Page 65 of Off The Rush
I glance down at my phone, my thumbs flying over the screen as I text JD, Luka, and Alec on my way to meet Kenny for our project. The sun is shining down on the campus, casting a warm glow on the brick buildings and the students milling about.
Hey guys, just heading to rehearsal with Kenny now. What are you all up to?
I type out, my green eyes flicking up to make sure I’m still on course.
Alec replies quickly.
About to head into class. I’ll pick you up afterward, then we can all hang out tonight.
I text back with a smile.
Sounds perfect.
Maybe spending time with the boys will help me take my mind off of this uncomfortable partnership with Kenny.
This class is finally almost over. Once we present our final project, this duet, I can be done with him.
As I approach the rehearsal room, I take a deep breath and steel myself for another session with Kenny. Only one more week of this, I remind myself. Then I’ll never have to see him again.
“Hey, Emma!” Kenny greets me with a grin, his hands grabbing my waist the moment I step inside. I tense up, not appreciating the sudden invasion of my personal space.
“Hi, Kenny,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady as I gently remove his hands from my waist. “Let’s get started, shall we?”
“Of course, beautiful,” he replies, smirking as he takes a step back, giving me some breathing room.
He is so hot and cold.
Throughout the rehearsal, Kenny continues to be extra touchy and aggressive, making me increasingly uncomfortable. His hand brushes against my thigh as we sit side by side at the piano, or he stands a little too close when we’re discussing our project. Each time, I subtly shift away from him, hoping he’ll get the hint.
Just one more week, I remind myself, trying to focus on the task at hand. You can do this.
As we continue to work, I find myself counting down the minutes until Alec comes to pick me up. The anticipation of spending time with him and the others – people who respect my boundaries – helps me push through the discomfort of Kenny’s unwanted advances.
Just as I’m about to suggest we end for the day since Alec should be here soon, Kenny’s hand slides up my thigh, his fingers slipping under my skirt. My heart races and panic sets in. “Kenny, stop!” I exclaim, shoving his hand away with force.
“Come on, Emma,” he says, his voice low and coaxing. “We both know you want this.”
“No. I don’t. I have boyfriends!” I shout, trying to stand but finding myself backed onto the piano bench by his weight.
“Boyfriends?” He asks. “Don’t lie to me.”
“I misspoke. I have a boyfriend and he will kick your ass if you don’t back the fuck off.” My voice shakes as I take in the situation I’m in.
We are alone in this room. If he decides to keep pushing me, I could be in trouble.
“Just a taste. You’ve been flirting with me since we met.”
“No. I haven’t.”
“But-”
“I said no!” I shout.
The door bursts open and Alec storms in, his blue eyes blazing with fury. “Get your hands off her!” he shouts, grabbing Kenny by the collar and yanking him away from me.
“Whoa, dude, chill out!” Kenny stammers fear evident in his expression.
“Alec, calm down,” I try.
