Page 48 of Off The Rush
“Oh, Emma, I’m so sorry,” JD says.
I hate the sadness in their eyes for me. I never know how to react.
So I just push through and continue, “My dad went down a depressive hole and banned me from singing. He said it reminded him too much of my mom. I got a scholarship to come here and he doesn’t approve but I refuse to give up that piece of my mom.”
“Good for you. You should be focused on what you want. You can’t live for anyone else.” Luka presses a kiss to the side of my head.
As we continue chatting about our families and pasts, I find myself growing more and more comfortable with these two incredible guys. Their openness and genuine interest in my life make me feel seen and valued, something I didn’t realize I was missing.
Our meals arrive, and we dig in, laughter and good-natured teasing filling the air. It’s strange - sitting here with Luka and JD, sharing stories and bonding over shared experiences, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if this were our normal. If maybe, somehow, we could all be happy together.
“Emma, what’s your favorite memory?” JD asks, leaning forward with interest as he takes a bite of his pasta.
I pause for a moment, sifting through the memories that flood my mind. “I think it would have to be when my parents took me to my first concert. I was only eight, but it lit a fire inside me.”
“Wow, that sounds beautiful,” Luka murmurs, his intense gaze fixed on mine.
“What about you guys? Any favorite memories?”
JD laughs, recounting a story of a family vacation gone hilariously wrong, while Luka shares a tender tale of learning to skate on a frozen pond with his father in Sweden. As we exchange stories, I feel at ease around these two men. It’s as if we’ve known each other forever, and yet each new revelation about them is a delightful surprise.
With a sudden, almost alarming clarity, I find myself imagining what it would be like if both Luka and JD wanted to date me together for the long term. The thought sends a thrill through me, and I can’t help but add Alec to the equation, even though he seems more interested in a one-on-one connection. His absence is notable tonight.
I’ve read why choose novels and imagined this before but never thought it would be a possibility in my life.
“Hey, Earth to Emma!” JD’s voice snaps me out of my daydream, and I blush, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
“Sorry, zoned out for a second there.” I give them an apologetic smile. “So, what were you saying?”
“Nothing important,” Luka assures me, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Just planning our next group adventure.”
“Really?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
“Yep,” JD confirms. “We’re thinking of going to a movie.”
“Sounds like fun. Count me in,” I agree, excited by the prospect of spending more time with these captivating men.
The rest of the evening flies by, filled with laughter and lighthearted conversation. Before I know it, we’re back in Luka’s car, making our way home.
As the car pulls up to my house, JD and Luka both get out and walk me to my front door. The air is thick with anticipation, and my heart races as I fumble for my keys.
Luka leans in first, his warm breath brushing against my cheek as he closes the distance between us. His lips brush lightly over mine, and I shiver from the sensual contact. My heart pounds beneath my chest, and for a moment, everything else fades away. His hands gently cradle my face, holding me to him, and the world drops from beneath my feet until I’m spinning in nothingness. His touch is warm and light, like a feather caressing my skin, but feels so real. I can almost taste the heat of his body against my lips. I open myself up to him, feeling whole again.
His tongue tangles with me only briefly before all too soon he pulls back, his gray eyes searching mine for any hint of hesitation or uncertainty. Instead, he finds only encouragement, and he steps aside to give JD his chance.
JD hesitates, only for a second, before leaning in. Our lips meet and his strong arms wrap around my waist. He tightens his hold as the kiss continues to deepen. Electricity crackles between us as we share a more serious, intense kiss.
It’s incredible, leaving me breathless and wanting more.
I’m left reeling as JD and Luka return to the car, their lingering looks and bright smiles seem to promise that this is just the beginning of something amazing. And though I’m not quite sure what it all means, one thing is certain – I’m excited to find out.
Chapter 22
The air in the locker room feels heavy, as if a storm is brewing just beyond the walls. I can’t help but steal glances at Alec and Luka, who seem to be lost in their own thoughts. Alec’s piercing blue eyes are narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. Luka, on the other hand, appears calm, his intense gray eyes flickering between Alec and me.
“Guys,” I say, breaking the silence that has settled over us like a thick fog. “I’m worried about how this… situation with Emma is going to affect our game tonight.” My heart pounds in my chest as I voice my concern, my hands growing clammy.
Alec scoffs, rolling his eyes. “What situation? It’s not like we’re fighting over her. Luka is just suggesting crazy things.”
