Page 44 of Off The Rush
In the meantime, I’ll just have to be patient and wait for the right opportunity. I know that I’d do anything for a chance to be with her – even if it means sharing her with my friends.
Chapter 20
I’m lounging on the living room couch, on Sunday, with Alec and Luka, trying to unwind after a long day of practice. We’ve barely spoken since Friday when Luka suggested we share Emma between us.
When Alec’s phone buzzes, he glances at the screen and smirks.
“Emma’s coming over,” he announces nonchalantly.
Luka and I immediately perk up. I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement in my chest at the thought of seeing her.
Alec rolls his eyes, clearly annoyed by our reactions.
“You two are pathetic,” he mutters under his breath.
“Whatever, man,” I reply, grinning. The tension between us is palpable, but it’s not enough to dampen my spirits.
Without another word, Luka gets up and disappears upstairs. Probably to make himself look presentable, I think with a chuckle. I know he’s as interested in Emma as I am, even though we’re both trying to play it cool.
Now it’s just Alec and me, sitting awkwardly on opposite ends of the couch. I can feel the weight of his gaze on me, but I refuse to let it get to me. Instead, I force myself to act casual.
“So, what are we gonna do when Emma gets here?” I ask, trying to fill the silence.
“Nothing special,” Alec replies, shrugging. “Her and I are just hanging out.”
“Right.” I nod, pretending that the answer satisfies me. In reality, I’m thinking of a way to keep Emma down here with me. Something that could show off my charming side or impress Emma in some way.
There’s a knock at the front door and I cut Alec off to get there first. I pull open the heavy wooden door, and a flurry of snowflakes drifts into the room. Emma steps across the threshold in her knee-length white coat, her long hair flowing tucked into a cap and green eyes alive with joy. My chest tightens with emotion at the sight of her, but I remain outwardly calm.
“Hey, guys!” She greets us, her voice as warm and inviting as ever.
“Emma!” I exclaim, putting on my most charming smile. “You’re just in time. There’s a hockey game on tonight. Wanna watch it with us?”
Her eyes light up, and she nods eagerly. “Sounds fun! I’d love to.”
“Great,” I say, grinning from ear to ear. I can’t help but throw a triumphant glance at Alec, who looks slightly annoyed that he didn’t get a chance to suggest something else.
“Hey, Luka!” I call out, raising my voice so he can hear me upstairs. “Emma’s here, and we’re watching the game!”
Within moments, Luka appears at the top of the stairs, shirtless and smirking. He saunters down the steps, and I notice Emma’s eyes fixated on his toned chest. I swallow my jealousy, reminding myself that as long as her focus isn’t entirely on Alec, it’s a win for me too.
But being shirtless during the first snow of the season seems ridiculous even if the heat is blasting in here.
“Welcome, Emma,” Luka says smoothly, reaching the bottom of the stairs.
“Thanks, Luka,” she replies, her gaze still lingering on his impressive physique before she finally tears her eyes away.
Alec quickly wraps an arm around her, trying to distract her from ogling Luka. “Come on, let’s grab a seat on the couch.”
As we settle down to watch the game, I can feel the electricity in the air. It’s as though anything could happen tonight, and I’m ready to seize any opportunity to get closer to Emma.
“Hey, Emma, do you want something to drink?” Alec asks, trying to regain some control over the situation.
“Sure, a soda would be great. Thanks,” she replies with a smile, her green eyes lighting up.
“Coming right up,” he says and heads toward the kitchen, leaving us alone with Emma.
Seizing the opportunity, Luka and I settle down on either side of her. Now that we know Alec’s relationship with Emma is fake, there’s no need for us to hold back. It’s not like we’re betraying our friend.
