Page 7 of Off The Rush
“Sure do,” Luka grins, clearly enjoying the attention. “What do you need him for?”
As she answers, I can’t help but notice how stunning she is. Her eyes are a striking shade of green, framed by thick lashes, and her full lips curve into a shy smile. I feel an unexpected jolt in my chest, a sudden need to know more about her. But first, I have to hear her answer.
“Um, it’s kind of a long story,” she says, biting her lip. “But it’s really important that I talk to him.”
“Alright then,” Luka says, nodding in my direction. “There he is. When you’re bored with him remember me, Luka Eriksson.”
Their eyes turn toward me, and I meet her gaze head-on. I can see the surprise and slight embarrassment on her face, but there is also a glimmer of determination.
She glances back at Luka who is still standing there with a glint in his eye as he looks at Emma.
“Hey, Luka,” I call out. “Why don’t you give us a moment? We need to talk.”
“Sure thing, man,” Luka replies, giving me a knowing wink before sauntering off.
“Sorry about him,” I say, turning my attention back to Emma. Her eyes are still filled with determination, but there is also a hint of vulnerability that makes her even more captivating.
Is she looking for a hookup because this could turn my bad mood around? Although, she doesn’t look the type with her jeans and a sweatshirt.
Girls usually find me while wearing a mini skirt that leaves nothing to the imagination.
“Hi,” she says, stepping forward with an outstretched hand. “I’m Emma. I’ve been trying to find you.”
“Nice to meet you, Emma,” I reply, taking her hand and feeling an electric thrill shoot up my arm. “What can I do for you?”
I have no idea why this cutie would be looking for me. She isn’t someone I’ve seen around.
“Look,” she starts, her tone all business now. “You interrupted my audition the other day when you came barreling through the door.”
That was her? I can remember the hauntingly beautiful voice that I only got to hear for a moment before it cut off.
I wince at the memory, remembering how I’d been desperately trying to put some distance between myself and my vindictive ex-girlfriend, Chloe.
“Ah, right. Sorry about that.”
“Because of that interruption, I didn’t get to finish my performance,” Emma continues, her voice wavering slightly. “And now my spot in the Spring Showcase relies on me convincing the dean that-”
She cuts herself off and looks away, a pink blush covering her cheeks.
“What?” I prompt, not seeing how this relates to me.
I mean, I feel like shit that I caused this but the dean didn’t act like it was a problem when she walked me out talking my ear off about the season.
She meets my eyes again and squares her shoulders. “The dean is a huge fan of yours so she gave me a spot in the Spring Showcase when I implied you would come to see me.”
“And why would I come to see you?” I ask, having an idea of where this is going.
“Because I told her we are dating.”
I raise an eyebrow. The girl has guts, I’ll give her that. “Are you asking me out?”
She rolls her eyes. “No. In fact, I don’t like you much but it is your fault I’m in this situation. You ruined my audition that I spent months preparing for. I think you owe me.”
Guilt swarms my stomach. I do owe her. I consider what this would mean for me.
“I only need you to come to the Spring Showcase and pretend for one night. No big deal,” she continues.
As she speaks, an idea begins to form in my head. Maybe this girl could help me with my own situation. If I play my cards right, we could both get what we need.
