Embracing Series Box Set #1-6 Read online

  “Yes, I was a very active child. My parents had me in every sport I wanted to play.”

  “That’s why you like sports so much? But why'd you stop playing? You could’ve been on any of the teams at Saber.”

  “Yes, I played sports until I left this house; then I just quit. It wasn’t me anymore.”

  “These are awesome.” I can see he’s a little emotional. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, L. It just brings back memories, is all.”

  “Tell me everything about you. I want to know everything.”

  We walk into a large room and sit on a huge couch. This house is so beautiful; It even has its own private beach. I can’t believe no one lives here.

  “I was born here and was an only child. I always wondered why my parents never had more children. I would have loved to have a brother or sister. My dad got really sick when I was fourteen. He had lung cancer. He was a great man.”

  “I’m sure he was. I can tell they loved you very much.”

  I lean in and kiss his cheek. He leans his head on my chest and starts to cry. I’ve never seen a grown man cry the way he does. I just want to hold him and never let him go.

  “What about your mom?” I ask.

  “She'd been sick for years. She had breast cancer. Exactly a year after my father’s death, my mom passed away as well, two weeks before my fifteenth birthday. I was sent to live with my aunt and uncle.”

  “You've been through so much and you seem so strong.” I’m in tears now. I couldn’t hold them back any longer.

  “After my mother passed, I found my birth certificate and found out I was adopted. I haven’t told Addison or Ashton. Hell, you're the first person I’ve told. My aunt and uncle knew already. My mom wasn’t able to conceive. They tried for years before they finally decided to adopt,” he says, running his hand over his face.

  I lay my head in his lap, not knowing how to comfort him. As we lie on the couch together, we continue talking about Liam’s childhood and his parents. I can tell what a terrific man he is. He's been through so much in the last five years. He had to grow up so quick and all alone. Of course, he had his aunt, uncle, and cousins, but that isn’t the same as having parents. I wouldn’t know what to do without my parents or my brother.

  We stay on that couch all night. I lie in his arms and cry with him. I can tell this man has a wonderful heart and so much love to give.

  The next morning we walk along the beach. The way the sunrise looks in the morning is beautiful.

  “I guess we better get back home,” Liam says.

  “I could stay here forever,” I reply.

  The drive back is very relaxing. He drives and I talk about my family and childhood. He knows almost everything about me already. He smiles and listens the entire way home, not letting go of my hand.

  ***

  I awake to Addison sitting on the foot of my bed, shaking me. “Wake up! Are you going to Lulu’s party tonight?”

  “When is it, Ads?” I ask, then realize she said tonight. I've been so tired since staying out with Liam a few nights ago. My mind has been all over the place.

  She giggle-snorts. “I just told you, it’s tonight. God, you are so dense when you wake up.”

  “Bitch…yes, I’ll go. Let me see what Liam is doing,” I say, grabbing my phone from my nightstand.

  Me: Hey handsome, you want to go to a party with me? ;)

  Liam: I would go anywhere with you, beautiful.

  Me: I’ll pick you up around seven-ish?

  Liam: No…I’ll pick you up. You know I like my car better…

  Me: So do I. ;)

  “So, what’s that smile for? Are you banging my cousin?” She laughs.

  “What? No, stop it,” I say, getting out of the bed. “Let’s go get lunch and see a movie. I’m going to miss you so much.”

  “Yeah, and I don’t have the hots for your brother.” She rolls her eyes and hugs me. “Take a shower, then we'll grab lunch. I need a new outfit for tonight.”

  “Of course you do.” I laugh. “Isn’t that a new outfit?”

  “This? Umm…no, I’ve had it.” She winks. “Now shower, I want food, woman,” she says, throwing a pillow at me.

  “Kay, I’m going.”

  ***

  Liam picks me up around seven o’clock. He looks so good. He’s wearing a pair of jeans with holes in the knees, a black, V-neck T-shirt, and a pair of black boots. His hair is messy on top. I would love to just run my fingers through it.

  When we pull up, I see Savvy and her bitch friend, Sara.

  “Oh, how lovely of them to show up,” I say, rolling my eyes.

  “Lila, just ignore them.”

  Liam knows I would knock the tramp out. My blood is boiling. She’s nasty and I can’t stand to look at her.

  “Okay, but don’t leave me alone for long. I may have to choke a bitch.” I laugh.

  Ugh, I just want to drop kick Savvy in her damn throat. Sara is just as bad. She slept with Addison’s ex a few years back. Ads paid her back, though.

  “I won’t. That was pretty funny, but I won’t let you choke anyone, though.”

  I smile. We get out of the car and walk toward the house.

  “Hey, Liam. How are you doing, sweetie?”

  “Hey, Sara. I’m good.”

  “Why don’t you save me a dance?” She smirks.

  “That’s okay, Sara. I’m here with my girlfriend. You know Lila, don’t ya?”

  “Oh, yeah, Ashton’s ex, right?” she snorts. I’m really going to choke this bitch. She’s looking at Liam like she’s ready to jump his bones. I reach up and kiss his cheek.

  “You ready to go in, my love?” I ask.

  “Yes, I am, beautiful.” He smiles.

  “It was nice seeing you um…Stella, is it?”

  “Sara,” she says, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms.

  I flip my hair and walk away. In your face, bitch.

  “Sorry about that, Lila.”

  “Don’t apologize. I know how the two of them work, but did you ever fuck her?”

  Oh, damn, did I just say that? Yep, me and my big mouth. I’ve been hanging with Ads too long. She gave me a damn sailor’s mouth.

  Oh no, the look in his eyes…I really hope he didn't.

  “Hell no! I have never touched that girl. She used to date Ashton.”

  “She did? Damn, he's dated everyone.”

  “Yes, he has. I can’t even count the girls I've seen him with.”

  “Liam! Lila! So glad to see you guys!” Addison screams.

  “Hey, Ads, glad to see you. Are you drunk?”

  Eric hugs me. “Hey, sis, and yes, your best friend has been drinking all night.”

  “Well, keep an eye on her. Please,” I say, hugging him again.

  “I won’t leave her side, you know that.”

  “Hey, Liam, you take care of my sister and don’t let her break any necks. I saw Savvy and Sara earlier,” he says.

  “Yeah, we did too. Lila will be with me the rest of the night, so no worries, bro,” Liam says, giving him a ‘man’ hand shake.

  “Thanks. I know my sister is in good hands with you.”

  “Is that Liam and Lila?” I hear Lulu say from behind me.

  “Hey, Lulu, what a great party, sweets. How are you and Lance doing?” I ask. She and Lance have been dating for years. They are the perfect couple.

  “Oh, Lila, we're fantastic! We're both going to Florida State together. We leave in three days. I’m so excited,” she says, clapping her hands.

  “That’s fantastic. I’m getting nervous about going to NYU,” I admit.

  “You’ll be fine. What about Liam? Where is he going?” she asks.

  Since Liam left to talk to some guys, I say, “I’m not sure of his plans yet. I hope he will eventually come to New York. It was good talking with you; I better go find him.”

  After hugging her, I walk away.

  I want to ask Liam about his plans, but I keep putting it
off. God, I’m going to miss him. I hope he isn’t going off to another state. I want what we have to work.

  I walk around the corner and see Liam talking to a few guys.

  “There you are, handsome. I missed you.”

  I love his smile. He can make a bad day turn into the greatest day ever when he smiles.

  “Hey, having fun? You haven’t choked anyone yet, have you?” he jokes.

  “No, not yet. Let’s get out of here before I do.” I laugh, but I’m serious.

  “Where would you like to go?” he asks, wrapping his arms around my waist.

  “Anywhere away from here,” I say. The more I think about how Sara looked at Liam, the more upset I get. I just want to be alone with him.

  “I’ll find Ads and tell her we’re going,” I say, kissing his cheek. Where the hell did they go? I hope Eric hasn’t already taken her home.

  “Well, if it isn’t Lila Rae.”

  “Excuse me, Will. I’m looking for Addison,” I say, pushing past him.

  “Oh, come on. Is that a way to talk to your first love?” he asks, grabbing my arm.

  “Trust me, you were not my first love.”

  He has his hands all over me. I push him to the side.

  “Damn, you like it rough, baby?”

  God where is Liam or Eric? This dumb ass is drunk and a lot stronger than I remember.

  “Get the fuck out of my way right now!”

  “Come on, babe, you know you want some of Big Will.”

  “Will, I’m warning you to get out of my way.”

  He grabs me and pulls me close to him. His breath smells like he drank a keg of beer. He’s holding me so close, I feel like I’m going to puke.

  “Come on, baby, give me some of those sweet kisses.” Just as he tries to kiss me, I ram my left knee into his balls.

  “What the hell is wrong with you?” he shouts. “You fucking whore. You’re still a tease, I see.”

  “I told you to stay away from me. Next time it will be worse, you douche bag.”

  Oh, now Liam shows up. “What’s wrong?” he asks.

  “This jerk pinned me up against the wall and was trying to kiss me.”

  “Will, you better stay away from her, you hear me? If you ever come near her again, you'll regret it!”

  Liam grabs my hand and we leave. I’m shaking so bad, I want to cry.

  “Thanks. I took care of him, though.”

  “Are you all right? Did he hurt you in any way?”

  “No, I’m fine. He scared me at first, but I knew how to defend myself.”

  Once we leave, Liam drives to the beach.

  “I know you feel comfortable here. I wanted to be alone with you anyway.”

  “I do love it here. It’s so peaceful and beautiful.”

  We sit on top of Liam’s car and talk as we stare at the stars.

  Chapter Seven

  “Liam, what are your plans for the future?”

  “I’m not sure yet. I don’t know what I want to do.”

  I was hoping he would say he wanted to go to NYU or somewhere close to NYU. I don’t want to leave him. My phone starts to ring; it’s Ads.

  “Hello, Ads. I’m fine. No, I’m with Liam. Okay, you be careful. I love you too.”

  I know her and my brother are going back to her place.

  “Hey, how about a swim?”

  I just look at him. I’m not sure if I should or not.

  “I don’t have my suit with me.”

  “You don’t need one.” He strips down to his boxers and jumps in the water before I can answer. I take my clothes off, glad my panties and bra match.

  “Holy crap, it's freezing!”

  “You’ll be fine. Swim closer to me.”

  I swim closer and he grabs my waist.

  “You know, you are the prettiest woman I have ever seen.”

  “Liam, stop, you’re just saying that.”

  “No, I’m serious. Your eyes, your smile, and your heart. You're perfect!”

  I blush. No one has ever said these things to me before. We have never kissed mouth to mouth and I've wanted to so bad. Maybe I should make the first move.

  I put my arms around his neck and stare into his eyes. I kiss his cheek, hoping he'll get the hint. He pushes my hair behind my ear and then kisses my cheek and my nose.

  “I love spending time with you,” Liam says.

  “Me too, Liam.”

  Come on, kiss me already! I’m as close to him as possible. He lifts my chin and leans in, and there it is. He's finally kissing me. Holy hell! This is amazing.

  “I have wanted to do that for so long,” he admits.

  “I've wanted to kiss you too.”

  I lean in again to kiss him, this time a little more passionate than before. I can feel his erection against me. His kisses make me melt. I can feel my knees getting wobbly.

  “Come on, let’s go back to the beach,” Liam says.

  He carries me and lays me on the sand. We lie on the beach, kissing and caressing each other. I have never been kissed like this before. His mouth tastes so good and I just can’t get enough. Whenever he stops, I grab his face and kiss him again.

  “Your lips, are amazing,” I mumble between kisses.

  He pulls my bottom lip between his teeth and growls. “Lila, I love kissing you, but we better slow down.”

  I can tell he's still erect. I climb on top of him and continue to kiss him. As I grind my hips into him, I can feel him getting harder and harder. He lets out a moan in my mouth. I have never done this before. There was this feeling in my panties when we were making out. Once I started grinding his body, I could feel an explosion down there.

  He laughs nervously as his hands help my hips rock back and forth. “Baby, this feels wonderful, but maybe we should stop.”

  “Oh, it feels great. I’m enjoying myself, aren’t you?” I moan in his mouth.

  Between kisses, he says, “That’s the problem; I’m enjoying it way too much. Can you feel how excited I am?”

  He stills my core over his erection.

  “I do, I just want to kiss you forever,” I say breathlessly.

  “Me too, baby. Oh shit, how did you learn to move your hips like that?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never done this before now. ”

  “Okay, let’s get going. I promise we will finish this later,” he says, standing up with me still attached to his waist.

  “Wow, I have never ever felt this way before. That was a hot make out session, Mr. Ellis.” I laugh as I kiss his cheek.

  “The first of many, beautiful girl.”

  ***

  It’s been a little over a week since the heavy make out session between Liam and I, and I'm ready for another one. I’m sad that in less than a month, I’ll be leaving him behind. I want to show him how much I care about him before I go, and I think this party will be the perfect place. I want to get everyone together this last night. Eric and Addie are going to Boston. Liam and Ashton haven’t decided where they want to go, but I won’t see any of them for months.

  I only invited a few friends: Eric, Addie, Ashton, and Liam. Some random skank I had never seen before also showed up. I don’t know who invited her, but I sure the hell didn’t. I see her talking to Liam. I snarl a few times. Of course, he notices. Who wouldn’t?

  I walk over to them. “Would you like a drink? I’m Lila, and you are?” I say, staring at her.

  “Oh, hi. Ashton invited my friend and me,” she says as she skims the room, looking for said friend.

  Looking in the direction her eyes are pointing to, I see Ashton making his move on some brunette. “Have fun,” I say as I walk away. She didn’t even tell me her name.

  Liam grabs me by my hips and swings me around to face him. He puts his hand under my chin. “Are you jealous?” he teases.

  Hell yeah, I am.

  “Why would I be jealous?” I say with my hands on his chest. I hope he doesn’t notice, but I really am. Who the hell does she think she
is? Why would she try to talk to him when she could clearly see he was with me?

  “Don’t worry, I’m all yours.”

  “I hope so.” I smile at him and notice his 'new friend' is dancing with Ashton and the other chick.

  “Well, looks like she decided on another Ellis,” I joke.

  “Good. Come take a walk with me.”

  “Okay, I want some alone time with you anyway,” I say, kissing the side of his face. Since the party is at my parents' beach house, we walk out onto the deck and down the path to the ocean.

  “Lila, I’m going to miss you very much.”

  God, if he only knew I would miss him just as much or even more. We walk along the beach and talk about our future plans. I’m really not sure if he wants to attend college or not. He’s financially set for the rest of his life from his parents’ estates.

  I love this beach. My parents bought the house when Eric and I were younger. We would come here every weekend. Of course, it's not a private beach, like Liam’s.

  It’s getting chilly. Liam notices I’m shivering and wraps his arms around me. I enjoy being close to him. I enjoy his hugs and the little kisses he always gives me on my forehead or cheeks.

  “I think I’m falling in love with you,” Liam confesses.

  “Liam,” I whisper against his lips. He parts my lips with his tongue, then wraps his tongue around mine. He's so passionate, it feels like I'm going to sink to the ground. I hope he doesn't feel my knees shaking. My damn knees…when I’m nervous, they always want to knock me down.

  I’ve been waiting to kiss him like this again. The kiss is so gentle, it seems like it lasts for a lifetime.

  “Lila Rae Carls, I've wanted you for the last four years,” he says.

  I just stand there, not knowing what to say or do. Then he does it again. This time, there are fireworks going off in my head. I want him to lay me down right here and kiss every inch of my body. I have never wanted that with anyone before. I think I had a damn orgasm again. I don’t know what they feel like, but from the kisses the last time and the ones tonight, this has to be it.

  We walk along the beach, laughing and talking. Then we find a perfect spot under the moon.