No,” Maggie disagrees. “No. We’re good . . . for now.” She turns and smacks Henry on the ass before heading towards the dining room.

  I can’t help but smile at Henry’s slight uncomfortableness at the situation. He’s definitely in love with Maggie, all of Maggie, but she does have her moments of over sharing and I feel for the guy.

  “Shall we?” Henry asks, gesturing for us to follow Maggie.

  One Hundred Seventeen

  Since having dinner at Maggie’s, I have been looking non-stop for ideas on the internet as to what to get Joe. Joe texts and calls several times, checking to see if I’m free and says that he misses me and can’t wait to see me. He tries to persuade me to come over each night, saying that he wouldn’t mind being surprised if I just showed up since I have keys to get in — I refuse to see him un
til I figure out what I’m giving him.

  Last night, by about midnight, I finally figured out what to give Joe, which is a relief since he’s on his way over to get me to start celebrating Valentine’s Day at eight in the morning. All I know is to wear something comfortable because we may or may not be outside at some point. He better not be going overboard with regards to today — I really can’t take it.

  At seven forty-five, Sadie alerts me that someone is at the door before the knock is heard.

  “You’re early,” I greet with a playful smirk.

  “Hi, beautiful,” Joe returns with a smile as he holds twelve, red, long-stem roses that are wrapped with a red and white hearted patterned ribbon.

  “Hi,” I answer, accepting the flowers.

  “I didn’t want to take any chances that you were going to back out at the last second,” he teases.

  “You texted me five minutes ago and I replied,” I remind.

  “True. But, you could have been somewhere else while replying,” he suggests.

  “Even if I was, you’d have Taylor and Hunter in cahoots to keep track of me . . . you know, keeping dibs on where I am at all times, just in case,” I muse.

  “I seriously considered it,” Joe reveals with a nervous smile. He leans in and kisses me while I get the flowers in a vase.

  “I don’t know why?” I feign, returning his kiss.

  I hear a woman giggle and find Anna standing behind Joe. “Hi, Anna,” I greet warmly though I’m confused by her presence.

  “Anna’s here to pack for you,” Joe informs.

  “Pack for me?” I repeat.

  “Yes,” Anna confirms heading into my bedroom.

  “Why is she packing for me?” I inquire, following after Anna.

  “I want today to be a surprise,” Joe reveals, tugging on my arm and spinning me to face him. He offers a yummy kiss. “So, Anna’s going to pack the things you’ll need before we leave.”

  “What things do I need?” I ask, tilting my head behind me, hoping that Anna will answer.

  “I told her the gist of what we’re doing and what you’ll need,” Joe replies, holding me close.

  “I don’t like surprises,” I remind.

  “So,” Joe chuckles. “You’ll need to get used to it since you’re my girlfriend.”

  “I’m seriously reconsidering the girlfriend thing,” I goad.

  “Don’t make empty threats,” Joe directs. “You know what happens with them.”

  “Yeah,” I sigh. “I like what happens . . . and so do you.”

  Joe pulls me in for another kiss or two before redirecting my attention to the kitchen. I get the flowers into the vase while Joe grabs Sadie’s bag and starts adding some of her usual basics for trips.

  Once Anna is finished, Joe grabs my bags and we head out. The two of us sit quietly in the back seat of his Tesla with Sadie as Hunter drives and Ace is in the front passenger seat. The rest of our teams are following in two other vehicles.

  After about five minutes of driving as we head south on the freeway, I ask, “So . . . where are we going?”

  “You’ll see, beautiful,” Joe replies, kissing my hand.

  “Come on,” I whine. “Give me something.”

  “Nope,” he chuckles.

  “Hunter?” I call, hoping he’ll give me a hint.

  “Sorry, Emma,” he says lightheartedly.

  “We need to get a woman on my security team,” I state.

  “What? Why?” Joe inquires.

  “Because, she’d fill me in,” I share.

  “That’s definitely not going to happen,” Joe mentions.

  “Why not?” I challenge playfully. “You think a woman can’t do as good as a job as them?”

  “No,” Joe replies in a serious tone. “You know that’s not what I’m saying.”

  I giggle at Joe’s reaction.

  “That’s not funny,” he comments.

  “Yes, it is,” I reply, laughing more.

  Joe gives me a stern look.

  “I see that look,” I poke.

  “What look?” Joe questions.

  “The twitchy palm look,” I tease.

  “Careful, beautiful,” Joe threatens deviously.

  “What?” I deny any and all awareness.

  “You know what,” Joe states.

  “I’m sure the boys won’t mind keeping their eyes forward if you’d like,” I tease.

  Joe shakes his head, but doesn’t verbally reply.

  “Can’t wait, then,” I goad, sliding my hand between his groin and copping a feel.

  Joe lets me get a good rub or two of his slightly firm shaft before removing my hand. I whine my protest as Joe pulls out a piece of red, silk fabric from his pocket.

  “So, you do want to have a little fun,” I comment with a smirk, reaching for his bulge.

  “No,” he replies, blocking my attempt. Joe moves like he’s about to place the fabric over my eyes.

  “What are you doing?” I search.

  “Where we’re going is a surprise. I don’t trust you to keep your eyes closed the whole time, so I’m going to blindfold you,” Joe shares.

  “What?” I say in shock, pulling my head away.

  “Hold still,” Joe directs.

  “No,” I object. “It’ll mess my hair up.”

  “Your hair will be beautiful either way and we aren’t going to get there if this isn’t on,” Joe comments.

  “But . . . .” I start to complain.

  “Emma,” Joe says sweetly.

  “Okay, fine,” I huff.

  Joe places the blindfold on and then holds me more firmly as comfort while repeatedly kissing the side of my head. We chat on occasion about random things, which helps make time pass and my nerves to ease a little.

  When the car finally stops, my hands jump to remove the blindfold.

  “Not yet,” Joe instructs, blocking me.

  “What? Why?” I complain.

  A gust of wind with a taste of saltiness pushes into the vehicle when the door opens. We’re obviously near the ocean.

  Joe releases the fabric from my face once he gets me situated a few feet away from the car. Giving me a second for my eyes to adjust, Joe leads Sadie and me onto a marina that is half filled with boats of all sizes.

  “How long do we get the boat?” I ask as he helps me on.

  “Depends,” Joe replies.

  “On what?” I explore.

  “I was thinking . . .” he begins, “. . . maybe after lunch, we could take you for your first driving lessons?”

  My body pauses a few inches from the ramp to get on the boat. I search his face to see if he’s joking.

  “Emma?” Joe checks, his expression changing, revealing a small smile.

  “What?” I ask, resuming my trek onto to the boat.

  “I was just kidding,” he shares nervously.

  “I know,” I reply.

  “Really?” he pries.

  “No,” I admit. “But, I was hoping you were.”

  “Learning a little bit about driving a car might help . . . it puts the control back in your hands . . . you did so well with the go-karts,” Joe reminds.

  My mouth scrunches to one side, not completely sure about the idea.

  “Consider it,” Joe suggests. “Now, sit. I need to get the boat ready for us.”

  Sadie and I relax on the front of the boat while Joe gets the vessel ready for our journey. There’s a cool nip in the air even though it’s warm with the sun on us. Sadie and I snuggle under a blanket Joe offers and wait patiently for him to get us out to sea.

  “So, how long do we get the boat for?” I check.

  “As long as we want,” Joe replies with a smile.

  Once we’re beyond the marina and into open water, Joe calls me over and I gladly join him. He leads me to stand between him and the steering wheel, having me guide the boat for a little while.

  “You’re a natural,” Joe praises.

  “I’ve had a good teacher
,” I muse.

  “So, you’re not mad at me for the blindfold?” Joe inspects.

  “No,” I reply nonchalantly, shrugging my shoulders. “I’m glad that you didn’t go full on romantic. We’ve always done things differently and I appreciate that.”

  “Me too. Well, I think this is romantic,” he says, snuggling into me. “And, the day isn’t over yet.”

  Neither of us say anything — I don’t really think anything needs to be said.

  Once we drop anchor, Joe pulls out a basket and a bottle of wine. We eat and snuggle with Sadie, enjoying the calm rocking of the boat. Once we finish our meal, Joe instructs for me to stay on deck while he goes below. I ask what he’s doing, but all he does is threaten me that he’ll tie me to the boat to make sure I don’t follow. I concede to staying put.

  About five minutes later, Joe leads me down the stairs. My mouth opens wide at all of the candles scattered around the bedroom.

  “Joe . . .” my voice nervously calls.

  “Relax,” he coaxes. “They’re fake.” He touches one of the wicks. “See.”

  “They look real,” I comment.

  “I know,” he agrees. “That’s why I got these.”

  Joe pulls me into him, taking my lips with his. By the time I’m down to my underwear and he has laid me on the bed, I notice the red rose petals as they stick to my skin. As the heat rises, Joe and I kiss, touch and lick every inch of each other’s body in the most passionate ways.

  After our steamy sex session, we lounge on the bed with nothing on and are only slightly covered by the sheets. We snuggle for a while until Joe takes out his guitar. I pay close attention to the melody of the first song, not recognizing it from when he’s played the piano or guitar in the past. I think nothing of it until he begins to sing — something he usually doesn’t do.

  And, it’s all about the way she makes me feel

  It’s all about he kisses that you steal

  The kisses that you steal

  The kisses that you steal

  “Is that a new one?” I inquire.

  “Yes,” Joe confirms.

  “Who is it?” I say.

  “It’s Kisses That You Steal by blakgraz.”

  “I like it,” I comment loosely.

  “Me too,” agrees Joe with a smile.