Page 19 of Worth the Risk

We spend the next hour reading part of the chapter we’re covering and outlining the areas of the topic we want to talk about. Emilia takes the reins, in the past hour I’ve learned she’s incredibly organized. She creates a whole outline template for us as well as breaking down what sections we should cover each week we work on the project.

After an hour of working, we’re just about wrapping up for the day when Ryan comes barreling through the door. He toes off his shoes, kicking them to the side and plopping his bag down in the entryway before even looking in our direction.

“Oooh. Hey Emilia.” His eyebrows shoot up as he takes us in on the couch.

“Hi Ryan.” She waves at him before returning her attention back to her laptop, she clicks save on the outline before shutting it closed.

“You’re home early.”

“Yeah, coach let us have a short practice today, thank god.” He comes over to the couch, flopping himself belly down near Emi, who giggles at his antics. “So, what are you doing here?”

“We’re working on a project for class.”

“You guys have a class together?” He looks between us.

“Yeah, we do. Sports psychology, it’s an elective for both our majors.” I interrupt.

“Nice. Are you any good at massaging Emilia?” I shoot a death glare in his direction, who the heck asks someone they barely know that?

“I have no idea, never really had to give one.” She shrugs with a light laughter.

“You did not just ask her that.”

“My body is killing me. I’ve had practice every day.”

“You can’t just ask her that.” I know he’s baiting me and it’s confirmed in the way he winks at me. “We both know you’d rather her roommate massage you.” It’s him sending a death glare at me now. Emilia’s eyes shoot over to mine and the back to my brothers.

“Maybe. Emi, please don’t tell her I’m secretly in love with her.” He reaches out, placing his hand on her ankle, fake pleading with her.

She pats his head in return. “I guess I can keep your secret.” There’s a sly smile on her lips. “Besides, she’s sworn off men for the year so I don’t think she’d care much.” There’s an interesting look in his eye, one I can’t quite figure out but before I can say anything or analyze further he’s on his feet.

“Well, I’m going to go shower. Will you still be here when I’m done?” He directs his question at the pretty girl in front of him.

“I should probably get going, I don’t want to take up anymore of your night.” Her eyes lock on mine, and then she shoves her laptop into her bag.

“Alright, see you around Emi. Come by anytime.” There’s a smirk on his lips before he turns around, grabbing his bag from where he dropped it and heads up the stairs.

“Do you need a ride home?”

“I can call Rosie, I don’t want to make you go out of your way.”

“Emi. I can bring you home, it’s no big deal.”

“Okay.” She smiles at me, I stand from my spot on the couch. Emilia puts her book in her bag, zipping it up. She goes to stand but I notice the wince on her face and the way her hand shoots up to rest on her lower stomach.

“Are you okay?” My tone is laced with worry because what the fuck is happening here? Is she hurt?

“Yeah, I’m okay.” She says through gritted teeth.

“Em.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

“It’s just, um.” Her cheeks flush, her eyes looking down. That’s when it clicks for me. Oh god, I’m an idiot.

“Oh.”

---