Page 40 of Off The Rush
“Hey, I’m Alec,” I say, extending my hand to the girl. “Nice to meet you.”
“Hi, I’m Stacey,” she replies, a flirtatious smile playing on her lips as she takes my hand. As we continue talking, I can feel Emma’s gaze on us, and it gives me a smug satisfaction. But when she looks away, her expression turning upset, my stomach churns with guilt.
“Excuse me for a moment,” I tell Stacey before making my way over to Emma. She’s walking toward the back of the bar, and I desperately want to apologize, to explain myself. The jealousy that had fueled my actions now feels foolish and childish, and all I want is to make things right with Emma.
I’m about to reach Emma when JD’s strong grip lands on my shoulder, yanking me back. Luka follows suit, placing himself between me and Emma. Their faces are a mixture of anger and disappointment, making my stomach knot even tighter.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Alec?” JD growls, his brown eyes burning into me.
“Flirting with another girl right in front of Emma? She doesn’t deserve that and you don’t deserve her!” Luka adds, his gray eyes piercing through me like ice.
I bristle. I messed up but it’s not as bad as it seems. I’m not a cheater and I never will be. It’s their fault this even happened.
“You two need to stop flirting with her! She’smygirlfriend.” I clench my fists.
“Clearly you aren’t that serious about her. Just like you never are. Why do you even care?” Luka asks.
“Well, I am serious about Emma so back the hell off.”
“If you’re serious about her then why are you treating her so badly?” JD snaps.
“Guys, it’s not what you think,” I try to explain, but they’re not having any of it.
“Then tell us what it is, because from where we’re standing, it looks pretty damn shitty,” JD snaps while crossing his arms over his broad chest.
“Emma deserves better, man,” Luka says, shaking his head in disbelief.
Their words sting and I can feel my face heat up with a mix of shame and annoyance. They’re right, but they have no idea what’s really going on, and their constant hovering around Emma is infuriating.
“Fine, you want the truth?” I snap, unable to take their judgment anymore. “We’re fake dating, alright? So technically, I didn’t do anything wrong.” I pause for a moment, studying their shocked faces. “But since we’re being honest here, why don’t the two of you back off and get over Emma.”
JD and Luka exchange glances, both taken aback by my outburst. For a moment, nobody speaks. All I can hear is the pounding music and laughter from the other patrons.
“Fake dating?” JD finally asks, his brow furrowed. “What does that even mean, Alec?”
“Exactly what it sounds like,” I mutter, running a hand through my hair. “We pretend to be together for… reasons. It’s not real, so I didn’t actually cheat on her or anything.”
“Then why did you look so guilty?” Luka questions, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Because… I don’t know,” I admit, my voice barely audible. “I need to talk to Emma.”
I move forward, leaving the two of them behind.
I find Emma coming out of the bathroom with a forced smile on her face.
I reach my hand out to her and say, “Emma, I’m sorry. Can we talk?”
Emma steps closer. “You don’t need to be sorry. I know we are only fake dating but since everyone else thinks it’s real, you can’t do that in public. It reflects poorly on me.”
Is that what she’s worried about? My stomach sinks at the realization that she wasn’t upset because she wants me, but to protect her reputation.
Any desire I had to share my real feelings fades.
“I won’t do it again, Emma. You’re right, that wasn’t fair to you.”
“Thanks, Alec. I think I’m going to head out.” She squeezes my shoulder and moves to step past me into the bar.
“Wait, I’ll walk you home.”
