Treasured (Embracing Series Book 1) (5 page)

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.

“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.