Page 23 of Off The Rush
Brian leans forward with a playful smirk. “Football is better.”
Alec tugs me closer to his side. “I’ll turn her into a hockey fan in no time since it’s the superior sport.”
“It is,” the other player finally adds before reaching out a hand to me. “I’m Liam.”
“Emma. Nice to meet you,” I say.
Alec leans forward and whispers in my ear, “He’s my co-captain.”
His hot breath against my sensitive skin gives me goosebumps.
“Shall we play?” Brian asks.
“Let’s show them how it’s done.” Alec grins, grabbing a ping pong ball and expertly bouncing it off the table and into one of the cups.
“Nice shot!” I exclaim, feeling a genuine smile spread across my face. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.
We quickly fall into an easy rhythm, laughing and exchanging high-fives as we dominate our opponents. I can see Tessa chatting animatedly with Luka and another one of their teammates nearby, her eyes twinkling with excitement. Alec told me his name is Reed. It’s nice to see her enjoying herself, too.
Luka leaves them and joins Alec and I.
“Emma!” a familiar voice calls out, drawing my attention away from the game. My heart skips a beat as JD from class comes into view, his brown eyes lighting up when he sees me.
“Hey!” I say, feeling both excited and nervous at his unexpected appearance. He wastes no time in pulling me into a warm hug, his strong arms wrapping around me.
“I didn’t know you’d be here,” he says, genuinely surprised. “What brings you to this party?”
“Uh, just hanging out,” I mumble, glancing over at Alec and Luka. JD follows my gaze, his expression shifting when he realizes who I’m with.
“JD, meet Alec and Luka,” I introduce them, trying to sound casual. “Guys, this is JD from my class.”
“Oh, I know them,” JD says. There’s a hint of tension in the air, but I’m not quite sure why.
“I didn’t know you guys knew each other,” Alec replies. “Emma and I are dating.”
I feel uncomfortable as I watch JD’s face fall at the news. It’s clear that he hadn’t expected that, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt even though I’ve been clear with my intentions.
“Really?” JD asks, his voice strained.
Alec slides his arm around my waist once more, pulling me close to his side. I try to ignore the way my heart races at his touch, focusing instead on the awkward situation unfolding before me.
“Well, it’s nice to see you,” JD says, forcing a smile. “Have fun tonight.”
As JD walks away, I can’t help but feel a pang of regret for the way things played out. I have been attracted to him since he sat next to me in class, and now it seems like any chance of something happening between us is gone. All because of this fake relationship with Alec.
“Ready to finish this game?” Alec asks, breaking into my thoughts.
“Sure,” I say, trying to push my disappointment aside. Tonight is about having fun, and that’s exactly what I plan to do. Even if my heart isn’t entirely in it.
Luka follows after JD and I turn to Alec, determined to clear the air and get some answers.
“Hey, how do you know JD?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
“He’s my roommate, teammate, and one of my best friends,” Alec replies, his expression unreadable.
“Oh.” My face flushes with embarrassment as I realize that things are even more complicated. “That’s… interesting.”
“Yep,” Alec agrees, studying my face intently. “How about you? How do you know him?”
