Embracing Series Box Set #1-6 Page 8

  “Yes, I’m originally from Alabama. Me and my family moved to Utah when I was eight years old. My grandparents still live there. Maybe someday you can go visit their farm with me.”

  I knew he had an accent that wasn’t from Utah.

  We have a wonderful day because he’s so much fun to hang out with. We go back to his house for beers and a small party.

  “Lila, this is another buddy of mine, Zander.”

  “Nice to meet you. Are you from here?”

  He smiles and says, “No, sweetheart, I’m from Alabama. That’s how I know Evan. His grandparents own the farm my father works for.”

  I knew he wasn’t. He has that same twang. He's a nice looking man about the same size as Evan and has dark hair.

  “That’s great. It’s nice meeting you, Zander.”

  “Likewise, sweetheart.”

  Other people come in the later it gets. I see Alyssa and Evan on the patio, talking. They look like they’re having a heated conversation.

  “Hi, you must be Lila?” a short, brunette girl says.

  “Yes, I am, and you are?”

  “Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry. My name is Heather. I have a few classes with Brody and Evan. I used to date Zander.”

  “Oh, nice to meet you, Heather.”

  “Just to let you know, I’m not a fan of Alyssa. She isn’t a nice person.” I smile because I don’t know how to respond to that. “Oh, this is Margie,” Heather adds, pointing to a girl standing next to her.

  “Hi, Margie,” I say as she reaches out and shakes my hand. “I’m going to go dance. It was a pleasure meeting you two.”

  They both smile and say they'll catch up with me later. I get another drink, hoping Nikki and Brody will show up. Finally, I see Nikki.

  “Hey, bitch, glad you are here.”

  “L, what’s wrong?”

  “I’m getting evil eyes from skankzilla Alyssa.”

  The hatred all over Nikki's face suggests she already knows about Alyssa. “I know she doesn’t want me to punch her in her throat. I haven’t liked her since I met her. I think Brody slept with her. He swears he didn’t, but I know he did.” After a short pause, she sighs and says, “Let’s just have fun.”

  Brody and Evan come to dance with me and Nikki. A slow song comes on and Evan wraps his arms around me. Damn! He smells so good.

  As I dance with him, trying to keep my distance, he pulls me close and whispers in my ear, “You look wonderful tonight, darlin’.”

  I know he sees me blush when I smile. He starts singing “Bless The Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts.

  Damn this man can sing. I know he plays guitar because I saw the guitar in his car. He's never played for me, but I hope he will soon.

  I already had a few drinks and don't want to say anything stupid, so I smile. Nikki is staying with Brody, but I’m ready to go back to the dorm.

  Evan takes me home. He's been flashing me those beautiful green eyes all night. He seems like he wants to ask me something.

  “I like spending time with you. Can we hang out again tomorrow?”

  I giggle. “Sure, after class.”

  He leans in and kisses my nose.

  ***

  I hear a knock at the door and think maybe it's Evan, but when I open the door I get a huge surprise. It’s my Liam.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask.

  “I missed you so much, and when I knew I would be here for a few days, I had to see you.”

  “I missed you too.”

  I start kissing him and pulling all his clothes off.

  “Slow down, woman.” Liam laughs.

  I smile as I kiss every inch of his body. I lay him on my bed and look at his beautiful body. I kiss his neck and make my way down. He still has his boxers on. I pull them down; he's so hard.

  I kiss all around his stomach and his thighs. I want to feel him in my mouth, but I’ve never done that before. I'm not sure how to do it. As I stroke and rub him, I lean in and put him in my mouth.

  “Oh my God, where the hell did you learn that from?”

  I must be doing it right. I move faster.

  “I want you,” he says. “Climb on top of me; I want to feel you wrapped around me.” I start sucking harder. “Baby, it feels so good. If you don’t stop, I’ll come in your mouth. I want to be inside of you. I don’t think I can hold it.”

  Smiling, I look up at him and slide my way up his body. I put a leg on each side of him and guide him inside of me. I’m so excited I can barely breathe.

  “I never want to stop making love to you, my beautiful L. You are truly amazing.”

  I feel him explode inside of me as I fall down on his chest, panting like I just ran ten miles. I realize after he came inside me that he wasn’t wearing a condom. So glad I started taking those pills last month.

  “The condom! Fuck! You had me so turned on I forgot to put it on.”

  “It’s okay, I’m on the pill now.”

  He smiles and rubs his nose against mine. “That’s good. Now I’ll never have to wear one again.”

  “I love every part of your body,” I say.

  “I can’t stay long,” Liam whispers.

  “I know, my love.” I start to cry.

  “Don’t cry, my sweet L. I’ll see you on Thanksgiving.”

  “Promise?” I say.

  “I promise you, I’ll be back in your arms soon.”

  What would I ever do without his embrace? His kisses? His touch? I would die from a broken heart.

  ***

  I shower and hurry to class. I’ve never been this late before. I meet Nikki for lunch and tell her about Liam stopping by.

  “Lila, you have sex written all over your face!”

  “What? Do I really?”

  “No, you’re just glowing. I’m happy he swung by to give you a quickie; now you'll stop being so damn sad when Brody and I get our groove on.”

  “Bitch please, I’m not sad. I hate hearing his moans.”

  “I know. He’s loud, isn’t he?” Nikki says.

  Evan texts me that he wants to meet for dinner. I feel bad. I need to tell him I have a boyfriend. I just don’t want to hurt him. I love hanging out with him and I know once I tell him about Liam, it’ll all change.

  ***

  The days fly by. Before I know it, it’s a week from Thanksgiving. Nikki is going to Ohio, and Evan and Brody are going home to Utah. I’m going to miss hanging out with Evan, but I’ll be with Liam. Do I tell Liam about Evan? I don’t want him to be jealous. I still haven’t told Evan about Liam.

  Before we all go our separate ways for the holiday, I have dinner with Evan, Brody, and Nikki. I decide it’s time to tell Evan everything, but I don't say anything about Liam before, during, or after the dinner. What the fuck is wrong with me? Ugh!

  He’s such a great friend. I’m really lucky to have him and I don’t want it to change.

  After the dinner, Evan says, “Lila, I’ll miss hanging out with you.”

  I want to say I’ll miss you too, but I’ll be home making love to my boyfriend all week.

  “You’ll have Brody.”

  “Not the same. He isn’t as pretty as you are.”

  “I have to agree with you on that. I’ll call you when I get back.”

  He leans over and kisses my cheek. “See you soon, darlin’.”

  Chapter Eleven

  As I walk through the airport's concourse, I see my parents waiting for me. I can't wait to see everyone. Although it's only been months since I’ve left California, it seems like years.

  Eric and Addison still haven’t made it back. As we pull in the driveway, I get a text from Addie saying they're on their way. My parents ask me millions of questions about school, my new friends, and my roommate, which they knew all along was my long lost best friend.

  About an hour after Addie’s text, she and Eric arrive. I’m so excited to see her. She asks if I’ve heard from Liam since his visit, but I haven't and neither has she. Where’s my Liam? Why
isn’t he here?

  He finally calls and says he'll be here on Thanksgiving, which is tomorrow.

  How the hell am I supposed to sleep? I can’t stop thinking about seeing his handsome face, kissing his lips, and lying in his arms.

  ***

  Thanksgiving’s here and Liam is still nowhere to be found. Ashton sends me a text that says to go to my parents’ beach house. Why the hell does he want me to go there? Ashton and I are on speaking terms, but I'll never forget how he treated me.

  I go alone and I’m glad I did because when I open the door, Liam is standing there with nothing but a towel on. I want to rip that towel off his sexy body and fuck him on the floor.

  “Liam, oh my gosh! I’ve missed you so much. I was afraid you weren’t going to be here.”

  “I told you, I’ll never leave you! I’m starving. After I get dressed, do you want to grab some food?”

  “Do you want to come back to my parents’? Or go to the Ellis’s? They’ll have food,” I say.

  “I don’t want to share your attention with anyone else, L.”

  “Okay, then we’ll cook here.”

  I go to the freezer and put some chicken out to thaw.

  “Okay, Mr. Ellis, get your ass in that bedroom.”

  “Damn, you can’t wait till we eat?”

  I laugh and say, “Well, if you want to, we’ll wait, but I know Addison is going to be here soon.”

  “Fuck, I forgot other people wanted to see me.”

  Liam tilts my chin and stares into my eyes. He’s so hot. His eyes have a twinkle that makes my heart melt. He kisses me, picks me up, and carries me into the bedroom. This is the same bed where we made love for the first time.

  He sits me on the bed and kneels down between my legs. I just want to rip my clothes off and jump on top of him. He undresses me and kisses me all over.

  My body’s aching for him. I’m not sure if he forgot because we're so caught up in the moment, but I notice, as we flip over so I can get on top, that he’s not wearing a condom. I don't say anything. I like it better when he doesn’t wear one. I like feeling his skin inside of me.

  “Damn, I forgot. I’m so sorry!”

  “It’s okay. Remember, I’m on the pill. We’ll just have to be careful.”

  “Of course I would love to make beautiful babies with you, just not now.” He laughs.

  We lie in bed for hours. Addie sends me a text asking where we are.

  “Liam, we better get up. Addison is on her way over.”

  ***

  “So what? You two couldn’t give us some of your time?” Addie asks. Eric looks at Liam and laughs.

  I smile. “Yes, we just needed alone time first.”

  “Did he already turn you into a horny troll?”

  “Shut up, Ads!” I say.

  “You know I’m kidding. It's great to see you two together and happy.”

  “It feels great, too,” I say. “You guys staying for dinner?”

  “Lila, if you’re cooking, I don’t think I want to eat.” Eric laughs.

  “Little brother, your big sister happens to be a great cook. Just ask Liam.”

  “I have no say in this matter. I love you both,” Liam says.

  ***

  We spend the next week with our friends and family shopping and eating. Liam and I play house at the beach house. I love waking up next to him every morning. Evan has texted me several times. I figure it’s time to tell Liam.

  “Liam, I told you I met some new friends, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, you just never told me who they were.”

  “Well, there's Brody, who is now Nikki’s boyfriend. He has a friend…well, he's my friend too, I guess. His name is Evan and we hang out together, as friends. You know I love you and would never cheat on you.”

  “You don’t have to explain yourself to me. I trust you with all my heart. I know you are mine and only mine, but you make sure he knows that friends will be all you’ll ever be.”

  ***

  Our mini holiday vacation comes to an end. I’m going back to New York and Liam has to go back to the base. At the airport, I have a huge breakdown. Liam’s so understanding. He just holds me as I cry.

  “We'll see each other soon. Please stop crying. You’re making this so hard on me. I wish I would have never signed up for the army. I had no clue that we were going to be together. I promise you, with everything that I am, that we will be together. No one will keep us apart for long, not even my job.”

  “I know, I’m so sorry! I just hate leaving you. I feel so empty when we aren’t together. I think I may join the army just to be close to you.”

  “I don’t think we would be in the same unit, but if that was possible, it would be fucking fantastic. You have to go back to school now, my love.”

  As Liam kisses me goodbye, all I can do is cry. “Please stay safe and hurry back to me, Liam.”

  ***

  I can see Evan from a distance. He kisses me on the cheek and tells me how much he missed me. He takes me back to the dorms.

  “Evan, I need to explain some things to you. Do you remember me telling you about a guy named Liam?”

  “Yes, Addison’s cousin, the one that was there for you when your ex cheated on you?”

  “Yes, that’s him. Evan, he’s not my friend. He’s my boyfriend and he’s in the army.”

  “Your boyfriend? I assumed you were single.”

  “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you sooner.”

  “It’s okay, I understand. Still friends, right?”

  “Of course! We’ll always be friends.” I feel really bad for not telling him sooner. I hope he didn’t think I was leading him on.

  After telling him about Liam, Even hasn't texted me much or taken me out for several days. I feel like I hurt his feelings.

  One day at school, I finally work up the nerves to ask him if everything’s okay. He's with Alyssa when I find him in the hallway.

  “Oh, hi Lila. You remember Alyssa, don’t you?”

  “Yes, how are you, doll?” I say. Again, she doesn’t reach out to shake my hand. She kisses Evan on the cheek and walks away.

  “Evan, can we talk?” I ask.

  “Sure, what’s up?”

  “I just want to make sure things are good with us.”

  “Everything’s fine. Do you want to grab dinner?”

  “I’m sorry, but I promised Nikki we would go out. Maybe the four of us can go?”

  “Okay, sounds great. I’ll call Brody.”

  I feel better knowing he’s okay. I’m glad the four of us are going out. I text Nikki to let her know the plans have changed. She’s okay with that. I haven’t told her that I told Evan about Liam yet.

  ***

  I go back to the dorm to get ready and see a car in the driveway, but I’m not sure whose it is. I know Nikki’s here, but she didn’t say she had any company.

  “Lila, this is my friend Cameron from Ohio. Cam, this is my best friend, Lila.”

  “Very nice to finally meet you, Lila. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “All good I hope.”

  He laughs. This is very weird. Nikki never told me he was visiting, nor have I ever heard of him.

  “Nikki, can I ask your opinion on an outfit please? It’s in the other room.”

  As soon as we get to my bedroom, I shut the door behind me and say, “Okay, what the hell is going on? Who is he? And what about Brody?”

  “Damn, one question at a time. First, he is just a friend from home. He’s a sophomore at Ohio State University. He’s my friend, Rachel's, brother. I didn’t know he was coming, actually. He surprised me! And he knows I’m seeing Brody.”

  “Well, is he going out with us all tonight?”

  “Of course he is. I can’t just leave him here, alone.”

  We meet Evan and Brody at the restaurant. I didn't expect the restaurant to be so fancy. I feel a little underdressed. I'm wearing a pair of jeans, a cardigan with a lace cami, and Ugg boots. My hair is i
n a messy bun.

  Of course, Nikki looks amazing, as always. She’s wearing a halter top, a pair of knee boots and a mini skirt. I'll never understand how Nikki and Addie look so good wearing outfits like that. My boney legs would have looked terrible.

  I notice that Brody and Evan aren’t alone. I see a female with long hair, but I’m not sure who she is. When we approach the table, she turns and faces us.

  “Hi, Lila, nice to see you,” Alyssa says.

  “Hello, Alyssa, nice to see you too, doll.”

  Nikki gives her a snotty look and introduces Cameron to everyone.

  Alyssa keeps rubbing Evan’s arms and leaning on him. She eats off his plate. Every time he goes to the bathroom, I'm almost afraid she'll follow him in there so she can fuck him already and get it over with. I lose my appetite watching this hoe bag.

  When Evan comes back, it gets worse. Alyssa makes me so uncomfortable, but Cam seems to fit right in with us. The way she's all over Evan makes me a little nauseous. I want to tell her just take him and get a room. I know that Evan and Nikki can tell I’m agitated with her behavior.

  “I had a very nice dinner with you all, but I’m gonna get back to the dorms. I have a test in the morning,” I say.

  “I can take you back,” Evan says.

  “No, that’s all right. I can catch a cab.”

  “Evan, let her catch a cab. We have plans, right?” Alyssa says.

  “Yes, Alyssa, I hope you take Evan back to where ever and finally fuck his brains out like you've been trying to do all night.”

  Nikki’s mouth drops to the ground. Alyssa just keeps batting her fake eyelashes at me. Oh my! Did I just say that? Keep walking, Lila, just keep walking. The look on Evan’s face makes me feel even worse. I can’t believe I said that, but I can’t stand her skank ass and her hands all over my Evan. It makes me sick.

  ***

  I hope Cam isn’t sleeping over because I don't know this guy at all. Of course, the moment I lie in bed, Nikki informs me that Cam’s sleeping on the couch.