Page 104 of Freeing Emily

“We’re going to have a great time,” Liam smiles and presses a kiss on my lips. His hand wraps around mine and he leads me toward the ensuite.

Driving toward the venue, I nervously rub my hands down the fabric of my dress. At this point, I don’t care if my sweat stains the silk. I’m a mess of unease.

My dress is emerald green and made from Mulberry Silk. It rests just above the knee. I’ve paired it with champagne-colored pumps. Liam is dressed in a white button-up with a tie that matches my dress. His black slacks mold to his thick thighs, emphasizing their muscle.

Logically, I know that the chances of having the near-exact situation happen at another engagement party are slim to none. But my emotions are uncontrollable and override the logic.

Liam’s hand reaches over, and he intertwines our fingers, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. Peering over at him, he gives me a reassuring smile.

“You okay?” he whispers.

I doubt he knows what’s bothering me, but there’s no doubt he knows something is up. He’s always been able to read me without any issues.

Not wanting to cause him any stress, I shake my head and give him a small smile. “Yeah, I’m okay.”

He studies my face for a moment before nodding and turning to look out of his window.

It’ll be fine. It’ll be okay.

I’m fine.

Climbing out of the SUV, I turn and offer my hand to Emily. She tried to hide the fact that she was nervous and trembling during the entire drive over here, but I noticed. I notice everything about her. I hate that I can’t figure out what is bothering her though.

Emily straightens her dress and takes a deep breath. Placing my hand on her lower back, we walk toward the entrance.

The ballroom is decorated with champagne and light green accents. Fairy lights hang from the ceiling and meet in the center where a crystal chandelier is suspended.

There is an open bar and I spot Sarah and Rhys sitting together on the stools. I gesture with my chin and Emily follows my line of sight. As we walk over, Rhys lifts his drink.

“Liam, looking sharp. Emily, you, as always, look beautiful.” He says, smiling softly at her.

She smiles and places a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Rhys. You look great, too.”

Sarah hops down and pulls Emily into a hug. “I love your dress!” she exclaims, holding Emily away from her so she can assess her.

“You look beautiful, Sarah. Red really suits you.” Emily replies with a smile.

Sarah’s dress is wine-red and made of the same material as Emily’s. It hugs her figure like a glove and highlights her trim frame.

“Eat your heart out, baby.” She says with a wink and flirty smirk.

I chuckle, which pulls her attention to me.

“You clean up nice, Liam.”

I shrug and smirk. I lift my finger, catching the attention of the bartender, and order myself an Irish whiskey. Emily orders two shots of tequila and quickly knocks them back the moment the bartender sets them in front of her.

I lean into her ear. “Are you okay?” I whisper.

She orders two more shots before turning toward me. “Yep.” She smiles widely.

“Do you want to go home?” I ask, my eyes pivot between hers. I feel Rhys and Sarah watching our exchange but don’t move my eyes from Emily’s.

So many different emotions are swimming in her ocean-blues before she masks them.

“I’m okay. Everything is fine.” Her voice is calm, but it sets me on edge.

“We can leave whenever you want to. Just say the word.”

---