Embracing Series Box Set #1-6 Read online

  “Don’t you ever talk about Lila that way again! You’re a sorry excuse for a man. You had the perfect woman and you fucked that all up. Now if you come near her again, family or not, I’ll beat the fuck out of you. Sorry ass bitch.”

  Oh my gosh, I’ve never heard Liam talk like that. “Stop fighting! Please just leave me alone,” I yell. I take off even though I don't know where to go.

  I hear Ashton say, “Go after her; you know you want to, but when she teases the fuck out of you, you’ll see why I did what I did.”

  I run until I end up on the beach. I’m so upset and shaky, I don't even hear Liam walking beside me.

  “What are you doing out here all alone?” he asks.

  “Oh, Liam, you scared me.” I fall into his arms, sobbing. “Why did he do this to me? I've been a great girlfriend, other than not having sex with him,” I say through my tears.

  “It’s okay, you don’t have to worry about him hurting you again. Don’t cry, he isn’t worth all these tears,” he says, running his thumb over my cheek.

  “He said all those awful things about me,” I reply. “It’s not true; I wouldn’t cheat on him. Why would he think that?”

  “You and I both know you aren’t a cheater.” Liam’s so sweet. I hold on to him as tight as I can. “I knew this was going to happen. I told you he didn’t deserve you.”

  “I know. You and Addison warned me,” I say, running my hands through my hair. “Did you know about this?”

  “L, I tried telling you.”

  “Did Addison and Eric know?”

  “No, just me, and I only knew because I saw them fucking at that party last weekend. I walked in the bathroom and they were in there. The night I walked you home, I wanted to tell you then, but I didn’t know how. I didn’t want you to think I was just saying that because I like you.”

  “Well, that was a pretty picture, I bet,” I snarl.

  “No, I wanted to kick his ass then.” He places his hand in the small of my back. “You look so beautiful in the moonlight.”

  I blush as he runs his finger across my cheek. I can see that his hand is swollen and bleeding where he punched Ashton and he also has a cut on his lip.

  “You’re bleeding!”

  “It’s okay, I did it for you. I'll never let anyone hurt you.”

  I rub the side of his lip that was cut. He looks me in my eyes and kisses my hand. I can see how sincere he is.

  “I’m so sorry you got involved in this mess.”

  “I did it because I care about you.”

  “We better get back before Addison sends a search team looking for me. She’s been texting me since I stormed off, and I haven’t replied to anything. I know she’ll worry if we don’t hurry back,” I say as I start walking. Then my phone chirps again.

  Ads: Lila Rae Carls, you better answer my text! Are you with Liam? He came to look for you! I already talked to my brother and he is staying away from you. I told him I would kick his ass next! Hurry back, I love you.

  “I just want to talk. Why won’t you give me a chance?”

  “I just saw my boyfriend having sex with some tramp and you’re hitting on me.”

  “Well, when you put it that way, it sounds pretty bad. I just enjoy being around you and spending time with you. Will you go out with me for a movie this week? Just as friends. I won’t force or beg you to do anything you don’t want to do.”

  “Why are you so kind to me?”

  “Because I really like you. I told you how I felt already. I was being completely honest with you that night. Have you ever looked in the mirror? Lila Rae, you are beautiful inside and out. Never let anyone tell you differently. Someday, you'll be mine.”

  The walk back is very nice. I let him hold my hand; it feels kind of nice. I don’t let him see that I’m enjoying his company, but having him by my side makes me feel one hundred percent better after what just happened. I honestly wouldn’t want to be with anyone else right now.

  Once we approach his porch, he pulls me close to him. “You’re sleeping in my room. I’m not letting Ashton around you tonight.”

  “I’ll be fine. I’ll sleep in Ads’ room.”

  “No, your brother is in there with her. I'm sure they want their privacy.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure they do.”

  “Get your clothes and come with me. I’ll sleep on the floor, you can have the bed.”

  “Maybe I should just go home. I need to think about everything that just happened. It all went down so fucking fast.”

  “I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. I don’t trust my cousin with you. After everything that's happened, I want to make sure you’re safe.”

  “Fine, you're annoying,” I mumble.

  I walk into Addie’s room to tell her I’m fine and see she is asleep in Eric’s arms. I smile and go back to Liam’s room, then realize I didn’t grab my clothes. Oh well, I don’t need them.

  “Lila, you can’t sleep in those clothes.”

  “I’ll be fine. I couldn’t find mine. Truth is, they're in the other room and I forgot to grab them, but I don't want to wake the others looking for my clothes when I can sleep in these.” I laugh.

  “Here, put these on,” he says, handing me a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. I bring the pants and pants close to my face, inhaling the ‘Liam Scent.’ I go into his bathroom and change. When I come out, his eyes are glued on me.

  “What? Is something wrong with me?” I ask, looking down at the clothes.

  He whistles and says, “Damn woman, you look good in my clothes.”

  I giggle at him as I sit on his bed.

  He lays a few blankets on the floor and grabs some pillows from the bed. I lie down and watch him. He is so sweet. I don’t get why he hasn't been snatched up yet.

  “You don’t have to do that, you know,” I say.

  “I want to. Now close those pretty eyes of yours, doll.” He smiles before flipping the light off. “Night.”

  “Night, thanks for rescuing me.” His clothes and bed smell just like him. I snuggle up to his extra pillows and find myself wishing it were him. After staring at his perfect body lying on the floor, I finally fall asleep and dream of Liam Ellis.

  “Lila, are you okay?”

  “Yeah, why?” I ask, knowing I wasn’t asleep long.

  “Why'd you get on the floor with me? Is the bed uncomfortable?”

  “No, it’s fine, but you go get in the bed; the floor is too hard for you to sleep on,” I plead.

  “Only if you lie with me. I won’t hurt you.”

  I nod my head and get back in the bed. He lies next to me. I want to snuggle up to his back, so I throw my arm over him and scoot close. Before I know what I’m doing, I’m so close we're spooning. I hear him chuckle and feel him kiss my hand.

  “Lila?” He whispers.

  “Yeah?” I say meekly.

  “Turn over.” Assuming he must not like my arms around him, I turn over. He wraps me up in his big arms and wraps my legs around his. “Is this better?”

  “Yes, it is,” I say as I snuggle my body into his. I hold his arms around me all night. I have never felt more comfortable.

  ***

  “Wake up, Lila Rae,” Addison screams. “We’re late for our nail appointment!”

  “Addie, you don’t have to wake up the entire house. Let Lila sleep,” I hear Liam say.

  “Why are you in there?” Addie yells.

  “Damn, my head is killing me. I need to sleep. Liam didn’t want me to sleep alone.”

  “Ahh I see, so where exactly—”

  “Stop right there. He slept on the floor most of the night.”

  “When I walked in, you both were in the bed, cuddled up. Anyway, it doesn’t matter, just get dressed.”

  “Okay, Miss Impatient, I’m trying. Where is my brother anyway?” I ask, pulling my hair up on top of my head.

  “He already went home,” she says, walking into the other room.

  “Lila, are you feeling okay?” Lia
m asks.

  “I’m fine, just sleepy. Thanks for everything. You're awesome.” I kiss his cheek and blush.

  “I’ll take you ladies to the mall,” Liam says.

  “We're capable of driving ourselves, ya know,” Addison says.

  “I know. I want to take you, though.”

  “Lila, I wish I would have caught Ashton with Savvy. I would have shoved his balls up his ass. No one hurts my best friend, not even my brother. You hear that, Liam?” Addison says.

  “Uh, yep, loud and clear. And I want to keep my balls, so I’ll behave. Let’s go before you castrate someone.”

  Addison’s hand goes across the back of his head. Liam dunks to dodge her.

  “Yes, let’s go,” she snarls.

  I laugh at them. On the way to the mall, Liam stares at me on the way to the mall. As soon as we get there, he reaches for my hand before I can get out.

  He kisses my hand. “Have fun, beautiful.”

  “So Lila, what do you think of my cousin now? Isn't he a totally different man than my brother said he was?”

  “Yes, he is.” I smile.

  “Then I think you should let him know, maybe ask him out. He'll respect you. He won’t be rude to you the way that thing I call my brother was.”

  “Quit, don’t talk like that.”

  We get our nails done and go shopping. We need retail therapy for sure. I want some new clothes for college. I know the weather is going to be completely different. I’ll finally be able to wear my Ugg boots, so I buy two more pairs.

  “Lila, you need this outfit,” Addie says.

  “You know that won’t look right on me.”

  “Just get it, you'll look great! And Liam will love it!” It’s a zebra print camisole and a white cardigan with a black mini skirt. “Oh hell no, you can’t wear those flip-flops or those damn boots with that outfit.”

  “Fine, pick some shoes out for me.” She picks out a pair of flats. I can wear those. “Thanks for not getting stilettos.”

  She throws her head back, laughing. “You know me so well.”

  I end up buying the whole outfit and figure I’ll wear it on my first date with Liam.

  ***

  It’s been a week since my break up with Ashton, and tonight is the first night I am going out with Liam. I know to some this may look bad, but Ashton is the one that cheated on me.

  I braid my bangs, pull them to the side and place a white flower barrette at the bottom of the braid. I apply some light makeup and spray on my favorite perfume. Liam will be here any minute.

  I grab my purse and head outside. Just as I sit on the front stoop, I see his car. When he pulls up, he's smiling.

  “Hey there, are you ready to go on our first date?” he says, walking toward me.

  I laugh at him. “This isn’t a date, Liam Ellis.” I place my hand on his chest and stand on my tip-toes to kiss his cheek.

  “Call it what you want. I'm just glad you're finally with me,” he replies before kissing my forehead.

  He takes my hand and leads me to the car.

  “Thank you,” I say as I slide in and he closes my door. He walks to his side and slides in next to me.

  “Anytime, beautiful. What’s your favorite kind of music?”

  “I really like pop, R&B, rap, and country. Please tell me you like country?” I say, looking at him.

  He laughs. “Yes, I do. I actually listen to all music, even the eighties. I know how much you and Addison like eighties music.”

  I laugh. He knows so much about me already.

  “So what restaurant are we going to?” I ask.

  “Have you ever eaten at the Bistro on fifth and Beach Drive?”

  “No, I haven’t. I hear it's a great place, though.”

  He smiles. “It is great. Glad I’m the one taking you.”

  After we pull into the parking lot of the restaurant, Liam leans over to unfasten my seat belt. I can feel the warmth of his breath on my neck. God, I want him to kiss me. He looks me in my eyes, kisses my cheek, and smiles. I feel like I’m holding my breath.

  Once inside, I don’ know what to order. I’m a very picky eater. “What’s good? What are you getting?” I ask, looking over the menu at him.

  “I know you like bacon. So do I.”

  We both get the BLT with fries, a side of ranch dressing, and a sweet tea. Addison always laughs at my ranch addiction, but Liam also dips his fries in ranch, so that makes me a little more comfortable.

  Liam takes me home after the movie, but I’m not ready for our night to end.

  “I had a great time. I can’t wait to do it again.”

  He leans in and kisses each cheek. I throw my arms around his neck and hug him tight; then I kiss his chin. I want to kiss his lips, but I freeze.

  “Good night,” I say. “I had a wonderful time. I can’t wait 'til our next date.”

  Crap, I said date. I hope he didn’t notice.

  “Ahh, so this was the perfect date?” He throws his head back and laughs.

  “Yes, Liam, date! When can we go on another date?” I ask, unable to hide how giddy I am.

  “Well, anytime you want. I have all the time in the world for you.”

  “I’ll text you.” I kiss his cheek and run in the house.

  I give him time to get home and send him a text.

  Me: Tomorrow same time? <3

  Liam: Hell yeah :}

  Me: Yippie can’t wait to see you!

  Liam: I miss your face already!

  Me: Night love <3

  ***

  Over the next couple of weeks, Liam and I go on several dates. He is truly amazing! I should have dumped Ashton’s ass months ago. Liam is nothing like Ashton.

  Liam opens doors for me and walks me to my door. He holds my hand. He is perfect! We're all graduating this week. We're all the same age, except Eric. He is exactly ten months younger than me, but he was actually promoted up a year when he was in fifth grade, so we’ve been in the same classes together since then. He is so damn intelligent. Future Dr. Carls, he is.

  I’m excited but very sad to see the year come to an end. Leaving my hometown, my family, friends, and my comfort zone, knowing they'll all be so far away, scares the crap out of me. Shit, thinking about it is giving me a panic attack. Breathe Li, just breathe. Everything will be fine.

  I've lived in the same house all my life, had the same neighbors and friends. I've never been around snow other than when we visited my grandparents in St. Louis.

  I hope Liam is going to New York with me or at least Boston, with Ads and Eric. He hasn’t told me what he's doing. I know he wants to become a veterinarian. He loves animals as much as I do. We went to the zoo several times a week.

  Ads and Nikki always hated going to the zoo. “They’re just stinky animals,” they would say. Not Liam. He likes the stinky zebras as much as I do. Sometimes I think I should switch my dream career and become a veterinarian, but I've always dreamed of going to law school.

  The day has come—it’s graduation time. Though I prepared and practiced my valedictorian speech, I'm still nervous about speaking in front of crowds. That's right; I want to be a lawyer, but I don't like public speaking.

  I look behind me and see my brother and best friend. Then I see Liam’s handsome face. He winks at me. I guess that's his way of telling me everything is fine. I turn back to face the audience and find myself thinking about the last four years. When did they fly by?

  “Today our lives will change. Whether you have decided to go on to college or start a full time job, it's the beginning of the rest of our lives! I’m honored to have been a part of this class. Here is to our futures.” I end and take my seat next to Eric.

  “Good job,” he whispers as he kisses my cheek.

  “Thank you.”

  We listen to the spokesman and, one by one, we accept our diplomas. I feel relieved when I walk off the stage. I have finally finished high school.

  “Lila, that was wonderful! You looked like a pro,”
my mom says, kissing my cheek.

  “Thanks, Mom. I could feel my knees shaking.”

  “You could see them too, sis.” Eric laughs.

  “Eric, shut up,” I say, punching his arm. I’m going to miss my brother; we’ve always had a close bond. We rarely fought as children and he’s always been a great friend. He’s the one that beat the crap out of Will for cheating on me.

  Chapter Six

  Lila

  “Let’s go for a ride,” Liam asks. “Are your parents okay with you staying out all night?”

  “That depends on where I’m going and who I’m with.” I text my mom and tell her I’m okay and will be home in the morning. She’s more understanding than my dad is. “So, where are you taking me?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  I reach over, grab his hand, and smile at him. God, I can look at this man all day long.

  We drive for what seems like an hour or so, then we reach this huge house.

  “Where are we?”

  “This is my house.”

  “Yours?” I ask.

  “This is the home I grew up in. My parents left it to me to move into after I finished school.”

  “Who’s been taking care of it?”

  “The maid and grounds keeper, but I do come here often. I wanted you to see where I came from and I wanted to tell you about my parents.”

  I can’t believe this is his house. I knew The Ellis’s were a wealthy family, but Ads's house isn’t like this. This house is like the ones you see in Hollywood. Whenever I came to this neighborhood to shop, I always wondered who could afford these houses.

  When I walk in, the first thing I see is a huge foyer. It has a double staircase, all the walls are painted white, and antique furniture is everywhere.

  Liam takes me to a room that has tons of pictures. It reminds me of a study that you see in fancy houses. Most of the pictures are of him and presumably his parents. There are also trophies everywhere: football, track, basketball, and baseball.

  “Are all of these yours?” I ask, running my hand over a trophy shelf.