Breathe Out: Just Breathe, #2

By Martha Sweeney

BESTSELLING SERIES on Amazon and iBooks!

Paperback available via my website

 

My rules were created so I'd have control and be able to remove any and all elements of emotion when it comes to men — when it comes to relationships, period. There's no need to let them in my heart, just in my pants for the night to satisfy my itch.

Temptation reared it's ugly head and won— I've broken a rule — one of my rules. No big deal, right? Then, why do I want to do it again?

It's just sex. Yes. It's just sex, that's all. As long as Joe knows that it's just sex, I don't mind bending the rules.

Will Emma continue to allow her fear of loss to control her life, or does love play by its own set of rules?

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

This book is NOT a standalone and is meant to be read after reading the first book Breathe In of the Just Breathe series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WWN Publishing Group
• Release date: Jan 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9780986227264

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 40

As I wake from unrestful slumber, the memories of last night flood my brain, temporarily dulling the pain in my head and sinfully exciting my sex. My eyes open just a tiny little bit as my body staggers to the bathroom from the throbbing need to pee. The very sensation of relieving myself stimulates my clitoris, reminding me of Joe’s tongue swirling over it last night. God — I want him. I want him even more now than I did before last night.

Strolling back into my bedroom, my eyes try to focus on the clock. It’s just after eight in the morning, indicating that it’s not too early to text Anna that I’ll come and get Sadie. I momentarily panic, not sure why it isn’t working. I turned it off in the cab when Joe tried to call me for the third time after I left his hotel room in a hurry at two in the morning.

Once my phone turns on, it rapidly buzzes, alerting me that there are multiple text and voicemail messages. Ignoring them, I text Anna. I’m home. Let me know when you’re free and I’ll come get Sadie.

Scared to confront my actions from last night, I decide to only see who contacted me. Jared hasn’t written back to my message from two twenty-nine saying that I was going home. However, there are three texts messages, six missed calls, and two voice messages from Joe. My finger hovers over the text message icon, but I can’t will myself to look — even though I want to.

It takes Anna five minutes to write back that she’s about to run some errands, so she’ll stop by in a few minutes with Sadie. I don’t have enough time to shower, to really shower before Anna gets here, so I decide to wash my face, brush my hair and teeth, and change. I’m not interested in looking like a person who just had a hot, erotic, mind-blowing night of sex and didn’t bother to rinse off before having visitors.

The sex — God — was it good. It was better than good. It was — there are no words to describe it because I’ve never had sex like that before. Is that even possible? It can’t be. It must have been a fluke — a first-time luck kind of thing. My curiosity is peaked. I definitely need to fuck Joe again to find out. Will he want to? I mean — maybe it wasn’t that good for him. Maybe I’m just left wondering and will never know. Is this what it’s like for some of the men I’ve slept with only once? Is that why Chris is the way he is with me? This is torture — sheer torture!

The apartment buzzer goes off right as I’m in the middle of unpacking my bags.

Hi, Anna. It’s open. Just come right in when you get up here, I instruct with my finger on the intercom button.

The sound of Sadie’s paws running across the wooden floor energizes me as I finish checking myself in the bathroom. Sadie and I eagerly greet each other at the base of my bed.

Hey, pretty girl! My hands rub her in all her favorite places as she bangs into my body, almost making me fall from my squatting position. I missed you too, sweetie! Sadie follows me the few steps out to the living room as I go to meet Anna.

My feet halt the minute I turn the corner. My eyes deliberately blink a second and third time when I don’t see Anna in my apartment — I see Joe.

H…hey, I barely greet.

Hi. Joe returns, sounding shaky and tired.

Where’s Anna? Is she okay?

I’m not sure why he came instead.

She’s fine. I offered to bring Sadie. I…. He’s trying to sound like himself, but there’s a slight difference in his voice.

What are you doing home?

Couldn’t sleep.

Yeah, I say, glancing down for a second, embarrassed — I know the feeling.

Did I…. He pauses. Did I…do…something wrong? Joe’s lack of sleep is suddenly more apparent on his face.

What do you mean? I ask.

Last night…. His voice trails and his head slumps down.

No, I assure. I find myself within an inch of his body. Why would you think—

You left, he says.

Barely a second after hearing Joe’s words, my lips take his. My body has the uncontrollable need to comfort him — and probably myself too, but I’m not sure why. I’m surprised when only his lips move, chasing mine slightly when I pull away.

I never stay, I meekly utter. I…It’s….

A tiny, nervous chuckle escapes his throat. I forgot about that rule, he admits, tentatively lifting his hand to my face.

Leaning into his palm, I reply, Yeah.

He doesn’t say a word. He glides his thumb back and forth over my cheek and I revel in his touch.

I was a little nervous about breaking two rules at the same time in one night, I say.

Yeah? He places his other hand on my hip.

Sorry. I look down.

Don’t be, he consoles, pressing his forehead to mine.

My nose registers a faint smell. At first, I’m not sure if it’s him or me. It doesn’t matter because it’s an enjoyable smell. It’s the smell of sweat and sex. One of my favorite smells, especially now after last night with him. I like it. I want more of it. I want more of him.

My eyes look closer at his face and I see his morning stubble. You didn’t shower, I state more than question.

No. Sorry. I came right home. I didn’t want to—

My lips seize his again.

Joe pulls me in closer as he returns the kiss. Sorry, if I smell.

You smell good, I admit, keeping my lips glued to his.

So do you, he replies, consuming more of me.

Our mouths, in a controlled yet desperate state, explore each other. Wanting more of him, my hands slide down and start to pull up my shirt. Joe ceases my movement halfway, causing the collar of my shirt to stop just under my nose. I can’t see and he’s preventing my arms from moving. His body guides me back a few steps until I’m against a wall. Before I get the chance to question what he’s doing, Joe’s lips brush over mine. He teases me, taunts me, as he just barely lets me get a taste of him. My nipples harden and liquid forms between my legs, enjoying the game that he’s playing.

Joe delivers his lips to my jaw, causing me to groan. As his mouth slowly explores my chin and neck, Joe’s free hand tickles my ribs and stomach as they continue further down, gliding over my shorts, and cups my sex. The heat from his hand warms the moisture that has leaked past my folds.

You’re so wet, he announces in a gruff tone.

Mm.

Wet…for me? His fingers continue to rub my sex.

Yes, I pant.

Joe’s mouth abducts mine. He tastes even more delicious, especially as his fingers slip under my clothes and caress my bald lips. A loud moan frees itself from my throat as his fingers slip inside. Teasing me, Joe gives me either his mouth or his fingers — never offering me both sensations at the same time.

More, I demand on a sharp exhale.

Joe adds at least another finger and they resume their sensual assault on my mounds, bringing me closer to orgasm. My hips thrust into his hand, needing his fingers as deep as they can go. As my climax approaches, Joe’s mouth finally returns to my body — kissing, licking, nipping at my neck — causing my release to arrive.

Joe sweetly kisses my mouth as I finish spurting my cum all over his hand. I whine when his fingers leave my sex but purr my delight when he lifts his hand to my mouth, allowing me to taste it with him. Together, we lick every last drop before he releases my arms and eyes from their cage.

Pressing himself against me, Joe proceeds to devour my mouth. I can feel his hot, hard erection twitching against my belly. My hands travel to the ends of his shirt, wanting to witness his naked body again.

In no time, we are both topless and on my bed. Taking command this time, I use a jiu-jitsu move to get out from under Joe and have him positioned under me — he easily surrenders. Determined to return the titillating pleasure he gave me, I slither down his body, licking and kissing his skin to the top of his shorts. My fingers curl beneath the edge of his underwear, gradually releasing his erection as my mouth salivates, hungry to taste him. I don’t bother to remove his clothing all the way. Instead, I use one of my hands to firmly hold his cock as my mouth surrounds it whole. I take my time with him, building him up, waiting for the moment where he gets really close, and then purposefully change tactics.

Fuuuuuuck, Emma, he groans as I deny him climax.

I flick my tongue on the tip of his penis a few times before swallowing him again. Keen on tasting his release, I regain suction. I repeat the fluttering of my tongue in a particular spot which sets him over the edge. Joe quickly shudders his orgasm into my throat. This time, I’m able to swallow every single drop.

Before I know it, we are both naked and Joe has a condom on. His entire body is radiantly sexy, even more so now in better lighting. As he crawls over me, my sex yearns to be filled by him, needing to take him deep until he makes me come.

I can’t believe I’m doing this. I’m having sex with Joe — again. We’re having sex — in my apartment no less. Shit. Another rule is broken. Well, technically I don’t have a rule that says no sex with men at my place — but I do have a rule that they don’t know where I live — and no guys allowed at my place. Does that count? No. It doesn’t count. Joe’s been here a bunch of times — but this time we’re going to have sex. Holy crap!

To my surprise, Joe shifts us, putting me on top and in control again. Unable to wait for him, I slip his cock inside me in one, quick movement. Sounds erupt from our throats in satisfaction as I relish the feeling of being filled. Joe takes command of my neck, kissing and licking the perfect spots as I ride him. Back and forth my body rocks, enjoying the build-up. Releasing his hand from my face, Joe caresses my body over to my nipples, squeezing them before his fingers find my clit. My left hand clasps his hair as I get closer to climax. Joe shifts slightly to steady us better on the bed which causes the tip of his head to rub in just the right place, prompting an orgasm to explode within me.

Joe gradually guides us back down on the bed as my body continues to shake from its release. Hovering close to Joe’s body, my lips enjoy the flavor of his tongue and neck. As if knowing I’m ready for the next round, Joe’s hands take hold of my hips and he begins thrusting upward. My forearms help to support my body as my legs widen over his torso, causing him to strike the innermost depths of me from a different angle.

Fuck me, I urge, nipping his earlobe and weaving my right hand into his hair.

His pace quickens and I swing my hips down to meet his thrusts. I’m so sensitive that I’m constantly on the verge of another release. I shift my waist to grant my legs more balance and then it’s suddenly upon me. My throat is hoarse as I cry out in complete ecstasy. The orgasm is so intense, that I’m hardly able to breathe in for more air as it shoots up through my spine.

Even in this position, I can feel Joe harden. His hands grip tighter on my ass, pushing me down farther onto his shaft. Joe’s pulses quicken, enticing my body closer to another climax.

Fuuuuuuuuckkkk, I whimper as the ride continues, creating another gush of dampness.

God, Emma, Joe groans his release into my sweat-drenched hair.

I lay motionless over Joe. My face is planted into the bed below him as my lungs heave to regain their normal flow of oxygen. I’m unable to move my body as I rejoice in the exhausting pleasure that rings through me a fourth time this morning. Joe doesn’t try to move either. Instead, his hands caress the entire length of my spine as his cock twitches inside of me.

When Sadie joins us on the bed, Joe and I are forced to move because she decides to stick her nose in some places that aren’t meant for her to sniff. I can’t really blame her. She’s never smelled this kind of sex on me or the bed.

With our bodies still debilitated, Joe and I barely manage to curl under the blankets to seek refuge from Sadie’s continuous intent to explore. After a few minutes, Joe slips out of the bed and heads to the bathroom. My head rolls enough to watch the beautiful muscles in his ass flexing until he’s out of sight. Unable to wait for his reappearance, my eyes flutter closed to savor the sensations that are still wildly coursing through my veins.

Joe’s voice mentioning something brings my brain back into reality.

Hmm?

Your phone, he says.

I can feel him brushing strands of hair away from my face.

What about my phone? I whine.

Instead of answering, Joe slips out of the bed. I groan my disappointment until I start to realize what he is saying as the noise gets louder.

Jared’s calling, he comments, handing me the phone.

Joe quietly slips back into the bed as I answer. Hey, Jared! I greet with the most upbeat tone I can muster.

You okay?

Yeah. Why? My voice almost cracks as Joe’s lips find my shoulder.

Did you have the nightmare again? he asks.

My body lifts to a seated position before I answer him. No. I swear.

Jared stays quiet for a moment. So what happened?

Nothing. I just couldn’t sleep and I wanted to get back to Sadie.

How’s she doing?

Good. Do you want to talk to her? I ask.

Yeah.

Hold on. I place my finger over my lips to signal Joe not to talk before I press the speaker button. She can hear you.

Sadie! Jared calls. Saaaaadie!

Sadie pounces around in excitement and barks.

How’s my other girl doing? Jared asks, wanting to elicit a more definitive response from her.

Sadie barks several times.

I turn off the speakerphone before commenting. See. We’re good.

How did you get home?

I took a cab.

How about Pop-Pop, Nathan, and I come by later for dinner, he insists.

No. I’m good, I assert. I just need some time away from people. This past week…no, these past few months have been a lot for me. I just need some downtime.

I guess it has been pretty intense for you, he agrees. How are you holding up?

I’m good, really.

I feel Joe’s legs slide on either side of my body as he presses his chest into my back. His lips return to my shoulders as his fingers caress my arms.

I’m really proud of you, Kitten, Jared remarks. I know last night was hard for you.

It wasn’t that hard. Not after getting the toast out of the way.

It was perfect. I know that Maggie and Henry really appreciated it.

I know, I agree. Oh, she told me something last night.

Yeah? What?

You can’t say anything…to anyone, I command.

Joe leans closer, wrapping his arms around my waist while his lips continue to dance slowly across my skin.

Sure, Jared returns.

I’m serious.

Okay. I swear. What is it?

Maggie’s pregnant, I blurt.

What?

Joe stops kissing me, but only briefly.

I know, I huff.

When did she tell you?

Last night… late in the night. Not long before she and Henry left.

Shit. How far along is she?

I don’t know. She didn’t tell me and doesn’t have an appointment with Kim until she gets back.

How did Henry take it?

I don’t know, I say.

What do you mean?

She was supposed to tell him either last night or today, I share.

Is she sure?

Yeah. She said she did three home pregnancy tests, I confirm.

Damn.

I know Jared is good with secrets. It’s Nathan and Maggie who have the challenge. We sit on the phone not saying anything for a minute as the news soaks in.

Call or text me later. Just to check-in. Okay? he requests.

Of course, I agree.

Love you, Kitten.

Love you. I wait for Jared to hang up first.

Joe coaxes my body back into him as he lowers us to the bed. We shift and lay together, quietly staring at each other as he twirls a lock of my hair in his fingers. He softly delivers his lips to mine several times, keeping them always touching me somewhere on and around my face.

The need to pee arises as does the awkwardness of what to do now. What am I supposed to do? I’ve never had a guy over let alone spend time with one after having sex. How do I kick him out?

I get up and head to the bathroom, purposefully closing the door. Other than Maggie, Jared, or Nathan, I’ve never urinated in front of anyone else. I know that Joe and I have had sex twice now, let alone seeing each other completely naked, but it’s still weird for me. It’s definitely a level of intimacy that I’m not willing to grant.

As my head gets lost inside itself over everything that has happened since last night, I turn on the shower and crack open the bathroom door for Sadie who is whining to be let in. The warm water rushing over my body is exhilarating. I can practically feel each drop on every inch of my skin. With my back to the falling water, my eyes stay closed. My sex feels just a little bit sore — a good feeling I haven’t felt in a long time.

The sound of the shower door closing forces my eyes to open immediately. Seeing a naked Joe Covelli standing in front of me is a sight I highly doubt that I will tire of anytime soon. His stubble is more pronounced, making him even more desirable. My eyes delightfully trail the length of his body, wanting to memorize every inch of him. The patch of hair streaming from his navel down to his manhood is exactly what they call it — a happy trail. That trail has led to happiness both last night and this morning. His cock twitches as if it’s saying hello when my gaze falls upon it. Like all of the male model types I’ve slept with, Joe’s pubic hair is finely trimmed, sculpted like a statue. In fact, his entire body is sculpted like a statue.

Once my eyes have soaked up even the sexiness of Joe’s feet, they bounce back up to his face, finding a wicked grin. He takes a measured step closer toward me, closing the gap between us. Joe moves as close as he can without touching me with his body. I watch the beads of water strike his chiseled chest and dance down below his waist.

Can I join you? he requests seductively.

You’re already in, I reply, stating the obvious.

How could I kick him out now — especially, when he looks so yummy?

The corners of his mouth curl before they move forward to unite with my lips. My body follows his when he pulls away just out of reach. I watch his hand grab something to my right and put it back. Joe guides my body to turn facing away from him. His fingers start to kneed my hips, then my waist, my lower back, and then my rear as they slip over my skin. He’s extra careful when his hands circle to my sex and down my thighs. When he stands back up, Joe targets my shoulders, arms, and back before he gently spins me to face him, allowing his hands to explore my abs, ribs, and breasts.

My hands explore his forearms, biceps, and shoulders. The heat rising within me causes my right hand to fist a handful of his hair, my mouth to seek his, and my left hand to search and grab hold of his cock. After one complete, full-length stroke of his half-mast, I’m surprised when Joe backs away. I growl my protest as I reach further to imprison his penis between my fingers. It takes two, slow, long, hard thrusts of my hand up and down his organ before he pulls away again. My mouth seizes his as both of my hands converge to his groin and regain their grip. Suddenly, I drop to my knees and plunge his erection deep into my mouth, tasting a little bit of cum. I should at least get one more fix of Joe before I make him leave.

Fuuuuuck, Emma, he groans, surrounding my face with his hands.

By the second thrust into my throat, Joe is as hard as a rock. Pumping up and down his erection, sometimes slow and sometimes fast, I can feel his urgency arising. I take his shaft with my right hand as I work him with my mouth and drop my left hand to play with my clitoris. I swirl my tongue all-around a certain area and it doesn’t take long for him to moan confirmation of the exact spot to strike to make him orgasm. Grabbing my wet hair, Joe plunges into my mouth five more times before his ejaculation spills into my throat.

I lift to stand and Joe cups my face, diving his tongue into my mouth. After several lengthy kisses, Joe’s lips slide to my chin, rounds my neck, and then graciously nibbles my breasts down to where he’s in a kneeling position in front of me. Joe kisses all around my thighs and belly but deliberately avoids my swollen sex.

Is this what you want? he asks, barely connecting his mouth to my skin.

Yes, I pant.

My hands move to press his head closer to my body, but Joe pins my wrists to the wall.

And, this? he inquires, kissing me in the same location, this time with a little more force.

Yes, I whimper as my body shakes.

And, this? His tongue takes one, long, upward stroke, just breaching the crack of my folds.

Yes, I heave. My hands pull at their restraints and my hips lunge for more of his mouth as he pulls away.

Leaning my head back in frustration, my body quivers when Joe’s tongue finally contacts my skin. Maintaining his hold on my wrists, Joe’s mouth begins its deluge of pleasure on my sex. His tongue whips ferociously across my clitoris, bringing me closer and closer. I’m so sensitive. My nipples harden and my hips rock against his face as his tongue strikes inside my hole for a moment and then back up to my nub. He continues his pursuit on my clitoris, denying my vagina any sensation. The bittersweet lashing of his tongue makes me yearn for penetration even as my climax rounds the corner for the last lap of the race.

My hands tighten into fists and my hips rock, pressing my groin as hard as I can against Joe’s tongue, wanting, — no — needing to come.

Don’t…stop, I command on each breath out.

Just as my orgasm is about to arrive, Joe’s left hand lets go of my arm and thrusts inside of me. My body shudders from the euphoria that bursts into me and spreads to the edges of my fingers and toes like a wildfire. My body convulses as Joe laps up every last bit of juice from my sex before standing back up, holding me against the wall. He graciously relinquishes his mouth to mine for me to taste what’s left that hasn’t already been swallowed.

Better? he asks with a pleased grin on his face.

Yes, I reply, unable to open my eyes.

Joe slightly pulls his body away from mine and I can feel the fatigue in my muscles. He holds me in place, supporting me until he knows I can balance. We finish washing and I don’t bother to put on makeup, but I do add coconut oil to my face and body. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Joe watching every little thing I do. He purposefully bumps into me or deliberately touches my body if we aren’t close for even just a few seconds.

I quickly get dressed, wanting to indirectly hint to Joe the need for him to leave. I know there’s a seventy percent chance Jared will come over at some point today if he isn’t already on his way now. Not wanting to be completely rude after the second round of awesome sex, I make us smoothies. Once I pour the beverage for the two of us, I hand Joe his glass before he gets the chance to sit down at one of the bar stools.

Are you trying to get rid of me? he inquires.

What?! No, I deny.

Yes you are, he laughs.

No, I’m not.

It’s okay. I know this is new for you, he says. Joe places his empty glass in the sink and slides his body against mine.

It’s not. I gulp down the rest of my drink. It’s Jared.

What about him? Joe asks, placing his body in front of mine with his hands on my hips.

He’ll be coming over soon.

I thought he just asked for you to text or call to check-in.

He did, but—

He’s going to come here to check up on you anyhow, Joe states, displaying his comprehension.

Yeah.

I think I can keep Jared at bay by calling him a little later and talking, but I don’t need Joe to know that. There’s no need to prolong this awkwardness.

Dropping his lips to mine, Joe savors the moment. See you later, beautiful?

CHAPTER 41

"H ey, Sex Kitten," Jared says.

Hey, I greet, rubbing my eyes.

The past few days really must have taken a toll on you if you’re sleeping at noon.

Shit. Is it really noon?

Yeah, he chuckles. What time did you lay down?

After we talked I showered, had a smoothie, started laundry, and read for a little, I say. Wait. Where’s Pop-Pop and Nathan?

They’re back in Santa Monica. He curls into me more.

Why didn’t they come with you?

Because I knew you were serious about wanting downtime…and, he sighs. And…I wanted to talk to you.

Jared never wants to just talk — not like this with that inflection in his voice.

About what? What’s wrong? I sit up.

Nothing’s wrong, he chuckles. I just wanted to talk to you about something.

What?

He coaxes me to lower my body back down on the bed. Taking my hand, he kisses the back of it. I just wanted you to be the first to know.

Know what?

Nathan and I are moving in together, he states, wincing a little.

My body relaxes instantaneously. I’m surprised you haven’t done it sooner.

Seriously?! Wow. I thought you’d react differently.

Truthfully, I knew it was coming and I highly doubt you could shock me any more than Maggie has with a wedding and now being pregnant, I say.

Yeah, he agrees. But, I wanted to make sure. I know it wasn’t easy when we both moved out of the old apartment.

So, no wedding yet, right?

No, he assures. But, you’ll be the first to know.

Thanks. But I’ll be good either way with you two. You have history, so, it’s not a surprise for me. You know?

Yeah.

What about Pop-Pop? Is he still moving out here?

Yeah. He’ll move in with us.

Wow. Poor Pop-Pop, I tease.

What’s that supposed to mean?!

Living with you and Nathan…having to deal with the sex-capades.

He’s just going to stay until we find him his own place in Santa Monica. He likes it there and I like having him close by.

If you say so.

Very funny, Jared contends, tickling me until I surrender.

After sometime snuggling, Jared and I make lunch and hang out like we used to in our old apartment. Most of our conversation is recounting the funny things that happened during Maggie’s wedding.

By the time I take Sadie out for her walk after dinner, Jared heads back to Nathan and Pop-Pop. I jump in the tub, knowing that Sadie and I are in for the night. I’m surprised at how tired my brain and body feel after the past couple of days.

Jared texts that he made it home as I get out of the bath. Once I’m curled up on the bed with Sadie for a movie, the phone rings.

Hey, beautiful, Joe greets.

Hey.

This doesn’t seem too awkward. Perhaps we can still be friends—friends with benefits?

Did Jared visit?

Yeah. He left about forty minutes ago.

Have a good time? he asks.

Yeah, I say. You?

Good…especially this morning, he states.

My cheeks redden at his reminder.

What are you up to?

Curled up with Sadie. We’re going to watch a movie and then bed, I return with a yawn.

Joe laughs. You sure you’ll make it through the whole thing?

No.

What are you going to watch?

Not sure yet.

Well, enjoy the movie.

Thanks. I yawn again.

Goodnight, beautiful.

Goodnight, Joe.

Monday and Tuesday are back to normal for me with the ebb and flow of my daily routine and work. Jared checks in on me but doesn’t come over. Maggie finally texts back late Tuesday after I send her a Happy Birthday message. Nathan is focused on the custom pieces for Chris’ premiere while Diane handles the main workings of Nathaniel’s. Joe and I talk and text on occasion, but nothing beyond the usual.

With Joe’s family in town and our upcoming meeting tomorrow, he hasn’t been able to pop over unexpectedly or unannounced, which is nice. He’s not overbearing or needy, even though I desperately need to get laid again. As bad as I want it — want him — I’m not in any hurry to let him know that.

My current task at hand is going through all of the photos Ian uploaded to my cloud system that his and his wife’s company took during Maggie’s wedding — there are so many. I’m trying to sort them into different folders for easy access. Soon, I plan on constructing a picture book for Maggie and Henry as part of their wedding gift. I'm also creating one for the Li family and one for the Wú family. Depending on the number of pictures, I may make a smaller photo book for Jared and Nathan as well as myself. I definitely will be getting framed prints set up for all of the immediate family.

As I peruse the pictures, I notice that there are a lot of candid shots of Joe and me, alone and together. Many of them are when we were performing our maid-of-honor and best man duties, but there are a number of them that aren’t. I purposefully put most of them in a separate folder labeled miscellaneous two in a completely different area so no one will find them. My heart races as my eyes stare at the photos of Joe and me. The majority of them are when we are laughing and smiling — and not in the because we’re having fun at our friends’ wedding kind of way. I start to sweat when the photos change to when I was giving my toast. Whoever took the shots did me justice for the most part. I don’t see any that make me look like a dear in headlights, but the terror in my eyes in a couple of pictures is apparent. When I come across the shots of Joe placing the garter up my thigh, I find myself laughing under my breath.

The next day, I start getting ready for the official meeting with the Covelli family and the lawyers to proceed with our business agreement. The documents have been reviewed and now it’s time to sign them and begin this joint business venture. I’m excited and nervous simultaneously for a variety of reasons.

Sadie notifies me that someone is at the door before I hear the knock.

Hi, Joe greets with a boyish grin.

What are you doing here?

I came to get you for the meeting, Joe says.

I was planning on walking.

That’s why I’m here a little earlier.

I take a step back to let Joe in and turn to get my heels and briefcase, avoiding the temptation of being distracted by his body. I swear the man smells even better now.

He follows me into my bedroom. So you did steal this, he remarks, holding up the sleeve of his button-down shirt that’s hanging in my closet.

Shit! I thought I had it hidden well.

I didn’t steal it. I borrowed it, I reply, taking the shirt and its hanger and handing it to him. You can have it back. I’m done with it.

Keep it, Joe offers with a wicked grin as he pulls me into him. He returns the shirt to its previous spot.

What makes you think I want it?

I want you to have it even if you won’t admit that you do, he insists.

Why?

Because I’m hoping to see you where it and nothing else, he admits.

So you think you’ll get lucky again, huh?

Joe leans in and delivers a deliciously deep kiss. Besides, I have the garter and your underwear.

Why do you still have my underwear? That you ripped off?

I couldn’t just throw them away, he states before seeking another kiss. They’re priceless.

Joe, I barely mutter with our lips entwined.

Mm-hm, he replies before sliding his tongue in further to meet mine.

I allow him and his tongue to temporarily distract me. The…meeting, I reluctantly remind.

Grunting, Joe hesitantly peels his lips away.

The meeting doesn’t take long and I am surprised to find out that the Covellis' lawyer flew all the way out from New York just for this small business dealing.

Starting next Monday, two of my contractors will be testing the updated software with Nathaniel’s social media marketing, making sure there aren’t any glitches before having the staff from Mr. Covelli’s first hotel integrate the software into their sales and marketing programs. The Covellis aren’t paying for the service until it’s cleared for sale, but Maggie has already done some video conferencing and training with the five members who will begin implementing social media advertising for the first time.

As I’m about to excuse myself from the meeting once we’re done signing the documents, Mrs. Covelli insists that I stay for lunch as a celebration. Mr. Steinberger joins us as well as Jimmy and Allen. By the end of our meal, I learn that Mr. and Mrs. Covelli, are flying back to the East Coast tonight along with Mr. Steinberger.

When Joe takes me home, as per Mrs. Covelli’s insistence and his own, I can see a look of trepidation on his face when we get to my front door. Dare I ask?

What?

Joe gently seizes my face in his hands and kisses me, not wanting to let go. My hands instinctually grab onto his waist, pulling him closer. I’m thrown off by my actions and thoughts. How is it that I want to push him away and pull him in at the same time?

When can I see you again? he asks.

I don’t know? I mutter.

My body has practically taken over my brain, preventing me from being able to think clearly.

Can I come over later? He studies me.

I don’t think that’s a good idea, I say regrettably.

Joe nods. Jimmy and Allen aren’t leaving until after Nathan’s birthday.

That’s at least a whole week of no sex, and out of all the years of sleeping with others, including Maggie, I don’t think I can possibly last that long. I’ve lasted weeks and even months in the past, so why does it freak me out to wait this long now? As much as I’ve wanted him since Sunday, I’ve been purposefully keeping him at a distance. This is new territory for me and I don’t want to come across needing it that bad nor give the impression of a relationship.

Really? I huff.

Joe chuckles. Yeah. He kisses me. Looks like I’m not the only one who can’t wait that long either.

What are you talking about?

I want you too, Joe muses, kissing me.

Willing my lips to release his, I argue, It’s not like that.

Like what? Joe pulls back to look at me.

It’s just sex. Nothing else.

Call it what you want, Joe says, smirking. But, I know you want me too. He presses me up against the door with his body.

Before I can rebut, Joe’s mouth is tasting my neck. I moan at the delicious use of his tongue in all the right spots as my fingers curl into his hair.

Joe, I whimper in glorious delight.

Tell me, he says, stopping and watching my face. One of his hands grips my ass.

What?

Tell me you want me, he instructs, grazing my lips with his.

No. I press into him wanting more, but Joe denies me.

Tell me and I’ll give you what you want, he claims.

No, I say, trying to steal a kiss.

The corner of Joe’s mouth curls up. Deny it all you want, but your body tells me the truth.

No, it doesn’t, I oppose. It takes several seconds for my hands drop to my sides.

Joe plants a long, sensual kiss that involves his tongue massaging mine. My body succumbs to his persuasion, wrapping itself with his.

He pulls away, severing our sizzling embrace. I’ll be all yours when you’re ready to tell me. He bends down to pet Sadie.

You’ll be waiting a long time, I challenge.

How dare he use sex against me like this. I’m the only one who uses sex to get what I want or is allowed to. Two can play this chess game. Aware that Joe is watching me, I begin to unzip my dress and take it off before I move toward the bedroom to change. I hear Joe clear his throat in opposition as I sashay away wearing nothing but my nude, lace bra and thong, and heels.

After hanging my dress up in the closet, I’m not surprised