Page 17 of Off The Rush
As we put some distance between us and the other students, Emma turns to me, curiosity written all over her face. “What was that about?”
“Uh, well, Alec said you were supposed to come over today. I thought I’d walk you there,” I explain, avoiding her gaze. I don’t mention that Alec won’t be back for another two hours.
I had to get her away from that guy Mike. For Alec.
“Really? He didn’t mention anything to me, but okay.” She shrugs, still looking puzzled.
We continue walking in silence for a while, and I can’t help but wonder what she thinks of me now. Is she suspicious? Annoyed? I try to shake off the uneasy feeling that’s settling in my stomach and tell myself it’s just a friendly walk. No harm done, right?
“So, you’re in the music program. I know you sing but do you play any instruments?” I ask Emma as we walk side by side, our footsteps falling in sync.
She bites her lip, thinking for a moment. “I can play the drums and guitar even though I focus on the piano.”
“Wow, really?” I’m genuinely impressed. “You must be incredibly talented.”
“Thanks,” she blushes, casting her green eyes down to the ground, and my stomach flips at the sight of her shyness.
“Okay, your turn, tell me something about you that I don’t already know,” Emma says, looking up at me expectantly.
“Uh, well…” I hesitate before confessing, “I can cook pretty well, actually. My mom taught me when I was younger.”
“That seems like cheating considering you’ve already cooked for me but I’ll bite. What’s your favorite dish to make?” she asks, her curiosity piqued.
“Probably Swedish Meatballs but considering I’m Swedish that seems cliché,” I admit, feeling a bit embarrassed. “It’s not fancy, but it’s comfort food, y’know?”
“Absolutely,” she agrees, nodding enthusiastically. “I’d love to try them some time.”
We continue our conversation, discussing our likes and dislikes, our hobbies, and our aspirations. The more we talk, the more I find myself drawn to her. Her laugh is contagious, her voice soothing, and her presence mesmerizing. It takes every ounce of self-control not to reach out and touch her, to feel the warmth of her skin against mine.
This is not going to end well.
Before I know it, we’re almost at my house, and I realize I should probably take her to her home instead of leading myself further into temptation. But I can’t bring myself to do it.
As much as I want to deny it, I know deep down that the attraction between us is too strong to ignore.
As we approach the front door, I pull out my phone and send Alec a quick text.
Emma’s coming over. She’ll be here when you get back.
I hit send and promptly shove my phone back into my pocket, not wanting to see his response.
Emma interrupts my thoughts. “What position do you play on the hockey team?”
“Oh, I’m a forward but unofficially my role is an enforcer,” I explain, trying to sound casual. “It involves fighting and protecting my teammates while also playing offense.”
“Wow, that sounds intense,” she replies, her eyes wide with amazement. “I have to admit, I don’t know much about hockey.”
“Really?” I feign shock, that was kind of obvious. “Are there any sports you like?”
“Football.”
A playful pout forms on my lips. “You like football? How come you never gave hockey a chance?”
“Blame my family,” she chuckles. “They’re all football fanatics.”
“Maybe I’ll have to teach you about hockey someday,” I suggest, my heart pounding at the thought of spending more time with her.
“Maybe,” she agrees, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and just a hint of mischief.
