Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(8)
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 Mr. Covelli, Mrs. Covelli, Jimmy, Allen, Joe and myself for a tasty meal prepared by Anna. 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?” Joe begins when I open the door to my apartment.
“What?” I question, not sure what he’s referencing.
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 inquires with strain in his voice.
“I don’t know?” is all I can mutter. My body has practically taken over my brain, preventing me from being able to think clearly.
“Can I come over later?” Joe searches as he looks into my eyes.
I know he’s trying to read my expression.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I state painfully, turning him down.
Joe nods his understanding as if he knows not to push. “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 return, unable to hide my shock.
Joe chuckles. “Yeah . . . Looks like I’m not the only one who can’t wait that long either.”
“What are you talking about?” I deny any truth to his statement.
“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.
Not sure what to say or how to handle the situation, I stare at him for a second before I blurt, “It’s just sex. Nothing else.”
“Call it what you want,” Joe says with a smirk. “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?” I check to see what he’s expecting me to say.
“Tell me you want me,” he instructs, then snatches a kiss.
“No,” I protest, not wanting to admit my desire for him. I press into him wanting more, but Joe denies me.
“Tell me and I’ll give you what you want,” he confronts.
“No,” I refuse while 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 on my mouth, which involves his tongue massaging mine. My body succumbs to his persuasion, wrapping itself with his.
“I’ll be all yours when you’re ready to tell me,” explains Joe as he removes his body from our sizzling embrace and bends down to greet Sadie.
“You’ll be waiting a long time,” I challenge, shocked by his move.
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, heels and jewelry.
After hanging my dress up in the closet, I’m not surprised when I see Joe standing in the doorway to my bedroom. I deliberately unfasten my bra and toss it into the hamper in the closest, watching Joe’s expression as he takes in the sight of my practically naked body. Confident that I have his complete attention, I kick off my heels and drape my body with Joe’s button-down shirt. Only one article of clothing to remove to give Joe the very thing he wants to see — and for me to win. I purposefully turn my body so my back is to him and then slowly shimmy my underwear down my legs, bending at the waist. I hear a groan escape Joe’s mouth as I pause for a second or two before actually picking up the panties and then toss them in the hamper.
Heading into the living room, I brush my body against Joe’s, just to torment him. I hear him cautiously follow me as I head into the kitchen and get my iPad from my briefcase and then move to the couch. I strategically place my body in a laid-back seated position against some pillows with my knees bent and slightly parted, exposing my sex.