Embracing Emma (Companion to Brisé) by Leigh Ann Lunsford Read Free Book Online

I understand. She reaches up and clutches both of them, a serene look crossing her face. “I have my two men close to my heart.” I study the symbol her dad gave her, turning it over, running my fingers over it. “He said it’s the Celtic symbol for father and daughter. It was originally a bribery piece, but now it means the world to me.”
    “A bribery piece?”
    “He was trying to get me to cancel our date. I told him no way, no how. I explained to him this was the first of many, and you were my future, so he better get used to it.”
    I lower my head to the back of hers and exhale against her neck. I feel the warm air come back on my already heated face and can’t do anything but wrap my arms around her, drawing her tighter against me. “William,” she says with a shaky voice.
    “Ems, just let me hold you for a minute.”
    “I think in this moment I’d agree to a lifetime.”
    I finally get control of myself, and release her. “So a swanky apartment for college?”
    “I know, can you believe that? Do you know where you’re going yet?”
    “I’d love UGA because it’s closer to you, but I don’t think I’ll get a spot playing football there. I’ll probably end up at Georgia Southern.” Just thinking of being away from her for two years twists my stomach.
    “Will you still be able to come home as much?”
    “Not during the season. It’s almost four hours.”
    Her back straightens, and I can feel the resolve palpitating off her. “That’s fine. We’ll be fine.”
    “You gonna stay with me when I leave?”
    “That’s a silly question.”
    “So, you’re still gonna be my girl?”
    “As long as you let me.”
    That night something was decided and neither of us knew the consequences. It was beautiful.
    It was special.
    It was only meant for us.

Chapter Seven
    Emma
     
     
    My first kiss was magical. It’s gotten better with practice. It’s become second nature, and I wish my lips could be attached to his at all times. The only time he seems to be at peace and my mind stops screaming warnings at me is when his lips brush against mine, his tongue swirls with mine. He leaves me breathless and full of life with one simple kiss.
    Summer is coming to an end and as reclusive as we’ve been with our couple status he talked me into going to a bonfire with his crew. Kicking off their senior year with debauchery and beer . . . should be fun. I climb in the truck and immediately the tension coils around me. “What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing.” His terse tone does nothing to reassure me.
    “Then why are you about to crack a tooth clenching your jaw?” I purse my lips and wait for a response.
    “Please don’t start an argument with the guys.”
    “If they don’t say anything stupid, we won’t have to worry.”
    “Ems, you know they will. It’s who they are.”
    “It’s not who you are. That’s what I don’t understand.”
    He shrugs, like that’s an answer. He switches into gear and backs out. I sigh and lean back against the seat, mentally preparing myself for the dose of stupidity I’m getting ready to endure. Sexual comments, binge drinking, more than likely some vomit. Gee, why don’t I embrace his stellar friends? Having a few drinks, laughing, sharing friendship . . . I’m all for that, but what I’m about to witness tonight is the opposite. The guys like to push boundaries, embarrass and belittle people they feel are beneath them or don’t think like them. The girls allow it because this is the cream of the crop at our high school; the big men on campus. If they don’t want their asses pinched, too bad it will happen, and they will smile while the fingers on their asses leave a mark. They don’t want their sexual exploits broadcasted? Well, that’s a damn shame because before the condom is tossed in the trash, half the people at school will know. I don’t get why William hangs with them other than they are all teammates on the football team. I don’t understand why he can’t