Embracing Emma (Companion to Brisé) by Leigh Ann Lunsford

their choice of intimidation is a brick through the window, or playing chicken with a nemesis on the back road, it’s all about scaring the hell out of their opponent. They don’t play fair, and the tactics are getting bolder with age. I know there is no escaping the retribution, and I’ll handle it as long as Ems isn’t involved. She’s my weakness, and they know it. I take the brick and grab my keys. The fire is blazing, and the two I need to see are here like they were expecting me. Of course they were, they beckoned and I came. I walk up to them, showing no fear, wanting to get this over with. “What’s the meaning of this?” I drop the brick at their feet.
    “Do you see what you did to my brother’s face?” Seth takes a step towards me, but Brian halts him.
    “We have a dilemma.” Brian looks me up and down. He doesn’t like the challenge I’m issuing.
    “What’s that?”
    “I hear you lost your spot at UGA.” I clench my fists, wanting another go ‘round. “Seth, Mark, Adam, and I got offers from GSU. Contingent on us bringing you with us.”
    “You needed to throw a brick through my window for that?”
    “Nope, that was to get your attention. I noticed that house across the street was dark. No parents home, just a feeble old woman, and your girl…all alone.” My blood boils. “I’ll let today go when you commit to GSU.”
    No way in hell.
    “Pass.”
    “I figured you would need some convincing, and I’m willing to give it to you. Don’t forget QB, I know all your weaknesses. Either play for GSU or nowhere.”
    “How do you figure?”
    “Accidents happen, your career can be blown all to hell with a few broken bones, a blown knee. It’d be a shame if the star’s love interest were in the car when he was run off the road. Of course, I’d have no idea about that.”
    “Of course.” He has me, and he knows it.
    “So shall I call the coach and let him know he has his man?”
    I swallow the bile. “Call him.”
    “See you, QB,” he calls as I leave. The immense desire I have to knock the smirk off his face is overridden by the need to protect those I love. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you don’t doubt those Gary boys.
    I go below the speed limit the entire drive back to my house, my stomach clenching with the unknown. I have no idea if my parents are home, how they will react to the broken window, but I’m glad I removed the threat. That would have sent them into overdrive and ruined all the plans I just made to protect them. Blue lights flashing illuminate my street, neighbors wrapped in robes gawking on their lawns, and I make the mistake of looking at her house as I creep closer to mine. Her eyes wide, never leaving me, I can see the tear tracks from here, and I know I made the right decision. This may be hard, having violence sneak into our neighborhood, but what will happen if I don’t do what they want? I shut my truck off, and Dad and Pop rush towards me.
    “You okay, William?” Emma has snuck up against me, and I pull her close.
    “I’m fine. What’s going on?” I should have majored in drama for the performance I need to give.
    “Somebody smashed your window, son.” An officer steps up. “Where were you tonight?”
    “The bonfire, celebrating the win, sir.” He nods. Emma pinches my side, and I tug her closer. I need her to keep her mouth shut.
    “You have any idea who’d do this?”
    “No. The other players are still there, but I wanted to get home.”
    “You played a hell of a game. I’m sure you’re tired. Is there any drinking over there?”
    I shrug my shoulders, the best I can do without lying outright, and he lets it go. He seems to be studying my mannerisms, watching for a crack, but I won’t give him any. “Mr. Jacobs,” he addresses my parents, “we can’t seem to find what was used to smash the window. We are going to take a few more sweeps through the house, but best I can tell with no threat is that it was petty