Just Breathe: Just Breathe, #3

By Martha Sweeney

BESTSELLING SERIES on Amazon and iBooks!

Paperback available via my website

 

There's an irresistibly sexy man in my life who came out of nowhere and somehow has stuck to me.  I'm not complaining — I just never saw my life happening like this.  My life has changed completely from almost a year ago — something I vowed would never happen, and yet, it has.  I've broken my rules, all of them because of him. 

Our relationship is forced out into the public — something I'm not sure I'm ready for at all. There are many things that make me uncomfortable, mainly because I've never had a boyfriend before. Certain things arise in my life, complicating it even more, testing me in so many ways all while having to face the demons of my past.

What do you say to someone who says they love you when you still don't understand your own emotions?

Will Emma break through life's obstacles and allow herself to love and be loved?

This book is not a standalone and is meant to be read after reading the first and second books (Breathe In & Breathe Out) of the Just Breathe series.

Please note: There are sexually explicit scenes F/M and F/F/M

• Language: English
• Publisher: WWN Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9780986227271

Martha Sweeney

Pushing boundaries across genres. Martha Sweeney is a Best-Selling, multi-genre author who writes in a variety of genres: romance, suspense, thriller, coloring books, romantic comedy, and science fiction. She strives to push herself as a storyteller with each new tale and hopes to push her readers outside of their comfort zone whether it be genre or the stories themselves. With a B.S. in Psychology, Martha utilizes her knowledge of human and animal behavior successfully in the business world and in her writing to present realistic characters and situations. She's been creative since she was little, always drawing, coloring or making crafts, so her venture into being an author was a natural transition.

Book preview

CHAPTER 86

Iwake sandwiched between two hot bodies with a third draped across my legs.  Who knew this is how my life would turn out?  The events of last night have put some things into perspective for me—things I never thought I would ever consider and always questioned or denied.

For starters, there’s an irresistibly sexy man in my life who came out of nowhere and somehow has stuck to me.  I’m not complaining. I just never saw my life happening like this.  My life has changed completely from almost a year ago—something I swore would never happen, and yet, it has.  I’ve broken my rules, all of them because of him, and I don’t regret one second of it.

He’s smart, sexy as hell, funny, and fits into the crazy thing called my life. He stimulates my body and brain in ways I never believed possible.  Even when he challenges me, he always has a way to make me feel different; good different, special, and wanted—and I’m not just talking sexually.  I wonder if I have the same effect on him?

Morning, beautiful, he hums.

Morning, I reply softly, lifting my gaze to Joe.  How did you know I was awake?

By the way you were breathing, he answers.  His arms tighten around my body as he kisses the top of my head.  I’m not sure if he’s still asleep or not.

Definitely asleep, I assure.

Jared’s curled into me, spooning me from behind.  Sadie sniffs her way up to us, forcing Jared to hide and rotate to the other side of the bed.  He unconsciously covers his head with the blankets which allows me to get more comfortable with Joe until Sadie insists on us getting up.

While Jared continues to rest, Joe and I make our way out of the bedroom but don’t rush to do anything in particular other than take care of Sadie.  Pop-Pop calls early—just a few minutes after I text him that we need to find time to talk.  He confirms that Nathan is heartbroken and finally resting from crying himself to sleep.  I agree to keep him up-to-date on Jared’s progress as best as I can until our meeting.

Jared doesn’t wake until almost eleven in the morning.  Kitten? he calls.

I’m here, I assure, getting up from the couch where I was lounging with Joe. Sadie is right behind me as I head into the bedroom.  Jared stays on the bed as I slide in to join him.  Hey, I greet.

Hey, he replies.

I’m not sure by his tone what his current emotional state is exactly—at least he’s not crying.  

You hungry? I ask.

Yeah, he says, snuggling into me with his head on my chest.  I’m just borrowing them, Joe.

Sounds good, Joe chuckles as he stays perched in the doorway.  How are you feeling?

Eh, Jared answers.

Eh is good, Joe replies.

Thanks, Jared says.

What are you in the mood for? Joe asks sweetly.

A good pity fuck, Jared answers flatly.

Can’t help you there, man, Joe replies with a laugh, sitting on the edge of the bed. I love you, but not like that.

Jared nods. I’ll take a large plate of french toast with chocolate, fruit, and lots of whip cream, an omelette with the works, and a gallon of ice cream.

I think we can do that, Joe replies.

Thanks, man, Jared says. He turns his head and faces me. So, what are the plans today?

What do you mean? I ask.

What were you two planning to do? I’m game…just need to eat and get in the mindset.

Uh… I say, pausing, unsure if he can handle the truth. What are you in the mood to do?

Oh, Jared sighs. You guys were planning a sex day. I get it. I can hang out on the couch with Sadie and put headphones in and watch movies or whatever.

What?! I reply shocked by his words.

With a chuckle, Joe offers, We didn’t really have anything planned today. Emma has a short meeting, but that’s it.

What meeting? Jared inquires.

My brows furrow as I give a look that says please don’t make me answer that.

Oh, Jared returns as his eyes glaze over and fall to the bed.

I don’t have to go, I offer. I can stay.

No. No, Jared objects. It’s okay, Kitten. Really. He sighs. I know you’ve got a lot of money riding on Nathaniel’s. Jared’s voice cracks on his last word.

Are you sure? I ask.

Yeah, he replies. Is Joe going with you?

I wasn’t planning on it, Joe states.

Good, Jared says, perking up. We can hang out while you’re gone, Kitten.

You sure? I ask, looking at both of them for a response.

Joe smiles and nods reassuringly which causes the corner of Jared’s mouth to curl a little.

See, Jared directs. We’re big boys and we’ll be fine for a bit.

Good, I huff.

Plus, it’ll give us time for Joe to fill me in on everything, Jared adds.

Not funny, I warn.

I wasn’t kidding, Jared claims.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Can we just not right now?

I don’t want the sex details, Jared states. Just key pieces…well, except for general knowledge of when you two managed to fuck without anyone knowing.

Jared, I huff.

He chuckles. I’m just kidding.

I look at him. No…you’re not. I get up and look at Joe. Consider very carefully what and how much you choose to share.

Joe shrugs. Who says I’ll say anything?

I step toward him. I’ll know if he knows anything more than what’s already been said.

Joe chuckles as he surrounds my face with his hands. Not too naughty…got it.

J—

His lips press firmly to mine.

Awww, Jared sighs.

Joe calls down to order Jared’s breakfast. Oddly, the hotel is very accommodating and can provide such requests that Jared had mentioned in the bedroom and more. The three of us don’t say much as we wait for Jared’s food to arrive. We hang out on the couch with the television playing in the background. Joe sits on the far right with me right next to him. Jared has his head in my lap and his legs stretch up and over the left arm with Sadie laying on his belly.

Once the food arrives, Jared stuffs his face, literally licking the plates clean. I study him carefully, trying to gauge his emotional state. He’s very calm which concerns me. Jared can be like this for a long while, then explode with either rage or sorrow. He lounges back on the bed with Sadie, putting on a movie as I head into the bathroom to shower.

What are you doing? I ask, nervous at the fact that Joe is naked and appears to be planning to join me.

Conserving water, he answers with a grin.

Not today, I direct with a low voice.

Why not? he asks, closing the door behind him.

My eyes dart to the right toward the wall where the bedroom is on the other side.

So? He knows, Joe challenges. Besides, we have showered and not had sex many times.

You’re pushing boundaries, Joe, I return as he pulls me into him.

If I wanted to push boundaries, beautiful, Joe says, holding me tighter. A lot more would be happening in here right now. Would you like me to demonstrate?

No, I rebut, pushing my hands on his chest for him to step back.

Joe takes two measured steps toward me, pressing me into the wall. You sure? he inquires with his sexy voice.

All I can manage is to bite my lip and bobble my head.

I’d be happy to, he shares, delivering his lips to mine before running them down my chin and neck.

Joe, I moan as my hands tighten in his hair.

He pulls away, laughing under his breath.

Tease, I state.

Only for you, beautiful, he replies. Would you like me to continue?

It takes me a few seconds to answer. Later.

Later it is, he confirms, sealing it with a kiss.

There are several times I almost cave, not caring that Jared is in the other room. I get out of the shower first, distancing myself from Joe’s temptation before something does happen. Right as Joe steps out of the shower, Jared opens the bathroom door and walks in. My hand pauses in mid-reach while handing Joe a towel.

Jared sits down on the toilet to relieve himself like it’s nothing. What? he says, looking at me.

Joe takes the towel as I continue to stare at Jared in shock.

I see why you keep him around, Jared comments after his eyes focus on Joe’s groin.

Jared, I scold.

What? he repeats. It’s not like I haven’t seen you naked and I’ve seen lots of men naked.

That’s not the point, I say nervously.

It’s okay, Emma, Joe soothes. I’m used to it with Jimmy and my brothers after all these years.

See, Jared huffs.

I leave the bathroom, wanting to avoid any more weirdness. Once Jared comes back into the bedroom, I’ve got at least my bra and panties on while towel-drying my hair.

Kitten, Jared calls. Don’t be like that.

Like what? I say, avoiding the elephant in the room.

I honestly forgot that he was here when I went in, Jared states.

Sure, I reply, wanting to move on though I don’t believe him.

I’m serious, Jared says defensively though there’s a hint that he’s lying. Besides, Joe didn’t mind.

It’s fine, I reply flatly, moving back into the bathroom. Just drop it.

Jared stays on the bed with Sadie while Joe and I finish getting dressed. Joe calls down for some lunch for the two of us as I style my hair and put makeup on. When our food arrives, Joe and I eat in silence while we text to be able to discuss Jared and Nathan without being overheard.

Might be good to get Jared down to the gym, I write.

What would you recommend? Joe replies.

Sparring, lifting, anything that is strenuous and can make him tired, I answer.

How long do you think you’ll be? Joe texts.

Don’t know. Maybe an hour or two. Depends on how long Nathan keeps me there, I mention.

Any advise if he starts crying again? Joe sends.

If you’re in the hotel room, have him pick one of his favorite movies, I suggest. Get some more ice cream.

Sounds good, Joe answers. How’re you holding up?

My eyes lift to his face. Good. I write back.

Emma, he sends.

Really. I’m okay, I reply.

I’m just checking, Joe texts.

Thanks, I say.

You’re not going to disappear on us? he checks.

No, I confirm with a smiling emoji.

Good, he sends back with a kissy-face emoji.

We stop texting for a few seconds to take a few more bites of food.

So… Joe writes.

So? I reply.

How do you want to do this? he inquires.

Do what? I text.

Tell our friends about us? he sends.

I let out a sigh. Need to think about it.

What’s to think about? he writes.

Joe, I reply.

Emma, he texts.

It depends on how Jared will be at the show, I share.

How so? Joe asks.

He’ll hold me to it, it’s just a matter of when, I write.

Want me to take the lead? Joe suggests.

My cheeks tingle and I look up at him. No. I text quickly.

Joe offers a grin, confirming that he meant to get a reaction out of me.

Keep that up and you’ll be sleeping at your place tonight. Alone, I write. My gaze lifts to his to see his response.

Joe’s smile widens as his fingers type away. Jared won’t let you kick me out.

Wanna bet? I challenge.

Gladly, beautiful, Joe answers. What’s on the table?

We hold each other’s attention with our eyes as I decide what I’m willing to agree on. If I win, you have to buy the fuzzy handcuffs and I get to use them on you first.

Okay, Joe answers. And, if I win, you have to move in with me.

No, I quickly write back after staring in shock at his message.

Yes, Joe presses.

That’s not a fair bet, I argue.

I know, Joe admits.

Then, why did you say it? I reply.

To get a reaction out of you, he writes.

Haha, very funny, I answer unamused.

Okay, then you have to call me your boyfriend once our friends know, he writes.

What? I send. No.

Yes, he challenges. And, do things with me that couples do in public like hold hands and kiss.

My eyes narrow at him and I don’t reply with my confirmation of the agreement as I weigh the pros and cons.

With a confident grin, Joe writes, Scared, beautiful?

About what? I text.

Losing, he replies.

I never lose, I state.

We’ll see about that, he writes while chuckling under his breath.

No talking to Jared about the bet, I declare.

So, you agree to the terms? Joe checks.

As long as you don’t say anything to get Jared to sway in your favor, yes. My body cringes as soon as I send the message.

With a twinkle in his eye and a self-assured expression, Joe reaches his hand across the table. I hesitantly extend my hand and shake it—considering for the second time in my life, the first time being just only last night, that I’m not sure I’m going to like the outcome of an agreement.

Thirty minutes later, I’m on my way to see Nathan and Pop-Pop in Nathan’s room. We never had a meeting scheduled, not today. It was a cover for the three of us to speak about what happened last night. Nathan is just as upset and devastated as Jared. Pop-Pop and I do our best to console Nathan, but he struggles. I try to discuss several things about the show for tomorrow, hoping to distract Nathan, but the conversation always moves back to the topic of Jared. Pop-Pop coaxes me to allow him to come back to the room, but I’m not sure how Jared will take it. I know that Jared knows there’s a good chance that last night’s events will be talked about, but I’m not sure how he’ll respond to having anyone coming back with me.

Back at my room, I take several deep breaths before opening the door, readying myself for Jared to be mad that Pop-Pop is with me. As we enter, Joe and Sadie rush to greet me. They are both pleased when they see that I have company.

He’s in the shower, Joe announces moving toward us, offering to take Jared’s bags. He hugs Pop-Pop and does the same with me, refraining from being overly affectionate in front of our guest.

Good, I reply. What did you guys do?

I took him down to the gym like you suggested, Joe explains. It worked for about forty minutes.

I leave the living area and head to the bathroom to check on Jared. Jared? I call, opening the door.

Yeah, he replies, sobbing.

I’m back, I say with a smile.

Cool, he replies, wiping his tears.

I’ve got your stuff, I announce.

Thanks, he says.

Pop-Pop’s here. I invited him to have dinner with us, I mention.

Cool, Jared says a little more controlled.

Do you need me to stay in here with you? I ask.

Yeah, he returns, turning off the water.

I don’t say anything right away, but grab a towel for him. After wiping himself down a little, Jared hugs me, needing to be comforted.

We’re in the for the night, I announce. We can do whatever you’re in the mood to do.

Jared nods.

Joe said you got some good time in at the gym, I say, trying to get him to perk up.

Yeah, he huffs, putting his underwear on.

I think he ordered more ice cream, I say. That or he had Anna bring some.

Jared’s eyes sparkle a little. Really? He pulls on his sweatpants.

Fairly certain, I reply.

What flavor? Jared asks.

Not sure, I say. We should go find out.

Jared rushes to get his shirt on as we leave the bedroom. He hugs Pop-Pop as soon as he sees him, but neither of them says anything about last night. After a second or two, Jared looks at Joe. Emma said you got more ice cream.

Yes, Joe replies with a smile.

What kind? Jared asks, walking towards the refrigerator.

See for yourself, Joe instructs.

Jared pauses after opening the door and I can see a small smile bending into the corners of his mouth. Chocolate, chocolate chip, Jared reveals. His hand reaches in and takes out an entire gallon. Without a word, he grabs a large spoon, takes off the lid, and settles onto one of the chairs in the living area. Pop-Pop sits on the seat across from Jared on the other side of the coffee table and Joe and I take opposite ends of the couch with Sadie in the middle.

Everyone looks back and forth at each other for a moment, unsure of where to begin.

With the spoon still sticking in his mouth, Jared comments, Why are you two sitting so far apart?

Joe and I glance at each other but don’t answer.

Seriously? he questions. Oh, for the love of God. Pop-Pop, Emma and Joe are dating.

Jared, I scold.

What? He’s known too, Jared shares.

I look at Pop-Pop and he smiles and nods confirmation.

What do you mean he’s known too? I ask.

Jared’s eyes widen when he looks up at me. Nothing.

Jared, I warn.

He shrugs. He knows we’ve had bets about it.

I let out a loud, controlled breath as I try to process everything that Jared has and hasn’t revealed. There’s information he’s purposefully leaving out.

They’re coming out to everyone tomorrow, Jared continues as he stuffs his face with more ice cream.

Care to tell him why? I challenge.

Nope, Jared replies as another heap is shoved into his mouth.

What are you doing? I ask in shock, watching Joe.

Joe’s already standing up and has somehow gotten Sadie to move like he’s planning on sitting next to me. He places his arm along the back of the couch behind me. Sadie jumps back up, lounging across our laps.

They know, Joe presents.

So?

So, why not, he replies, leaning in to kiss me on the cheek.

I pull away, uncomfortable with his forwardness in front of Jared and Pop-Pop. Jared laughs as Joe uses both arms to pull me closer, kissing me several times. As I continue to push Joe away, he holds me tighter and eventually settles me on his lap after Sadie shifts.

You’re not staying here tonight, I announce, turning my attention to Joe as I continue to try to break free from his hold.

You’re not kicking him out, Jared argues with a mouth full. I need him here too.

With a chuckle, Joe states, Looks like I win.

Not funny, I say with my jaw clenched.

Win what? Jared asks.

Emma and I had a bet, Joe reveals. She threatened me earlier that I would be sleeping alone at my place and I said that you wouldn’t let her kick me out. Joe kisses my cheek. Right, beautiful?

So what did you win? Jared asks with a smirk.

Do you want to tell him…or should I? Joe’s eyes lock with mine, waiting for my response.

I deliberately choose to say nothing—part of it being that I can’t believe what’s happening.

She has to call me her boyfriend once everyone knows, Joe shares, gloating.

Jared almost chokes on the spoon from laughing so hard.

Pop-Pop bares a smile.

And… Joe continues, She has to do the things that couples do in public, like holding hands and kiss.

What if Emma won? Jared inquires, trying to temper himself.

Don’t, I command.

Joe laughs.

Don’t you even think about it, I repeat.

She said that—- Joe pauses, laughing as I try to cover his mouth. He manages to subdue my wrists and my body as he continues. I have to be the one to buy the fuzzy handcuffs and she gets to use them on me first.

Jared roars with laughter. Shit, you are a kinky motherfucker, Joe.

Desperate for the torture to end, I say the first thing that comes to mind. I’m only telling our friends to make sure you go tomorrow.

Not cool, Kitten, Jared comments, becoming completely serious. Not, cool.

Yeah, and the whole way you just outed us to Pop-Pop was? I debate.

I think it’s sweet, Pop-Pop comments. Now you don’t have to hide anymore.

The room goes silent. All of us are unsure what to say next.

After what feels like ten minutes, Pop-Pop asks, Do they have different colors? You know, for the handcuffs?

I gape, not sure if I heard Pop-Pop correctly as Joe and Jared laugh.

I think they only come in standard police-style cuffs with pink fuzz, Jared comments. Why?

Just curious, Pop-Pop states. Joanna has a pair and—-

Ewww…gross, Pop-Pop! Jared yells.

What?! You can make comments and ask questions and I can’t? Pop-Pop challenges. I’ve only been with your grandmother until Joanna and I’m open to the idea of new things. Besides, I’m considering doing a whole sex piece for Naturally Me for us older folks.

No. No, Jared objects.

Actually, I think that’s a great idea, I say, deliberately wanting to torture Jared.

Then, we should do another one. For our younger audience. And, you can do it, Jared insists.

Fine, I say. Then, you’ll do one for the LGBT section.

No, Jared challenges.

If I have to do it, you do too, I argue.

Jared’s jaw drops as he studies me carefully. Let’s see how it goes for Pop-Pop first.

We nod in agreement, but I can tell we both know it’s not going to happen. There’s no way we’re going to spread our own sex lives and desires across the internet let alone deal with all the personal questions people would ask.

The new direction of the conversation allows us to chat freely for a while, deliberately avoiding the topics of Jared and Nathan, and Joe and me. Pop-Pop shares some stories from the holidays when he and Joanna were visiting Joanna’s son and the rest of her family.

Sometime later, Nathan comes knocking on the door trying to talk to Jared, but Jared hides in my bedroom. I head out into the hallway to talk with Nathan, but he has trouble speaking since he’s crying half the time.

Did you tell him? Nathan asks between breaths.

Tell him what? I say, confused now as to what can and can’t be shared.

That I love him and that I didn’t cheat on him, Nathan says.

I’ve tried and I’m still trying, Nathan. Anytime I start to bring it up, he plugs his ears and walks away from me. Plus, he gets mad, thinking that I’m taking your side, I explain.

But, you are taking my side. You know the whole story. You know the truth, he reminds.

I know, sweetie, I know. But, I’m trying to tread lightly to make sure he comes tomorrow, I say.

Yeah, you’re right, Nathan agrees, sniffling. That’s definitely important. Do you think he won’t come?

He will, I say confidently.

How do you know? he asks nervously.

I have my ways, I declare with a smile, despite not liking the tactic to do so.

One thing I can count on, regardless of my reservations about coming out to my friends about Joe and me, is the fact that Jared always honors agreements and bets when he’s sober and in a coherent mental state. If he tries to avoid it, I’ll do what’s necessary to keep him at the event until the end.

Nathan and I part ways after a few more minutes with me encouraging him to focus on the show. Back in the room, Jared, Joe, Pop-Pop, and I hang out, playing card games and chatting until it’s time for dinner. I try to get Jared to agree to go to one of the restaurants, but he refuses to be seen in public. Instead, Anna brings over a meal she was preparing for Joe and myself, expecting us to be at Joe’s place tonight. Thankfully, Anna always makes extra and Joe was able to text her with enough notice to have plenty for everyone.

We eat at the table just off of the kitchenette as Anna serves us. Pop-Pop is the one talking most of the time, discussing what’s been going on with the blog, and sharing some additional ideas that he has beyond the sex topic. Jared does perk up a bit, adding some commentary here and there.

After dessert, Pop-Pop heads back to his room even though he’s hesitant to leave Jared. Anna is not long to follow, leaving the three of us to ourselves with Sadie. Since Anna fed and walked Sadie while we ate, the four of us are in for the night and trying to decide on what to do. Jared slumps onto the couch, turning on the television. Sadie joins him and I’m quick to sit with them, wanting to see where Jared is emotional.

You okay? I ask.

Yeah, Jared huffs.

Did you want to watch a movie?

Not now, Jared replies.

Come on. We can watch one of your other favorite movies tonight, I coax.

Jared shakes his head. I’m good for now. Go spend some time with your lover.

Jared, I scold.

His eyes never leave the television screen.

I’m good. Go. Go give Joe some attention. I’ve got Sadie to keep me company, he informs.

Hey, don’t be like that, I reply. Come on. We’re going to watch Spaceballs.

Does Joe even know what Spaceballs is? Jared challenges.

Yes, Joe confirms with a chuckle. I’ve seen Spaceballs before.

Jared turns to look at Joe and studies him for a moment, then suddenly pops up off the couch. Okay. You had me at Spaceballs. But first, I’m going to need popcorn.

CHAPTER 87

The next morning finds Joe and me in the shower early, hoping to get in some alone time before Jared wakes up. Before washing, we have a little naked frolic over each other’s bodies, bringing ourselves to climax several times. We take our time getting dressed, aware that we still have a few hours until we need to leave for Nathan’s show.

With some comfortable clothes on, I leave instructions with Joe about how to handle Jared if he wakes while I’m gone checking on Nathan and what still needs to be done. Joe is such a sweetheart, offering to do whatever is necessary to keep Jared in a positive mindset as well as to make sure he doesn’t disappear on us. Jared could freak out while I’m gone and try to get away.

When I get back to my room about an hour later, Sadie happily greets me while I hear Joe calling my name from the bedroom.

What’s going on? I ask, nervous by the tone in Joe’s voice. My eyes find Joe holding the handle to the bathroom, using his body weight to keep the door closed as Jared pounds on it, demanding to be let out.

He was doing really well, Joe informs. Until it came time for him to start getting ready.

Why? What happened?

Emma? Is that you? Jared calls from the bathroom. Emma, let me out.

He said he wasn’t going, Joe reveals. He tried to leave and didn’t like it when I blocked him.

So you trapped him in the bathroom, I muse with a giggle.

Figured it would be safer for him and the room, Joe adds. His body pulses a little as Jared tries to open the door, yelling my name. He was a little aggressive when I blocked him and I knew there would be a good chance stuff might get broken. Plus, maybe he would tire enough and just get in the shower.

Jared continues to call my name while trying to yank the door free.

Good thinking, I praise. My body presses into Joe, seeking a kiss. Thank you.

Anything for you, beautiful, he shares.

Emma. Emma, come on, Jared whines.

You’re in a good mood, Joe states. Considering that Jared’s trying to break his agreement and that you’re telling our friends about us today.

I take a deep breath in. Don’t remind me.

Hey, don’t be like that, Joe says.

I’m okay, I assure. "Nathan’s good. I have him really focused on the day and what’s planned. The issue between the two of them is a bigger deal than…exposing us to our friends."

I’ll be with you the whole time, beautiful, Joe reassures.

I know, I reply, running my fingers through his hair.

Joe presses his lips to my temple. So…what should we do about him?

I’ve got to go in there, I inform. It might get ugly…and…it might involve me being naked.

Naked? Joe asks with a nervous chuckle.

I might have to get wet in order to get him in the shower and to stay in there long enough to clean up. I give Joe a devilish grin. You don’t mind, do you?

With him, no, Joe admits with a chuckle. With Maggie, no. With Chris…yes.

There you go again, bringing him into this, I tease.

Damn. I did it again, didn’t I? he replies.

Emma, come on, Jared whines. Please, let me out.

My head nods. There’s no way I’d be naked with Chris, I assure. My body wants you.

Just your body? Joe asks with a grin.

Maybe more, I reply, unable to stop grinning.

It better be more, Joe muses. "Especially since you agreed to tell our friends about us and—’’

I know, I know, I breathe out. That I have to say you’re my… I mumble the word.

What was that? Joe cups his ear.

My…boyfriend, I stutter.

Joe’s smile widens. See, that wasn’t too bad.

No. Not too bad. My lips and tongue eagerly taste his, wanting this moment to last for fear of how the rest of the day will be.

Joe’s free hand slides from my cheek down my back and squeezes my ass. His erection pushes into my belly as he draws my body closer. The things I want to do to you right now, beautiful, Joe announces sinfully.

Do tell, I whisper into his ear, nipping at it while tuning out Jared’s pleas. And, be as dirty as you can.

Joe moans into my ear with an exhale. I want to eat you out until you come all over my face.

My body shivers at the thought.

Maybe, I’ll have you so you’re sitting on my face while I do it, Joe adds.

Mmmm, I reply. Go on. My right hand slides up the side of his leg and cups the tent he’s pitched for me.

Then, I’ll cuff your hands behind your back and ride you bunny style until you beg me to stop all while spanking you.

Promise? I ask, excited for it to happen.

After that, I’ll make you suck me off before I fuck you to the point where you come over and over again, making me the only man you crave to please you.

My breath catches in my throat, excited by his words and intent. Doesn’t he know that my body only wants him? Doesn’t he know that I only want him? I am willingly coming out to our friends about us. Why would there be any doubt?

You might need to take care of this, I suggest, stroking my hand over his cock. While I assist Jared.

I’ll wait, beautiful, he announces. Consider it foreplay for later tonight.

I hope that’s not all the foreplay you had planned for today, I reply.

Not…at…all, beautiful, he confirms, brushing his lips down my neck.

Good, I say. I plan on us being alone tonight.

Good, Joe returns. Me too.

Our lips connect several more times until Jared becomes quiet—a little too quiet.

I should go in there, I sigh, breaking my lips from his.

Sounds like it, Joe agrees. I’m right here if you need me. Okay?

My palm brushes Joe’s cheek and my lips taste his one more time. I turn and Joe cracks open the door slowly, making sure that Jared won’t come charging at us. When we see that it’s clear, I make my way into the bathroom.

Hey, I greet as I move closer to Jared who is sitting on the floor with his back against the vanity, crying.

I can’t do this, Kitten, Jared professes. I’m so sorry, but I can’t do this.

Everything’s going to be fine, I insist, lowering myself to join him and motioning for him to curl into me.

Joe closes the door after we exchange a glance with me nodding that I’ve got this.

So… Jared chokes on his own words. I don’t have to go?

A giggle surfaces and I do my best to curb it. I didn’t say that.

Please, Emma. I can’t, Jared repeats.

You made a promise, I remind.

I know, but—

But, nothing, I interrupt. If you go for anyone today. Go for Pop-Pop.

Why?

I can’t say why, I state.

Jared studies me for a moment, not sure how to interpret my words. For Pop-Pop?

For Pop-Pop, I confirm.

Okay, Jared sniffles. For Pop-Pop. He stands up slowly. But, if this is a trick…I will go live camera and announce your relationship with Joe…and mention the fuzzy handcuffs.

Okay, I say with a giggle.

You agreed to that a little too quickly, Jared states with a frown.

Because I’m telling the truth, I assure.

Jared nods but doesn’t say another word.

Do you need me to stay in here? I ask.

No, he huffs. Jared takes a hold of me, clenching me to his body.

I can feel the pain, the remorse, the nervousness, and the devastation in the way he holds me. Wanting to soothe my friend, I push as much love and support into him as I can with my embrace.

For Pop-Pop, he repeats after a few deep breaths.

My head nods in agreement. I wait until he enters the shower and then exit the bathroom, leaving the door slightly cracked just in case he calls for me. The second I’m out the door, my arms reach for Joe as I need my own bit of comfort.

Joe happily wraps himself around me, kissing me on the temple. I’m sorry I couldn’t calm him before you came back.

It’s okay, I reply. He needed some prompting.

What kind of prompting? Joe asks, leading me to the bed. He sits down, holding my hips firmly as my fingers play in his hair.

Motivation, I say, lowering my lips to his.

What kind of motivation? Joe explores.

I had to get him to agree to go for Pop-Pop, I share.

Pop-Pop? Why? Joe inquires.

You’ll see, I say with a grin.

You’re not going to tell me? Joe asks with a hint of disappointment.

Nope, I reply with a smile. My body presses forward, forcing Joe to lie on the bed.

Joe’s hands tighten, pulling me closer. Our mouths unite and our tongues dance sweetly together. My hips start to sway, rubbing my sex against Joe’s. After another minute, Joe flips us, placing me between him and the bed. His lips temper themselves while mine work to convince him to keep going. He pulls his head back, watching me as his fingers curl in my hair. We don’t talk, we don’t really need to, but our wants and desires are seen in each other’s eyes.

We should get ready, Joe suggests.

Yeah, I agree.

Neither of us moves to get up.

When the sound of the shower turning off is heard, Joe and I shift on the bed, but we don’t get up completely. My body is on the edge and Joe is sitting directly behind me with his legs on either side. He kisses my cheek, head, and neck repeatedly while he holds me close. Sadie lounges with us, placing her head on Joe’s lap. He reaches for Sadie, giving her some much-needed affection.

The bathroom door opening suddenly grabs my attention and my eyes fall upon a different Jared. He’s moved from being depressed to being pissed. This could be good if I’m able to help him manage it for the rest of the day.

The three of us get changed in silence and Jared hangs out with me as I’m in the bathroom putting on some makeup and fixing my hair. In between needing my hands, I reach over and clasp one with Jared’s. He offers me a fake smile that is steaming with anger just below the surface.

Before I put on my lipstick, I lean over to Jared and remind him, For Pop-Pop. My lips fall upon his cheek as my hand holds the other side of his face.

Nodding, Jared confirms, For Pop-Pop.

Maggie will be there, I remind.

Yeah, he agrees.

My head bobs.

And, you and Joe, Jared adds like he’s checking.

And, Joe and me, I assure.

We’re here for you, Joe adds suddenly behind me.

I peek over my shoulder to find him standing in the doorway fixing his collar. Heat rises inside me at the sight of him dressed the way he is and I can’t help but smile.

Joe moves closer, standing practically right behind me, and places his left hand on Jared’s. Joe looks at me and I smile and nod, looking back and forth between the two of them. Without words, Joe steps closer to Jared, pulling him into a hug. Jared quickly returns the gesture. They reach for me, tugging me into their embrace—both kissing me on occasion.

Good thing I haven’t finished my hair, I tease after a minute.

I can fix it, Kitten, Jared offers sweetly.

No, I disagree. It’s okay. I think I want it down today anyhow.

I like it when it’s down, Joe comments, kissing my cheek.

I bet you like to pull it too, Jared jabs.

Only when she asks me to, Joe returns with a grin, smacking my rear.

So, how kinky are you, Emma? Jared asks. I know Joe’s a kinky motherfucker.

I smile but refrain from answering.

Joe slides his hands over my hips, running his mouth along my neck after he moves my hair to the side. You were the one talking about getting fuzzy handcuffs for our bet, Joe reminds.

This coming from the guy who suggested getting them after tying me up with a scarf and felt bad when I had a few red marks? I return.

I knew it, Jared says. "I knew you were holding