Page 73 of Full Throttle 2

Brian clasped his hands together, a hint of pride flashing across, and nodded with satisfaction. “Figured it was fitting. Lots to celebrate tonight.”

Lila still had no idea what was planned but decided to just go with the flow.

Liam stepped into the dining area, wearing a tailored suit, making him look dashing and effortlessly handsome. His confident stride drew glances from everyone in the room, including special guests and Team Lockwood. It took a moment to find his brother, but when he did, Liam immediately started to make his way over to where Brian and Lila were standing and talking.

“You clean up pretty well.” Liam joked as he made his way over to Brian. “And Lila, you always look beautiful, but tonight, I’d say exquisite.”

A warm smile spread across her face, making her eyes sparkle. “So glad you made it, and since we’re handing out compliments, you don’t look too bad yourself.”

A slow grin spread across Brian’s face as he nodded, wrapping an arm around Lila and pulling her snugly against hisside. “You,” he chuckled, his voice playful but firm, “don’t come over here trying to be all charming and shit with my girl. Go find Colby.”

As soon as the words left his lips, Brian saw Liam’s expression falter, a brief flash of hurt evident before he quickly masked it. Brian’s heart sank a little, realizing the unintentional impact of his words.

As if the mention of her name conjured her up, Liam’s head turned slightly toward the entrance, and there she was, Colby James, standing at the threshold.

Colby looked otherworldly gorgeous. She wore a stunning beaded, floor-length, fitted strapless gown. The vibrant canary yellow hue sparkled as she moved. It complemented her cinnamon-colored skin, which seemed to be glowing. She wore her trademarked natural hair that was adorned with matching yellow jewels.

Liam’s mouth went dry, and time felt like it had come to a complete standstill as he stood there watching her while his heart pounded out of his chest.

Colby was a vision. No other woman had ever had this kind of effect on him.It must be witchcraft.

He didn’t understand how it was possible to feel such longing and despair.How could someone so perfect be so out of reach?The weight of his feelings pressed down on him, a bittersweet reminder of the distance between them. He was utterly captivated yet painfully aware that this moment was fleeting. They were no longer together, and it was his fault. He’d allowed his pride to get in the way.

Liam had fucked up too many times. The likelihood that Colby would forgive and take him back was slim. Still, he was Liam Lockwood. He’d made mountains move. This situation was much more difficult than that. It would be a helluva climb, but Colby was more than worth the effort.

Brian leaned over to Liam. “You okay?”

Liam didn’t hear him. He’d been unable to take his eyes off Colby.

Lila watched the entire situation unfold too. She rolled her eyes in frustration as she couldn’t understand how two people who loved each other so much couldn’t figure out how to make their relationship work.

Colby glanced around the room and immediately stopped the second her eyes landed on Liam. She had both hoped he would be here and wouldn’t, but damn, he looked good. He stood head and shoulders above everyone else in the room. He always had.

Just looking at him made her body sizzle.

Their gazes locked, and in that moment, a whirlwind of emotions surged between them.

Colby had missed him terribly. Yet, she understood how they arrived at the distance between them. They were on different paths and had different dreams.Get it together. Liam is going to always be around a lot. He is Brian’s brother, so suck it up and deal with it.

Colby took a deep breath and walked over to where Liam, Brian, and Lila stood.

As Liam watched Colby approach, his pulse quickened, caught in the tension of what could have been and the reality of what was.

“Hey, everybody.” Colby spoke to everyone but hadn’t taken her eyes off Liam.

Liam scratched the side of his temple as a corner of his lip edged up. “You decided to choose violence tonight, huh?”

Colby was confused. “What?”

“You’re wearing the hell out of that dress.” Not unlike Brian with Lila, Liam was imagining a million different ways of taking it off her.

She blushed. “Oh. Thanks.” Colby was hesitant. “Y-you look good too.”

“We all look good,” Gonzo said with laughter as he walked over with Abby, both dressed to the nines, followed by Ben and other team members.

Damn. Liam didn’t even have a minute to talk to Colby. She seemed receptive. He hoped she would be. Sometime tonight, he would find his opportunity to try to make things right between them.

Gonzo reached out to Liam for a fist bump. “Lockwood runs best when the family’s all together.”

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