Embracing Love (7 page)

As my plane lands, I saw my parents waiting on me. I was so excited to see everyone. Although it had only been months since I left California, it seemed like years.

Eric and Addison still hadn’t made it back. As we pulled in the driveway I got a text from Addie saying they were on their way. My parents were asking 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 came in. I was so excited to see her. She asked if I had heard from Liam since his visit but I hadn’t and neither had she. Where was my Liam? Why wasn’t he here? He finally called and said he would be here on Thanksgiving, which was tomorrow. How the hell was I supposed to sleep? I couldn’t stop thinking about seeing his handsome face, kissing his lips, and laying in his arms.

Thanksgiving was here and I still hadn
’t seen Liam. Ashton texted me and said to go to my parents’ beach house. I thought why the hell did he want me to go there? Ashton and I were on speaking terms, but I would never forget how he treated me.

I went alone. I
’m glad I did because as I opened the door it was Liam standing there with nothing but a towel on. I wanted to rip that towel off his sexy body and fuck him on the floor. “Liam, oh my gosh! I have missed you so much. I was afraid you weren’t going to be here.” “Lila, I told you, I will 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’? They’ll have food, it’s Thanksgiving.” I laughed. “I don’t want to share your attention with anyone else, L.”

“
Okay then we’ll cook here.” I went to the freezer and grabbed some chicken out to thaw. “Okay Mr. Ellis, get your ass in that bedroom.”

“
Damn L, you can’t wait till we eat?” I laughed and said, “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 walked over and tilted my chin, just staring into my eyes. He was so hot. His eyes had a twinkle that would make your heart melt. He started kissing me, picked me up, and carried me into the bedroom. This was the same bed where we made love for the first time.

He sat me on the bed and kneeled down between my legs. I just wanted to rip my clothes off and jump on top of him. He started undressing me, and then he started kissing me all over. My body was aching for him. He had me begging for him to enter inside of me. I
’m not sure if he forgot because we were so caught up in the moment, but I noticed as we flipped over for me to get on top, he wasn’t wearing a condom. I didn’t say anything, but he noticed as well, I liked it better when he didn’t wear one. I was able to feel his skin inside of me.

“
Damn Lila, 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 laughed. We lay in bed for hours. Addie texted me asking where we were. “Liam, we better get up, Addison is on her way over.”

“
So what? You two couldn’t give us some of your time?” Eric just looked at Liam and laughed. “Yes Addie, we just needed alone time first.” I laughed. “Did he already turn you into a horny troll?” “Shut up, Ads!” I said. “You know I’m kidding, it is great to see you two together and happy.” “It feels great too,” I said.

“
You guys staying for dinner?” “Lila, if you’re cooking, I don’t think I want to eat.” Eric laughed. “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.” The guys wanted to go surfing later. I was excited. I hadn’t seen them surf in months.

We spent the next week with our friends and family shopping and eating. Liam and I played house at the beach house. I loved waking up to him every morning. Evan had texted me several times.

I figured it was time to tell Liam. “Liam, I told you I met some new friends, didn’t I?” “Yes you did, you just never told me who they were.” “Well there is Brody, which is now Nikki’s boyfriend. He has a friend, well he is my friend also I guess. His name is Evan and we hang out together, as friends! You know I love you and would never cheat on you.”

“
L, 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 is all you’ll ever be.”

Our mini holiday vacation was over. I was going back to New York and Liam had to go back to the base. At the airport, I had a huge breakdown. Liam was so understanding and just held me as I cried.

“Lila, we will see each other soon, beautiful. 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 Liam, 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. But, you have to go back to school now, my love.”

As Liam kissed me goodbye, all I could do was cry.
“Please stay safe and hurry back to me, Liam.”

I could see Evan from a distance. He walked up and kissed me on the cheek and told me how much he missed me. He took 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 just assumed you were single.” “Evan, I’m sorry. I should’ve told you sooner.” “It’s okay Lila, I understand. Still friends, right?” “Of course! We’ll always be friends.” I felt really bad for not telling him sooner. I hope he didn’t think I was leading him on.

It
’s been several days and Evan has been being distant. I feel like I hurt his feelings. I went to ask him if everything was okay and I saw him with Alyssa. “Oh, hi Lila. You remember Alyssa, don’t you?” “Yes I do, how are you, doll?” Again she didn’t reach out to shake my hand. She kissed Evan on the cheek and walked away.

“
Evan, can we talk?” I asked. “Sure Lila, what’s up?” “I just want to make sure things are good with us.” “Lila, everything is fine! Do you want to grab dinner?” “I’m sorry but I promised Nikki we would go out. But maybe the four of us can go?” “Okay, sounds great, I’ll call Brody.”

I felt better knowing he was okay, I
’m glad the four of us were going out. I texted Nikki to let her know the plans had changed. She was okay with that. I hadn’t told her that I told Evan about Liam yet.

I went back to the dorm to get ready. I saw a car in the driveway but I wasn
’t sure whose it was. I knew Nikki was there 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 just laughed. This was very weird, Nikki had never told me he was visiting, nor had I ever heard of him.

“
Nikki, can I ask your opinion on an outfit please? It’s in the other room.” “Okay, what the hell is going on? Who is he? And what about Brody?” “Damn Lila, one question at a time. First one, he is just a friend from home. He’s a sophomore at OSU. He’s my friend Trachell’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, Lila, I can’t just leave him here alone.”

We were meeting Evan and Brody at the restaurant. The restaurant wasn
’t what I thought, I felt a little underdressed. I had on a pair of jeans, a cardigan with a lace cami and Ugg boots, and my hair in a messy bun. Of course Nikki looked amazing as always. I never understood how Nikki and Addie always wore things like that. She was wearing a pair of knee boots and a mini skirt. She looked great. My boney legs would have looked terrible.

I noticed that Brody and Evan weren
’t alone. I saw a female with long hair, but wasn’t sure who she was. We approached the table and she turned around. “Hi Lila, nice to see you.” “Hello Alyssa, nice to see you, doll.” Nikki just gave her a snotty look and introduced Cameron to everyone.

I wished Evan had told me she was tagging along. She was more sociable. She kept rubbing Evan
’s arms and leaning on him, she also ate off his plate. When he went to the bathroom, I thought she would follow him in there so she could just fuck him already and get it over with. I lost my appetite watching this hoe bag.

When Evan came back, it got worse. Alyssa made me so uncomfortable. But Cam seemed to fit right in with us all. Alyssa was making me a little nauseous the way she was all over Evan. I wanted to tell her just take him and get a room. I know that Evan and Nikki could tell I was a little agitated with her behavior.

“I had a very nice dinner with you all, but I’m going get back to the dorms. I have a test in the morning.” “Lila, I can take you back,” said Evan. “No, that’s all right. I can catch a cab.” “Yes Evan, let her catch a cab. We had plans, I thought?” said Alyssa. “Yes Alyssa, I hope you take Evan back to where ever and finally fuck his brains out like you have been trying to do all night.” Nikki’s mouth dropped to the ground and Alyssa just kept batting her fake eye lashes at me. Oh my! Did I just say that? Keep walking, Lila, just keep walking. The look on Evan’s face made me feel even worse. I can’t believe I said that. I can’t stand her skank ass and her hands all over my Evan. It makes me sick.

I hoped Cam wasn
’t sleeping over. I didn’t know this guy at all. Of course, as I lay in bed trying to fall asleep, Nikki informs be that Cam was sleeping on the couch.

“
Lila, be completely honest with me. Do you like Evan?” “Nikki, of course, he’s my friend.” “No Lila. You know what I mean. You looked at Alyssa like you wanted to strangle her every time she touched Evan. And then, what you said as you were leaving.”

“
I just thought it was very rude and disrespectful of her and I was tired of seeing it. I just figured I was saying what she was thinking.”

“
Okay Lila, if that’s all it is, I apologize for thinking differently. But we have been best friends since kindergarten and I can tell when you are upset.”

“
Thanks Nik, I’m fine. I just want to go to sleep!”

I tried to avoid Evan in class, but it didn
’t work. He could tell something was bothering me. “Lila, are you okay?” “I’m fine Evan, just tired.” “Want to grab lunch after class?” “Sure, that sounds great.”

“
Lila, just so you know, Alyssa and I aren’t involved. I would like to apologize for her behavior. She wants to get back together but I keep turning her down.” “I should apologize, Evan. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did.”

I really hoped he wasn
’t bringing his friend to lunch. I hadn’t heard from Liam since I had been back to the dorms. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go back home for Christmas or not. I figured I would wait and go after the New Year. I knew Addie and Eric were spending Christmas in Boston. Nikki was going back to Ohio. I could just stay in the dorm and catch up on some reading and watch all my favorite Christmas movies. This was my favorite time of the year.

Evan was staying on campus and going home after the New Year. Nikki had taken the month off and was already in Ohio.

I decided to stay at the dorms so I could go back when Liam did. I received a letter from Liam on my birthday, December 22nd.

Hey Beautiful,

I miss you more than I can express. I can
’t wait till next month to see that sexy smile of yours. I hope you are ready to spend every minute with me. I can’t stop thinking about our last time together. Lila, you truly are the woman of my dreams. I hope you get this before your birthday. I will try to call you, but if I can’t, I hope you have a great birthday and we will celebrate next month. I love you!

Always, Liam

Evan didn
’t want to leave me alone on Christmas so he stayed with me and we celebrated Christmas together.

We had become really close.
“Lila, I love spending time with you, I hope that you understand how much your friendship means to me.”

“
I do Evan, I enjoy your company as well, as long as you understand I am still with Liam. Aren’t you going to spend any time with Alyssa?” “No, she went home for the holidays. Come on, let’s open our gifts!”

“
Evan you didn’t have to buy me a gift!” “I wanted to.” “Okay, if you insist, I got you one also.” We exchanged gifts. He bought me a pair of Ugg boots and a beautiful coach scarf. He knew my obsession with coach and how I loved those boots. I don’t get to wear them much when I’m home. I loved the fact that it was cold in New York and I could actually wear winter clothing. I bought him a recorder for his notes. He always seemed to lose his.

We had a cozy dinner at a little café in town. We talked and shared stories from our childhood. I couldn
’t believe how much we were alike. He told me about his first love and how he missed her.

“
Alyssa isn’t your first love, Evan?” “No. We started seeing each other a couple of years ago. It just really didn’t seem like it was going anywhere. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a nice girl, but we are two different souls.”

“
So who was your first love?” I asked. “Her name is Brynlea. We knew each other since we were children. We started dating in middle school. We never really thought it was serious at first. She was a cheerleader and I was a football player of course. Things were always good. We shared the same friends and enjoyed all the same things. We had plans on eventually going to the same college and maybe someday getting married. We’d fallen madly in love with each other and we were pretty inseparable.”

“
Where is she now?” “I don’t know,” sighed Evan. “I’m sorry Evan, we don’t have to talk about this anymore.” I could see he was getting upset over this conversation. What happened to her, I wondered.

“
Lila, the reason I don’t know where Brynlea is, is because her parents sent her away.” “What do you mean, sent her away?” “We were young and she got pregnant. I wanted to take care of her and the baby. Her parents had other plans once they found out about the baby and us.” “They made her have an abortion, although she told me she lost the baby. Then they sent her to live with her grandparents. I haven’t heard from her since and that was almost four years ago.”

“
I’m so sorry, I know you would have been a good father. Did your parents know?” “Yes, they were on my side. They said they would help us with the baby and we could live with them. Her parents even moved after that. I finally gave up on looking for her. No one knows except Brody.”

I couldn’t stop thinking about Evan and his story. I felt so bad that he had to go through that. I decided to make him dinner and dessert the next day, at his place of course. Evan and Brody had a loft close to campus. “Okay Evan, I normally don’t cook, so this is your lucky day, my friend.” “You aren’t going to poison me, are you?” “Haha, you are a funny man, Mr. Martin,” I said as I patted his back.

I started cooking and Evan of course played video games. Once dinner was done and we ate, we sat and watched a movie only to talk some more.
“So what’s your story, Miss Carls?”

“
Well, what would you like to know?” “Everything and anything you are willing to share. When did you and Liam start dating?” “Funny story, Liam and I had been friends for a few years. His cousin Addie is my best friend, I’ve told you about her. Well I was dating her brother Ashton and I caught him cheating on me. Liam had told me for months that I deserved better. I didn’t listen and well, I found out the hard way. I wanted to knock the shit out of that skank and Ashton when I saw them.”

“
So you started dating his cousin for payback? Nice!” “No, Liam and I fell in love. He is a great guy. I can’t wait for you to meet him.” “What does he think about you and me hanging out all the time?” “He knows we are just friends and he trusts me. It’s getting late, I better get back and finish packing. I’m going home in a couple days.”

“
Why don’t you stay here, Lila? You can sleep in my room and I will stay in Brody’s.” “I don’t think that would be a good idea. I should go to my dorm.” “Come on, just tonight. We both have had a few glasses of wine, we shouldn’t be out.” Damn, he does have a great point, maybe I should just stay. I trust him and I know I would never cheat on my Liam.

“
Okay, I’ll stay.” Evan fixed his bed for me, then he went off to Brody’s room. As I lay in bed looking at the ceiling I thought of Liam and how he would freak if he knew I was here. I heard the door open. “Evan, is that you?”

“
Yes Lila, I’m sorry, I just wanted to check on you.” “I’m fine, are you okay?” I asked. “Yes I am. Can I stay in here with you, Lila? I just wanted to talk some more. I promise I will keep my hands to myself and stay on my side of the bed.” “You want to sleep in the same bed as me?” Crap, what the hell did I get myself into? God, I hope he doesn’t try anything.

“
Come on Evan, lay down. What do you want to talk about?” “I just wanted to be close to you, Lila.”

“
I know you are with Liam and I would never try to ruin that. I just really like being with you and talking to you.” We talked for what seemed like hours.

I awoke with Evan’s arms around me and he was snuggled up to me. He was still asleep, even in the morning he smelled good and he was a very handsome man. Fuck! Liam, Liam, Liam, I thought. “Evan, wake up!” “Well good morning to you too, pretty lady.” “I’ve got to get going, Evan.” “Okay, I will take you to the dorms.” “What about breakfast?” Evan asked.

“
Okay, breakfast, then to the dorms.” “Sounds good. Let me shower really quickly.” While Evan was showering, I cleaned up from the night before. I thought he was dressed, but as I walked in the room he wasn’t. Oh my goodness. Good god! His body looked like heaven. “I’m so sorry.” He laughed and said, “Well you like what you see, Lila?” Hell yeah I did, he had a beautiful body. I was practically drooling. Damn, I didn’t think it could get any better than Liam’s but I was wrong. “Just get dressed.” I giggled. I know he noticed me drop my purse and just stare at his crotch, his package was um…oh my God…was that sexy. I didn’t realize I was staring so much until he asked if I was okay. Damn that thing was huge! Close your mouth Lila! Damn, I felt like I had wet my panties. I got all moist thinking about him.

Wow, what did I just see? He was definitely in shape and had a great body. Why am I thinking about that?
The drive to the dorm was kind of awkward. Evan was still laughing.

“
Dinner when you get back, darlin’?” “Sure Evan, that sounds great!” He walked me to the door and kissed my cheek. I just smiled and went in to pack. Why is Evan so charming? I really enjoyed hanging out with him, but still felt he wanted more.

When I get back, I think I will explain to him that friends is all we will ever be.

Eric and Addie are already back in Boston, I really wish we could have spent Christmas together. I wanted to be here with Liam and he should arrive anytime now. I got a text from Nikki saying she and Brody are having issues. Brody is a great guy, I just don’t think my friend is ready to settle down the way he is.

My phone chirped with a text. It
’s Liam, I thought.

Evan: Hello pretty lady, hope you had a safe flight and are enjoying your time. Text me when you are back in NY. I miss you already!

I didn’t reply. I called Addie to see how she and Eric were doing. They sounded so happy and so much in love. Liam still hadn’t arrived. “Hey Lila, how are you doing?”

“
Hey dad, I’m good. School is going great and I love New York so far.” “That’s great, pumpkin. I hope you are staying away from those guys out there.” “Dad you know me, it’s all about studying. You also know my heart is with Liam.” “Speaking of Liam, where is that fellow of yours at anyway?” “He should be here soon.”

I decided to go to The Ellis
’ to see if they had heard from Liam. “Well hello Ashton!” “Hey Lila, what brings you here?” “I’m looking for Liam. Have you heard from him?” “No, I haven’t. Did you check with Ads?” “Yes, she hasn’t either. I will just go to the beach house to wait for him, so if you hear please let him know I am there.” Sometimes it was still odd talking to Ashton after everything that happened.

The beach house looked dark and empty. My parents don
’t come here a lot. I had decided to pick up some groceries on my way there. As I tried to unlock the door, it opened. I jumped back and a familiar face stepped out the door. “Liam! You scared the shit out of me!” “I’m sorry, beautiful, I went home and Ash said you were here.”

“
Lila, I have missed you so much.” “I have missed you more.” I said. “I am going to make dinner, steak and baked potatoes, okay?” “I’m sure whatever you make will be fine.”

“
Okay, I’ll get the grill ready.” “Umm, let’s not worry about that right now.” “Liam, what are you up to?” He led me to the bedroom and started kissing me. “I have missed your touch so much, Lila” “I missed yours more,” I said. He took my clothes off, then lay me on the bed as he explored my body.

He literally kissed and licked every inch of me. I started undressing him, I loved to touch his body. I ran my hands up and down him, I wanted to feel him in my mouth again.
“Ba-B-Baby, please, I want to be inside of you, please let me love you.” I rolled over as he started to enter me. Oh my goodness, I have missed this man. “Oh my god, Liam I have missed you inside of me.” Good god, I loved making love to this man. “Faster Liam, faster.” I wanted to come all over him. “Lila, I can’t hold it any longer, I’m going to come baby.” “Wait, one more second Liam, I-I-I now, now, holy shit! That was fucking amazing.” We both came together. He kissed me with more passion than he ever had. “I love you, Lila.” “I love you more, Liam.”

We made love again, then showered and went out to make dinner.

“When did you start drinking wine, Lila?” “I just bought it in case you wanted some.”

I had been drinking that shit every night since being in New York City. It made my thoughts clear. I didn
’t want to tell Liam that though. How do you tell your future husband you are having wet dreams about another man? Wine will work just fine to keep my mind clear.

“
So how is school going?” “Good, I just wish you and Addie were there with me.” “I will be soon, my love. I only have eight months of basic training left.”

“
After that are you going to relocate to New York with me?” “Are you asking me to?” “Hell yes! Well, I’m not going to ask, I’m telling you that you are.” I laughed. “Yes, ma’am. Lila I love you more than I ever imagined I would.”

I walked over to him and kissed his neck.
“I love you more than life itself!”

“
You make me one happy man, Miss Carls, well someday that will be Mrs. Ellis.” “Is that a promise?” “Of course it is. When you are finished with school and I can relocate back here. I still am unsure if I want to move into my house.” “I’m one lucky lady, sometimes when I am with you I feel like it’s all a dream.” “No dream, beautiful, I’m all yours.”

Liam and I had so much fun playing house again. He
’d decided he wanted to look for his birthmother. He had her name and knew she was eighteen when she had him. I was worried that maybe he would be disappointed when he did find her.