Page 10 of Off The Rush
“Really?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. “What’s on the menu?”
“Spaghetti carbonara,” Alec replies, his eyes lighting up at the thought. “It’s one of Luka’s specialties. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.”
I hesitate for a moment, weighing my options.
“Alright,” I decide, nodding slowly. “But only because I’m starving, that sounds delicious and I have no food at home.”
“Great!” Alec exclaims, grinning from ear to ear. “And don’t worry, our other roommate won’t be home tonight, so it’ll just be the three of us.”
“Perfect,” I mutter under my breath, hoping that dinner won’t be too awkward with Luka present. I can’t shake the memory of the way he flirted with me earlier – not to mention the stunned expression on his face when Alec referred to me as his girl.
As we make our way downstairs, I can already smell the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and bacon wafting through the house. The scent alone is enough to make my stomach rumble in anticipation.
“Something smells amazing,” I comment, following Alec into the kitchen where Luka is busy stirring a pot of steaming pasta.
“Ah, Emma,” Luka greets me with a charming smile. “Are you joining us for dinner? I promise my cooking will not disappoint.”
“From the smell alone, I believe you, so yes,” I say, returning his smile.
“Good,” he replies, lowering the heat on the stove. “Grab a seat at the table.”
I take a seat at the kitchen table, admiring the sleek black chairs that contrast with the wooden table. Luka sets down our plates with a flourish, and I feel my mouth water at the sight of the creamy carbonara and the fresh garlic bread on the side.
“Låt oss äta,” Luka says, raising his glass of red wine in a toast.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“Let’s eat.”
“Is it Swedish?” I guess based on the way it sounds.
“Yup, I’m Swedish and we moved to America when I was ten.”
We all take a sip of the wine, and I can’t help but notice how Luka’s gaze lingers on me a little too long. It’s not just my imagination, either; Alec seems to notice it too, judging by the way he tenses up beside me.
I try to ignore the tension as we dig into our meal, taking in the rich flavors of the pasta. I have to admit that Luka was right – this dish is truly delicious. It’s almost enough to distract me from the awkwardness between us.
Almost.
“So, Emma, when did you meet Alec?” Luka asks.
“Uh-” I pause. I didn’t expect the first obstacle to come so soon, but we did make a plan for this. “Just a week or so ago.”
Which would help explain why no one has seen us together before now.
“Oh, it just didn’t seem like you knew him yesterday when we talked.” Luka’s smirk is deadly.
Now I’m really not sure what to say.
“Don’t be a dick Luka. She didn’t know you or that we knew each other.”
Luka’s eyes narrow at Alec.
I quickly finish up the last few bites of my dinner.
“Well, thanks so much for the meal. I’m sure I’ll see you around Luka.”
I move towards the door and Alec hops up to follow me. Once we are out of Luka’s sight I relax.
