Page 38 of Off The Rush
“Sounds good,” Emma replies, a smile lighting up her face.
We gather our belongings, the sound of zippers closing and books sliding into bags filling the air. Emma wraps her scarf around her neck, and I can’t help but notice how it accentuates the curve of her throat. My fingers itch to reach out and brush a stray strand of hair from her face, but I keep my hands firmly on my backpack.
“Ready?” she asks, her green eyes meeting mine.
“Ready,” I confirm with a nod, trying to keep my voice steady.
As we step outside, the chilly air nips at my cheeks, reminding me that winter is just around the corner. Emma shivers slightly, pulling her coat tighter around her as we walk side by side down the sidewalk.
“Thanks for saving me back there,” Emma says softly, offering me a grateful smile. “I appreciate it.”
“Of course. No one should have to put up with someone making them uncomfortable,” I reply, my protective instincts flaring up once again.
As we continue walking, I steal glances at her profile, admiring the gentle curve of her nose and the way her lashes seem even longer in the dim light. I wonder if she can feel the tension between us – the unspoken words that are slowly driving me mad.
“Here’s my place,” Emma announces, stopping in front of an old brick house. She digs out her keys, her breath visible in the cold air.
“Great. We’ll come back to grab you soon,” I say, trying to maintain a casual tone.
“Okay, see you in a bit,” she replies with a small wave before disappearing behind the heavy wooden door.
Should I talk to Alec when I get home or wait until we don’t all have plans together? Things could get ugly fast and Emma is waiting to be picked up.
So, tomorrow I’ll tell Alec how I feel about Emma.
Which means I better enjoy what could be the last night of our friendship.
Chapter 17
I stand in front of the mirror, running my fingers through my hair for what feels like the hundredth time. My reflection stares back at me, dark brown hair tousled just so, my piercing blue eyes filled with a mixture of determination and anxiety. Tonight’s the night I finally tell Emma how I feel about her, putting an end to this ridiculous fake dating charade.
“Come on, Alec,” I mutter to myself, straightening my collar. “You’ve got this.”
Just as I’m about to leave my room, Luka comes bounding up the stairs, his blonde hair disheveled and his gray eyes filled with excitement.
“Where have you been?” I ask, trying to hide my annoyance. It’s not like I own him or anything, but tonight is important to me, and I don’t want any distractions.
“Ran into Emma on campus,” he says nonchalantly, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. “Told her we’d go get her before heading to the bar.”
“Great,” I say, forcing a smile. That was my plan, but it figures that Luka would beat me to it. With every interaction they share, my jealousy only grows. But I push it aside, reminding myself that once I make things official with Emma, everything will be different. More secure. Whether Luka and JD like her or not.
“Alright then,” I continue, clapping my hands together. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
As we make our way downstairs, I can’t help but let my thoughts drift back to Emma. The cascade of her dark brown tresses, with just the right amount of wave, that frames her perfect oval face. Her large emerald eyes meet mine with an intensity that feels like a physical touch.
But more than that, it’s her passion and ambition – her love for music and her unwavering determination – that has me completely hooked.
JD and Luka come downstairs.
“Hey,” Luka says, snapping me out of my reverie. “You ready?”
“Of course,” I reply, my voice betraying none of the nerves churning inside me. Tonight’s the night I finally tell Emma how I feel. And nothing – not even Luka’s annoyingly perfect timing – is going to stand in my way.
Luka’s in a crisp white button-up and dark jeans, while JD opted for a black shirt that hugs his muscular torso. I can’t help but smirk at them, feeling confident in my own gray shirt and black jacket.
“I bet you’ll have no problem picking up some women tonight, Luka,” I say, laughing. “Maybe you’ll even break your record and score a hat trick.”
I know it’s a low blow considering his interest in Emma but when his face contorts into a scowl it’s worth it.
