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

us with her presence.”
    “Turn around and let me see your ass in those shorts.”
    These are typical greetings; but the last one pushed it too far.
    “Seth, one more comment concerning my girl’s ass is going to land you ineligible for the season.”
    “How you figure?”
    “You can’t run with two broken legs and the nutrients you won’t be getting from a wired jaw will slow your healing down.” His tone is steely, eyes unblinking. I’m not a subject that will be broached without repercussions. I know this and should be happy with it, but it sets my nerves on end. He doesn’t let go of my hand but never relaxes in his standoff with Seth.
    Finally, Seth throws up his hands in surrender. “Shit, William. It’s like that?”
    “Exactly like that.” Brian nudges his brother, and the other guys aren’t making eye contact.
    “Okay, got it. Save some of that fire for the field.”
    “Keep your eyes off Emma and your comments to yourself, and you won’t be getting burned with this fire.” Everyone starts talking, dropping the awkwardness of this moment, and I find myself relaxing into Will’s side. It isn’t the distance I want, but it is a declaration. He isn’t rolling over and playing dead. His lips touch my forehead, and I hear as well as feel his breath ghost my skin. I know how he feels by the huge sigh he releases. We’ve been here all of five minutes, and I’m exhausted.
    Nobody messes with us the rest of the night. There’s plenty of debauchery, but it happens around us, not involving us. The football fucks, as I refer to the girls who are used by them, keep drinking, giggling, and acting like they don’t know the definition of self-esteem. I know I’ll never befriend them, and that makes me just as judgmental as these people, I’ll own it and accept it.
     

     
     
    Football season is full-throttle; mid-season is nonstop. We are learning to juggle our time between practices and games. He takes me to school every day and makes sure he is there after every class to see me, catch a quick kiss, or fleeting touch. After school he’s on the field until evening. Homework and prep takes precedence, and our time dwindles to nonexistent. It sucks, but it won’t always be like this. Next year will be worse with him at college and hours from home, but in a way it will be easier for him in another town. I’ll bide my time, and when all the pressure is off his shoulders, I know everything will fall into place.
    Homecoming is this weekend, and I’ve got butterflies in my stomach. Will is my best friend, my other half; we’ve been through so much together, and this is the next step. It’s new, yet it’s tradition. We’ve gone on dates, but this is something else entirely. Who you take to Homecoming is a statement, and there is no other choice for either of us. It cements a hidden proclamation. Sure we’ve been Emma and William our whole lives, but this is like shouting to the masses we are solid, we are steady, we are . . . us.
    I fuss over my hair, my mom flittering in my stuff making sure I have everything I need transferred to a smaller purse—lipstick, keys, ID, cash, cellphone. It’s all there.
    “Thanks, Mom.”
    She turns to face me as I’m smoothing the short dress over my stomach and making sure it covers everything so my dad doesn’t have an aneurysm. “Emma Nichols, you’re stunning.” The shimmery silver fabric drapes over my body perfectly; it molds to my curves without being obnoxious. The thin straps highlight my tanned shoulders, and the short skirt shows off my legs.
    “Thank you,” I smile at her. I chose to wear my hair up, and I wish I hadn’t. I’m so used to grabbing it and twirling it to ease my nerves. My hand gravitates to my necklace, and it’s wrapped around my finger before I realize it…but I can breathe.
    “Nervous?”
    “Yeah,” I admit, embarrassed because I shouldn’t be.
    “No reason to be. That boy is crazy when it comes to you. It’s