CHAPTER THREE

The energy of the house was infectious, with the thumping beat, flashing light and the buzz of people mingling and dancing.

Emerson maneuvered his way through the bodies grinding on each other, the music was loud and Emerson was sure more than half of the population were already wasted.

Discovering his younger brother in the crowd Emerson acknowledge him with a wave of his hand as he observed him interact with people.

Benjamin was a bright, cheerful and outgoing kid, his sparkling eyes unveil joy and cheerfulness, his hair was soft and fluffy and his smile infectious. Occasionally, Emerson found himself envious of his little brother. Benjamin had a sense of innocence around him. It reminded Emerson of the life he had or would have if he wasn’t the way he was.

Emerson sighed, sipping on his drink. Mason had been more than happy to go do whatever with Ava. She had storm the party moving straight for Mason, gotten a hold of his shirt and planted a firm kiss on his lips. Of course Mason had taken the opportunity for a good laid and had followed behind her like a love struck puppy.

Emerson had sworn he would avoid William and his group, he failed…miserably. His eyes glided across the room towards the kitchen area where William and his friends were engaged playing spin the bottle. He watched as the bottle stopped on William, William murmured  something and  was asked a question Emerson couldn’t make out. William’s reply caused the group to erupt in laughter.

Emerson felt like a freak.

He really couldn’t figure out why he was so investment in William. He had often chuck it off as admiration. Why he did admire him? Emerson did not know. But one didn’t wonder about kissing someone he didn’t like right? Right.

Another sigh escaped Emerson lips, fed up with his behaviors he decided to get some fresh air, somewhere at the back of his mind he argued with himself why he should pass the back door just to sneak a final glance at William but William caught him in the act before he could slip pass the door.

With a quicken heartbeat and flushed face Emerson was plunged into the nights cold air. He had just taken a few steps into the pool areas when a voice frighten him.

“Hey.”

Emerson jerked, turning so fast he almost tripped over.

“Sorry, are you okay?... Didn’t mean to startle you.”

William.

Emerson took a moment before his brain registered that William had asked him a question.

“Oh… yeah…yeah… am…am okay.”

“Uhm… Emerson right?”

“You know who I am?” Emerson asked unable to believe his ears, William Gray actually knew his name.

William flushed and looked away, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Well, your number 10…Emerson Scott… everyone knows you.” William finished, his face getting more colour.

“Nice move by the way.”

“What?”

“Uhm, ba-back at the game.”

“Oh…thanks”

If Emerson heartbeat was fast before, now it was ripping out of his chest, as William stood before him he got to look into those amber eyes from a closer point and was  again consumed by the flames within.

“Wow.” William breathed out. “You’re tall… hey wh–”

William words died in his throat, when he felt Emerson hand on his cheek, thumb brushing softly over his lower lips.

William froze, eyes wide staring at Emerson as his hazel eyes snap out of whatever trance he was in, pulling back as If he had touched fire.

“I’m sorry…I don’t know why I did that…sorry.”

William slowly brought his hand to touch his lips where Emerson hand had previously been.

Smiling to himself. “ it’s okay…” he reassured Emerson. “ I don’t mind.”

Then they were plunge into silence.

“Emerson.” William called.

“Yes?”

“Want to get out of here?”

“Uhm...Sure?”