Thursday and Friday, I close myself off from distractions to focus on business. I spend the majority of the days working on the new software and some blog content. I’m glad I chose to stay away from people to work because half of the time I am inundated with phone calls or text messages for both personal and business reasons.
Maggie is mostly calling about wedding stuff and asks me to tell Jared that Pop-Pop is invited to the engagement party. I only get to speak with Jared briefly, but I don’t mind, knowing he’s with his grandfather. Amy is calling to give me updates on the information gathering she was doing for me about Maggie’s bridal party. Nathan is calling about Nathaniel’s. Henry is beginning to panic a little between Maggie, her family, and his family and I think he is seeking calm reassurance from me that everything is being taken care of. Joe — well, let’s just say that Joe is Joe.
Early Saturday afternoon, I’m finishing getting ready for the engagement party as my phone chirps from a text message.
“Here,” Joe writes.
“It’s open,” I text back before heading into my closet to get my shoes.
“Emma,” Joe’s faint voice calls from the doorway.
“In here,” I shout, holding the molding between my bedroom and walk-in closet, slipping on my right shoe. Just as I’m getting my left foot in, I see Joe standing in the doorway of my bedroom.
“Wow!” he exclaims with wide eyes and a dropped jaw.
My gaze gradually trails up and down Joe’s body two times while I remain slightly bent. I’ve never seen Joe wear a suit minus the jacket and have a vest on instead. Boy does he look scrumptious. Visions of ripping off his clothes seduce my mind and I gladly let them delight my sex until I realize that Joe is standing a foot away from me. What is he doing in my bedroom?
Joe carefully slides each of his hands onto my waist but doesn’t move to kiss me. He just stands watching me, like he’s waiting for something.
“What are you doing in my bedroom?”
“You said you were in here,” he replies with a provocative smile.
“That wasn’t an invitation.”
“My mistake,” he lies, tightening his grip and pulling me closer.
I find my hands sliding up his hot, muscular chest and my fingers lock behind his neck. Unable to control my urges, I deliver my lips to his. Joe molds his mouth to mine, following my lead as our lips and tongues unite to dance as one.
Joe breaks contact first and I desperately seek more, chasing his mouth. Like an unspoken knowing, we remain touching, not wanting to let go.
Joe looks around. “So this is your bedroom, huh?”
“Yeah. And, you shouldn’t be in here.”
“Why not?”
“Another step closer to breaking a rule,” I blurt.
“Another step closer, huh? We’ve already broken a few.”
“Exactly.”
“Well, we better leave, or else we’ll never get out of this room,” he states.
“Only in your dreams,” I goad.
I’ve never desired a man with such severity. I’m enjoying this game of chase we’ve started and I’m guessing he does too. It has come to light in this very moment, that it’s not simply the matter of will I surrender to the temptation of the forbidden fruit, but a matter of when. Does Joe know? Has he known this all along? Have I?
“Already have, beautiful,” he says. “If you only knew.”
Heat engulfs my cheeks and spreads throughout my body like a wildfire. I turn my face away trying to hide. Joe laughs heartily before kissing me on my temple and then leads me out into the living room.
“Since when did you get a Tesla?” I ask when we reach the underground parking.
“Since recently,” he admits. “I liked Jared’s and Nathan’s.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head as I get in. “What happened to the Audi and Phantom?”
“I still have the Phantom, but I got rid of the Audi.”
“Boys and their toys,” I muse.
“My parents are excited to meet you today.”
I look over at him and catch his eyes on my legs. Joe’s attention bounces up to my face.
“What’s wrong?”
“Huh? Nothing,” I lie, feeling flustered. “I didn’t realize that they would come out here just for an engagement party.”
“Our families have been doing business together the last few years aside from the fact that Henry is like another brother to me."
“I know.” I fidget with my purse.
Anna greets Joe, Sadie, and me in the middle of the hallway when we arrive. She takes Sadie’s bag of food and toys from Joe and informs us that Mr. and Mrs. Covelli are finishing getting ready while Jimmy and Allen are waiting in the living room.
“Emma, you’re here!” Jimmy shouts full of excitement, jumping up from his chair. “I’ve missed you, sweetie!”
Both Jimmy and Allen lightly encase me in a joint hug.
“Don’t get her dress all messed up, babe,” Allen scolds.
“I’m not,” Jimmy rebuts.
“We just saw each other at Jared’s birthday party,” I remind.
“A lot can happen in just two days,” Jimmy claims. “And, I must commend you. That was a fabulous party!”
“Thanks, but Nathan helped a lot since I’ve been busy with wedding duties.”
“Is Pop-Pop coming today?” Allen asks while greeting Sadie.
“Yes,” I confirm.
“Great. It’ll be so nice to see him again,” he replies with enthusiasm.
“What took you so long to get here? What were you two doing?” Jimmy asks. He bends down, taking his turn to greet Sadie.
“What are you talking about?” I ask.
“Joe left like a half-hour ago. It doesn’t take thirty minutes to drive a half-mile and back,” Jimmy declares.
“Now James, leave the lovely lady alone,” a charismatic woman’s voice chides from behind me. “It’s none of your business of what she and your brother may be doing.”
“Yes, Mom,” Jimmy concedes without hesitation.
Spinning around, my eyes fall upon a stunning, dark-haired woman who makes me feel like I’m meeting an older Audrey Hepburn, if Audrey Hepburn was still alive. Her striking resemblance to Audrey is uncanny and wasn’t noticed in the photos I’ve seen around Joe’s penthouse.
“Emma, this is my mother Elaine Covelli,” Joe introduces.
Adorned with a Manhattanite presence and charm, Mrs. Covelli glides towards me, reaching her hand out. “Emma,” she greets as her voice flows like silk. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. My boys can’t stop talking about you.”
Taking her hand, I blush at her greeting. I’m temporarily speechless by her presence.
“What a strong handshake. Far better than those weak ones most of the women I know give,” she defines. She releases my hand, steps in, and hugs me.
“Mrs. Covelli,” I nervously reply while trying to regain my composure after her warm embrace. “It’s nice to meet you as well.”
“Have we met before?” she questions, taking another step back, looking me up and down. “I swear we’ve met.”
“No, Mrs. Covelli,” I reply politely.
“Please, Emma, call me Elaine,” she insists with kind eyes and a flawless smile.
“Sure,” I accept, even though I don’t feel comfortable calling her by her first name.
“Maybe you just remind me of an old friend,” Mrs. Covelli says, rationalizing her feeling of familiarity.
“Perhaps,” I agree.
“I finally get to put a face to the name,” an unfamiliar deep voice declares from my back left.
“Emma, this is my father, John Covelli,” Joe introduces.
Mr. Covelli is a strikingly handsome, older gentleman. I immediately see the family resemblance between Jimmy and Joe and their father. Joe is almost a younger version of his father but has his mother’s radiant blue eyes. Mr. Covelli has a chiseled jawline slightly more pronounced than Joe and his demeanor exudes regal confidence paired with humble sweetness and a depth of wisdom.
“Father, I would like you to meet Emma. Emma Peterson,” Joe adds.
Mr. Covelli holds out his hand. Taking mine, Mr. Covelli raises it to his lips and he bows a little before kissing it. “Emma, it’s so wonderful to finally meet you…meet the woman who my sons have been raving about and who has been aiding our business.”
“I haven’t done anything Mr. Covelli,” I reply humbly.
“Nonsense. You’ve had a lot of great suggestions that we are incorporating into our business and it looks like we’re changing standards thanks to your input,” he explains. “And please, call me John.”
“Honestly, I haven’t done anything. Joe’s the person taking action. We’ve just spoken on occasion.”
“Don’t be modest, Emma,” Jimmy contends. “It’s not every day a woman with your brains and beauty, like Mom’s, is found in the business realm.”
“You’ve done more than you realize,” Joe says with a smile.
I immediately blush from their words. I’ve never been praised for what I’ve been able to do. Okay, maybe a little from Jared, Maggie, and Nathan, but it’s different when it’s not my friends.
“She is stunning,” Mr. Covelli chimes. “I see what lured you, Joseph.”
“Indeed,” Mrs. Covelli graciously agrees.
My cheeks burn hotter as the temperature in the room kicks up a few degrees. I hope I’m not sweating.
“She does look familiar Elaine. I can’t place it either. We’ll remember who she reminds us of,” Mr. Covelli agrees.
“Do you have family in New York?” Mrs. Covelli seeks.
“No ma’am,” I offer, keeping it simple.
“Oh well, it’ll come to me sooner or later,” Mrs. Covelli insists.
“If you’re free this week, Emma, I’d love to get together with you to discuss business,” Mr. Covelli adds.
“Me? Why?”
“I’d love to hear more about what you do and the potential company our family may have as our first technology investment,” he explains.
“Sure. If you’d like to.”
“Of course,” he confirms. “Let Joseph know when you’re free and the four of us will chat. Our schedule is flexible while we’re here.”
“Okay,” I agree timidly.
What is this fascination with me that Joe’s parents have? I’m no one special. I have had success. I’ve made millions each year for the last four years between my two companies, but that’s pocket change when it comes to a family who makes billions and most likely trillions by now.
“Yes! You must come over, and not only to talk business,” Mrs. Covelli insists. “It’ll be nice to have another woman around. No offense gentlemen.”
They smile and nod. I’m sure I’m missing something.
To my surprise, there is a stretch limo waiting in the valet for us. Mrs. Covelli and I are ushered in first followed by the men. As the vehicle takes off, I do my best to suppress any outward signs of agitation for being in a car. I don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention to myself with Mr. and Mrs. Covelli. Jimmy and Allen direct most of the conversation while I sit quietly, twitching the fingers of my right hand under my purse. I’m conflicted with odd emotions when Joe doesn’t take my hand — I’ve become so accustomed to it.
“How are you holding up, Emma?” Jimmy inquires, snapping my attention away from the window.
“I’m fine. Thank you.”
“Why would you ask such a question, James?” Mrs. Covelli explores.
“Emma doesn’t like being in cars,” Jimmy shares.
I do my best to hide my discomfort.
“How else do you get around, darling?” Mrs. Covelli inquires.
“I walk or bike mostly, but I also take the local train or bus,” I explain.
“There’s a train in California?” Mrs. Covelli replies with a little surprise in her tone.
“The majority of the train here in LA is underground, which is why you probably haven’t noticed it,” I share.
“It’s actually very efficient and effective,” Joe adds openly. “Particularly for certain things.”
“You’ve taken public transportation?” Mrs. Covelli lightheartedly mocks. “It takes you getting out to California to try public transportation?”
“It’s because of Emma,” Jimmy accuses.
“I like her even more,” Mr. Covelli comments with a smile. He winks at Joe and laughs when I catch him.
“Me too,” replies Mrs. Covelli.
Joe blushes and hangs his head for a few moments, obviously taking the good-natured fun his family is having at his expense. I lower my eyes and watch my twitching fingers before returning my gaze out the window.
Guests aren’t scheduled to arrive until three in the afternoon, but the six of us arrive just after two for the party. The Wú house is exquisite, to say the least. I would suggest that it’s almost a mega-mansion. A variety of traditional Chinese wedding decorations and flower bouquets, with the colors of red, white, and gold, are intricately placed throughout the interior of the house, the tent, and the backyard. Buffet tables of endless food are already being stocked and there are two open bars on either end of the Olympic-sized pool. Ceiling fans and chandeliers are hanging in the tent as well, keeping the interior lit and cool at the same time. Amelia worked with Mrs. Wú on all of the decorations and party arrangements, and I’m proud to say, they did a wonderful job. I’m glad I didn’t have to take care of all of this in such a short amount of time.
I don’t have time to explore the Wú mansion due to meeting all of the guests and Henry’s entire immediate family, who flew in from China this past week. Maggie seems more nervous than I would have expected her to be — she’s a little excited but more nervous. Then again, Henry has a very large and affluent family. I bet I know what’s going through her mind. All Maggie wants is for them to like her.
I’m excited to see that Jared, Nathan, and Pop-Pop have already arrived and rush over to them. Jared explains that the past two days have been exceptionally well for him and there’s talk about Pop-Pop officially moving out to California from Arkansas. Pop-Pop’s been retired for several years and said that he would much rather be around happy, loving family members aside from catching up more with Jared for all of the missed years.
I meet some of Maggie’s extended family from China as well as all of Henry’s. Everyone seems extremely friendly, especially once they know that I speak fluent Mandarin.
The rest of the engagement party is a blur. There are so many people to meet that I’ve already forgotten most of their names. If I had the choice, I would stay in a corner, but being the maid of honor puts you out in the open almost as much as the bride and groom for most of the party. There are a fewer times I’m able to hide out in the kitchen, giving my feet a rest as the maids and catering staff bounce in and out.
As the sun begins to set, I start to hover around Jared since a few of Henry’s friends and some of the other single men have been trying to strike up a conversation and blatantly pick me up. Jared immediately knows what I’m doing and places his arms around me. I stand quietly as Pop-Pop shares story after story about Jared from before Jared and I met. I haven’t seen Maggie much other than her off in the distance, chatting away with all of the guests.
At one point, Joe, Jimmy, Allen, Jared, Nathan, Pop-Pop, and I are sitting around a single table and Jade is on my lap — she plays with a lock of my hair as she swings her feet on either side. A few other men and women our age hang around too. Everyone is chatting freely. Half of the guests have left and it’s still a little early for the rest of us to head home. Joe’s parents are still catching up with many people they know.
“Hey Jade,” Joe calls. “Did you see what I’ve been wearing today?” Joe holds up his wrist and shifts his cuff.
I notice what he’s showing her, but my attention is captivated by the ruby cufflinks.
Jade beams with excitement when she sees the bracelet she bought Joe at New Year’s. “You still have it?!”
“Of course I do,” he replies. “I’ll keep it forever.”
Jade bounces a little on my lap.
Joe gets up and returns a minute later with an extra plate of dessert. “Want one?” he asks Jade.
“Mommy said I can’t have anymore,” Jade says with a pout.
“I don’t see Mommy around. Do you?” Joe looks at me.
“No,” she confirms, shaking her head.
“Then, this is just between you, me, and Emma.”
“Don’t bring me into this,” I tease.
Jade laughs and takes a small cupcake for her first round of overindulgence. After Jade’s first bite, Joe takes her off my lap, suggesting it’s better to get his suit dirty than my dress. I sit watching the two of them, quietly giggling at their secrecy. Joe reaches towards me offering a bit and I gladly take one, leaning in with my mouth without thinking. The fire in my body roars when my lips make contact with one of Joe’s fingers. I wasn’t paying complete attention, nor was Joe, because our eyes have been locked the entire time. As I whip my lips with a finger, I check to make sure no one saw our exchange — looks like we’re in the clear.
About an hour later, Jade is asleep on my lap and the crowd of guests has diminished. Kim and Peter come over to say goodnight and carry Jade home. Not much later, Joe, Jimmy, Allen, their parents, and I are back in the limo on our way to Pasadena.
Joe drives Sadie and me home after saying goodnight to his family. When we get to my apartment, without thinking, I unlock the door and proceed in. Sadie stays nearby laying on the floor as I put her bags on the counter. Before I turn around, Joe’s hands are on my waist pulling me into him as he kisses my shoulder. He tickles the base of my neck with his lips, gradually moving up and nips my earlobe.
I emphatically moan louder under his seduction and my hand reaches up, seizing his hair. “What are you doing?” I manage to utter when his lips temporarily move to their next target.
“Having a little fun before I have to go,” he teases into my ear as he spins me around to face him. “Unless you let me stay.”
“You can’t stay. You know that.”
Our lips lock several times.
“Why not?” he whines a little, enticing me to reconsider.
“To start, people know you are here,” I contend, taking his mouth with mine.
“Mm.” Joe keeps himself locked to me. “Then I better make this count.”
Within seconds, I find myself pressed up against something, probably a wall, but I’m too distracted to care by his tongue swirling with mine. My hands grip onto his shirt, pulling him closer. One of Joe’s hands slides up over my ribs and I gasp in ecstasy as he cups my breast. He pulls away from my wanting mouth and resumes his previous lure on my Achilles’ heel.
“Not…the…neck,” I whimper, rilled with pleasure.
He chuckles lightly as he continues his pursuit. My fingers tighten in his hair and my eyes flutter as the desire to rip our clothes off rises inside of me.
“Joe,” I plea.
“Not yet,” he taunts while adding his tongue into his persuasion.
“Mmmmm. Joe…nooooo,” I beg, unable to stop moaning.
He temporarily relieves me of his fiery torture by returning to my mouth. I grab the back of his neck, yanking him into me, needing more. Joe tightens his grip around my waist before sliding one of his hands up my back and the other over my ass. Pulling him into me further, I feel his hot, swollen erection twitch on my lower belly.
Knowing, no, feeling his desire for me, entices my itch. He wants me. I want him.
“No,” I weakly command, pushing him away.
We both pant, trying to regain our composure which is not so easy when you’re still locked in a steamy embrace.
“Sorry,” he stammers, shifting slightly back, continuing to hold me.
I step into him seeking his lips. I’m not sure if I am trying to console him, myself, or both of us from our heated outburst.
“If I’m going to go,” he states, keeping his lips to mine. “We need to stop.”
“Mm-hm,” I agree, continuing my embrace.
“Emma,” he hums.
“Mm?” I take another kiss before he pulls away.
“Do you want me to stay?” he asks, keeping his mouth an inch away.
My body wants him to stay. I can’t take it anymore, but my brain is still a contender on the debate — a weakening contender — and I’m not sure for how much longer. Rules, Emma—you have rules and now is not the time, especially if we factor in his family. They know he drove me home and the longer he stays the easier suspicion arises even if Joe hides the truth.
“My rules.”
“We’ve broken a few already,” he reminds.
“Your family,” I add.
Joe and I kiss a few times with slow, lingering pecks.
“Can I see you tomorrow?” he asks.
“I’ll be tied up with Jared and Nathan for business.”
“All day?”
“And night,” I add.
“Monday?”
“I’ll still be with Nathan and Jared.”
“Tuesday?”
“I’ll see you in the morning for the meeting with your dad, but then I have wedding things to attend to with Maggie and Amelia,” I explain.
Without saying another word, Joe sweetly kisses me, keeping his hands only on my face. He groans as he reluctantly peels away. I don’t make it easier when my mouth chases his. My body instinctually follows him and Joe doesn’t seem to mind as his hands return to my hips and our lips reach for contact. Holding on to each other, we gradually move towards the door.