Embracing Series Box Set #1-6

by Delisa Lynn

  ***

  I awake to the smell of biscuits, gravy, eggs, fried potatoes, and sausage. I look around, but I don’t see Tatum anywhere. I walk into the kitchen and find the table covered with tons of food. Gran and Tatum are standing at the stove.

  “Good morning, ladies.” I kiss Gran’s cheek. Tatum is smiling ear to ear. I lean over and kiss the top of her head.

  “We made breakfast. Hope you’re hungry,” Tatum says with a wink.

  “Absolutely. I’m starved! Are we still going shopping?” I ask, hoping for a yes.

  “Yes, we are. Audrey is bringing my clothes. I’ll just get ready from here.” She sits down next to me. She’s always so happy, except when that jerk is bothering her.

  After we all finish eating breakfast, I get ready, and Tatum, Zander, Audrey, and I head to the mall. Zander and I sit up front. The girls in the back talk and giggle the entire ride.

  I want to get Tatum a gift, but I’m not sure what to get her and how she’ll feel about it. Zander and Audrey did nothing but argue the entire drive. He wants her, but she puts up an odd front. The banter between them is annoying as hell. They need to just fucking admit they have feelings for each other and move on. It would make all of our lives easier. Zander has told her numerous times that he wants her.

  I go into Bath & Body Works to get Mom and Gran’s gifts, so I get Tatum something from there. She always smells like lavender, so I buy her a lavender-scented perfume. After I leave Bath & Body works, the girls want to grab some pretzels and smoothies from the food court.

  As we approach the kiosk, Tatum’s phone starts ringing. She walks away from the three of us. Audrey orders for all of us and we walk to a table. I can tell Tatum is crying. She keeps wiping her tears away.

  When she comes back, no one says anything. I hand her the strawberry-banana smoothie and pretzel bites. She thanks me.

  Then, out of nowhere, Audrey blurts, “So, was that douchetwat? I hate that motherfucker. I don’t see why you haven’t left his ass yet.”

  “Not here, Audrey. That was Thayer. We broke up, just so you all know.” Tatum sniffles.

  Audrey takes a drink of her smoothie. “Good. I hate that dickweed.”

  “Well, I think we shouldn’t talk about it now,” Zander says. “Audrey, why the hell do you cuss so goddamn much? Damn woman, you sound like you just got off a damn sailor ship.”

  “Shut the fuck up, Zander. I can say whatever the hell I want, when I want, so you can kiss my ass.” Audrey stands up and grabs Tatum’s arm, pulling her away from us. Zander shakes his head.

  “So, Zander, you got the hots for smut mouth, huh?” I say with a wink.

  “Fuck, she’s so damn annoying. Could you imagine being with a girl that cusses that fucking much? Her voice is even annoying. That’s all she says is fuck this or that. I can’t handle that. Hell, she probably cusses like that in her damn sleep. But you’re so fucking right. I have it bad for her. She keeps shooting me down, bro.”

  We all head back to the farm. No one mentions Thayer again.

  We have a wonderful holiday. This has been one of the best Christmases of my life. Everyone loves their gifts. Tatum bought me a new cowboy hat, and it’s freaking awesome.

  Chapter Six

  Evan

  Zander and I are back in New York. I had an amazing time with my family and the Kelleys. Knowing that Tatum may have been abused still hurts. I just want to smash that dude’s face in. I gave her my number so she can call me if she ever needs anything.

  Before leaving, I hugged Tatum. I wanted to kiss her so fucking bad, so I did. She didn’t hesitate to kiss me back either. The look on her and Zander’s face when I walked away was priceless.

  “Brody, man, I’m going to drink as many shots as I can. You got my back? Make sure I don’t do anything stupid,” I say as we walk into Zeb’s.

  “Sure thing, dude. Drink all you want. I’m just going to have a few beers.”

  I’m so fucking glad he said that. I need whiskey and dancing. I hope to hell I don’t see any girls tonight. My mind has been all over the place. If I’m not thinking about sweet Tatum, I’m thinking about Bryn.

  I tell the bartender to give me a shot of Crown Royal and keep them coming. I think I’m on my fourth one when I feel a finger tap my shoulder. Fuck, of course she would be here to mess up my night.

  “What’s up, Alyssa?”

  “Not much, sexy. Mal told me she dumped your ass. Karma’s a bitch, isn’t it? Just like you used me, she used you. I told her that you had a big dick and could use it well. That’s why she wanted to fuck you!”

  This whore is trying to screw up my damn night. Yeah, a whore is exactly what she is. She ended up getting Brody drunk and fucking him a couple weeks ago. He kept apologizing to me. It didn’t bother me. I just thought it was funny because he fucked the seal too, so the joke is on him now. Dumb fucker.

  “Alyssa, you’re a fu-fucking seal. No one cares about you and your ten foot hole you call your pussy. I can’t believe no one has gotten lost in there yet, so take that karma and go ba-back to the seal farm.”

  I must be drunk. I can feel my words slurring. I see Brody walking to us from the dance floor. He gives Alyssa a disgusted look and asks me if I’m ready to go. Hell yeah, I’m ready to get the fuck away from her. He drags my ass to the car and takes me back to our place. Everything is spinning, and my head feels like it weighs a million pounds. Once inside, I head to the sofa.

  “Thanks, Brody. You are the motherfucking man. You just rescued me from the Godseala. Ha, get it, Brody? Godseala.”

  “Yes, Evan, I get it. You need to go to bed. I’ll get you some Tylenol and water. Now, go lay down in your bed. Don’t stay on the sofa. You’re gonna end up sick and I am not cleaning that shit up.”

  I think I had one shot too many. My fucking head is spinning like a disco ball. These damn lights in this fucking loft are bright as hell. They must be the super saver energy shit. I just need to lie down.

  When I finally find my bed, I take my clothes off. I’m out as soon as my head hits the pillow.

  ***

  I roll over and look at my phone. It’s seven in the morning. Oh dear God, what the hell did I drink last night? My head feels like there are ten woodpeckers in it pecking at my damn skull. I have a couple texts from Alyssa. What the hell is she texting me for?

  Alyssa: You’re such a dickwad Evan Martin!!

  Alyssa: And what the fuck is a Godseala? I don’t know what the hell you and Brody are up to, but you really hurt my feelings.

  Holy hell, what the fuck is this crazy bitch talking about? There’s some water and Tylenol on my nightstand. I take the Tylenol and get in the shower. What the hell did I do last night?

  While getting dressed, I remember being at the bar and ahh…fuck. Alyssa was there. She was talking about some kind of karma shit. Maybe I owe her an apology? I better ask Brody what happened, though.

  I walk out of my room to get some coffee, and Zan and Brody are playing a fucking video game this early.

  “Did you sleep well?” Brody asks as he cocks his head, laughing.

  “Yeah. What happened with Alyssa? She texted me saying something about a god and seal?”

  Brody laughs. “Dude, you don’t fucking remember? You called her every name last night except her own and you kept calling her Godseala.”

  I rub my hand through my hair and then over my face. I can’t fucking believe I said that shit to her. She’s annoying, but I would never hurt her feelings intentionally. I’m not a mean guy. I’m normally very kind until someone pisses me off. She must have done just that. I know how she likes to run her damn mouth.

  Me: Hey, Alyssa. I was really drunk last night, I just want to say sorry. I have no clue what I said.

  Alyssa: Yeah, okay…I will forgive you this time. Can I see you tonight? Please…

  Damn it, I guess I need to see her and really apologize.

  My phone vibrates. It’s a text from Ta. I miss her so much already. S
he texted me a lot last week.

  Tatum: Just wanted to let you know that I’m back with Thayer.

  Me: Okay, take care of yourself.

  I can’t believe she went back to him. I just don’t get it. I slide my phone in my pocket and try to get Tatum Kelley out of my mind.

  Chapter Seven

  Evan

  I’ve been attending NYU for two years now. It’s been four years since I’ve last seen Bryn. Mal texts me from time to time, but I figure, after all this time, I’ll never see her again. It’s just weird how she stopped talking to me and avoiding my calls and texts. Brody swears it was Alyssa’s doing.

  I’ve been working a lot. I need to fit an internship in my schedule, and it’s really hard when I work all day, then take classes in the evening, or vice versa.

  I still talk to Tatum through text messages. She’s now engaged to Thayer. Lucky bastard. She said he’s been nicer. She flew out last month and had dinner with Zander and me. She was so beautiful. I wanted to wrap my hands in that blonde hair and kiss every inch of her body. She deserves so much better than him.

  Classes are just starting back and there are going to be several parties this week. I’m hoping to meet some new female friends. I haven’t had sex with anyone since Malory. Ever since Malory, I haven’t met anyone I’ve been interested in. I’ve been on a few dates, but not with anyone I would consider sleeping with. Of course, I can sleep with Alyssa any time I want, but I’m not that desperate…well, not yet, anyway.

  ***

  Brody and I are at our favorite restaurant, this pizza joint called Pizza Shack. Two girls walk in. One has blonde hair and the bluest eyes I have ever seen. The other one looks more like Brody’s type. I wink at the blonde when she looks over. I can’t even focus on the conversation Brody’s started with me. I just nibble at my pizza while he talks, thinking about the blue-eyed beauty a few tables away.

  The girls are laughing and talking. They look like freshmen. When I notice them clearing their plates, I motion the waiter over and tell him I’m going to pay their tab. I ask the waiter to tell them I’m taking care of their check.

  The blonde looks at me and smiles, so I ask Brody to walk to their table with me. For some reason, I’m too nervous to talk to her on my own. My palms are sweating. When we get to the table, I can see her eyes more clearly. They’re a baby blue. I hope they aren’t contacts. She smiles. She has the cutest dimples.

  “Hi, I’m Evan Martin, and this is my buddy, Brody Lewis. Are you ladies new to the area?”

  The brunette speaks first and says her name is Nikki and her friend’s name is Lila Carls. Lila is beautiful.

  “You ladies want to join us at a party tonight?” I ask. They both look at each other and say yes.

  We say our goodbyes, and Brody and I go home to get ready. I heard them talking as we walked out the door. Nikki told Lila that Brody was cute and Lila giggled and said so is Evan. I’m glad she thinks I’m cute. She’s going to be my woman soon that I know for sure, and I have a feeling she’s going to break my heart.

  I take a shower as soon as I get back to the loft. I give myself a fresh shave and change clothes. I put on a navy blue Henley and a pair of tight jeans and my new cowboy boots. I spray some of my favorite cologne on.

  There are still several hours left until the party. I’m praying Alyssa won’t do or say anything crazy. I’m sure she’s going to be there. She seems to be everywhere I am.

  “Brody, dude, come on! I want to get there before Lila does,” I yell. He’s still getting dressed. I can’t believe he once made fun of me about how long it takes me to get dressed. He’s slower than a ninety-year-old woman.

  He finally makes his way out of the bedroom. He laughs and says, “Dude, calm the fuck down. She will be there when you get there. I know her friend was feeling me for sure.”

  I cock my head and laugh. He thinks he’s God’s gift to women. Now, me, on the other hand, I know I am.

  We head out, making sure to take separate cars just in case one of us wants to leave early. I pull in and park in the parking lot across the street. Brody and I walk in together. I spot Lila and Nikki right away.

  “Hey there, darlin’. You look beautiful,” I say to Lila as I give her a hug. She has a strange look on her face. I hope she isn’t involved with anyone. I place my hand in the small of her back and lead her through the door. We talk about school, family, and friends. I don’t see Brody or Nikki anywhere. Lila looks a little worried, so I tell her I’ll take her home.

  I walk Lila to my car and open her door. As the night air breezes by, I can smell her perfume. I’m not sure what type it is, but I’ve never smelled anything as good as her. She gives me directions to her townhome.

  It looks huge from the outside. I offer to walk in with her, and she says it’s okay. She gives me her number and says I can call her in the morning.

  All the way home, she is all I can think about. Brody isn’t home when I get there. I guess I must have been really tired. The next thing I know, it’s morning.

  Me: Hey pretty lady. Would you like to grab brunch and sightsee with me?

  Lila: Hey you, of course. Pick me up in an hour?

  Me: I will be there…Can I bring you a coffee?

  Lila: Thanks, but Nikki already did. ;)

  Me: Okay, see you soon!

  ***

  When I pick Lila up, she looks as pretty as she did last night. I want to take her to Central Park, but first we head to Corner Café. The waitress approaches us and we place our order. I order my regular cowboy omelet and home fries. She orders scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast with apple butter.

  “Lila, if you like apple butter, you should taste the kind my gran makes. It’s the best. My grandparents live on a farm in Alabama.”

  With the sweetest look on her face, she says, “That would be great. Next time you go, bring me some back.”

  We leave the café and go to Central Park. The trees in the park are beautiful this time of year. I tell Lila about Utah and my family. I learn she grew up in California. I knew she sounded like a valley girl. She tells me about her family and friends. Still no mention of a boyfriend.

  Her blue eyes sparkle in the sunlight. I think this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship and hopefully more. It’s getting a little late, so I take Lila back home even though I’m not ready for our day to end.

  I walk her to the door, and as soon as she opens it, she hurries up and closes it back and bursts into laughter. She’s laughing so hard I can’t understand what she’s saying.

  “Lila, what’s so funny, darlin’?”

  She turns to me and covers her mouth, still laughing. She places her hand on my arm and walks down the steps.

  “Evan, I just saw Brody’s bare ass,” she whisper-yells.

  “Well, that’s not a pretty sight!” I reply, but, secretly, I’m relieved. Now I have an excuse to spend more time with her. “Let’s grab dinner and watch a movie.”

  We walk back to my car. Then we go to the Chipotle around the corner. After, we go to the theater to see the latest action movie. I’m surprised she wants to watch it. Most chicks would have chosen the drama. Not Lila, though.

  I take her to her townhome, hoping she’ll let me take her out again.

  “Lila, I will be singing at a little bar a few miles away. I would love it if you came to watch.” I want to hug her so bad, but I don’t want to overstep any boundaries.

  “Sure, I would love to hear you sing,” Lila says as she turns the door knob. I grab her hips and pull her in for a hug. Without hesitation, she hugs me back. As I let go of her, her hair brushes across my face. I can smell her perfume. It smells so good, it gives me goosebumps.

  “I will call you tomorrow, darlin’.”

  Chapter Eight

  Evan

  I’m singing at Zeb’s tonight. I’m nervous as hell, only because I know Lila will be there. I want to look my best, so I wear a pair of jeans with a gray and black button-down shirt. Of course I�
�m wearing a black cowboy hat and my favorite boots.

  “Hey, man, you seem so nervous tonight,” Brody says. He gives me a fist bump. Fuck, even my palms are sweating.

  “Dude, I am nervous! Lila will be here any minute and I don’t want to look like a fucking moron. What if she doesn’t like my voice, or the way I play my guitar? I don’t want to scare her away.”

  I walk onto the stage and look around, but I don’t see her anywhere. I sit on the stool and take my pick out of my shirt pocket. I prop my legs up on my stool and look out into the crowd. Once my eyes connect with Lila’s, my heart drops. I love that spark in those beautiful baby blues. She smiles, and her dimples give me the fucking chills. I wink. I know I have the biggest smile on my face.

  “How y’all doing tonight? I’m Evan, and I’m a law student at NYU. I know some of you already know me. This song is dedicated to a new friend. We have only known each other a few days, but she is a great person.”

  I start singing the lyrics of “Find Yourself” by Brad Paisley. As I sing, I look out in the crowd. Lila keeps her eyes on me the entire time. A tear rolls down her face. I hope she isn’t sad. I smile and wink at her again, and I can see the joy in her smile as she wipes the tear away. When I finish singing, I go straight to Lila.

  “Evan, that was great. You have an amazing voice,” Lila says as she leans in for a quick hug. I smile as I place my hand in the small of her back and walk her to a nearby table.

  “Thank you, sweetheart. I love to sing. I was worried you wouldn’t like it. I’m glad you did. Let’s grab a drink before it gets late.” She nods her head.

  Classes are starting tomorrow and I don’t want her to have a hangover, so I order us both a beer.