Page 76 of Off The Rush
“Maybe we should study. Emma, I need to work on Great Literature Through the Ages, what about you?” JD asks.
“Let’s do it.”
All of us grab our books. I sit with my legs crossed beneath me, cradling a mug of steaming coffee between my hands. Luka is lounging on the couch, his long legs stretched out before him as he pours over his notes with furrowed brows. Alec is at the kitchen counter, hunched over his textbook as he scribbles in the margins, occasionally muttering under his breath.
“Alright, Emma, hit me with a question,” JD says, flashing me a grin that makes my heart skip a beat. His warm brown eyes hold a contagious enthusiasm, and I can’t help but smile back.
“Okay,” I say, scanning our Great Literature Through the Ages study guide for a question we haven’t covered yet.
We go back and forth until we both feel ready.
“We are going to ace this,” JD exclaims, leaning back in his chair and running a hand over his black hair.
I can’t help but steal glances at Alec and Luka. There’s something so comforting about having all of us together like this.
Chapter 33
The air is crisp and cold as I step outside, my breath visible in puffs. Winter break has finally arrived, and our finals are behind us. The relief is palpable.
A car pulls up and Tristan, my brother, gets out of the car with his bags and a smile.
“Tristan!” I exclaim, throwing my arms around him. It’s been months since I last saw him, and I’ve missed him more than words can describe. He hugs me tightly, his familiar presence bringing comfort and warmth.
“Hey, sis,” he says softly, pulling away to look at me. “You been getting into trouble?”
I roll my eyes playfully but beam at him nonetheless.
“Only a little,” I admit, my voice filled with joy. As much as I love my boyfriends, there’s something special about having family around during the holidays.
“Hey, Tessa,” Tristan greets her.
“Hi, Tristan. Good to see you,” Tessa replies, her cheeks flushing slightly. She reaches out for a hug.
“Alright,” I say, clapping my hands together, “we’re all here. Let’s get your stuff settled, and then we’ll head over to the boys’ place.”
“Boys’ place?” Tristan raises an eyebrow at me, surprise evident in his eyes.
I nod, feeling nervous about how my brother will react to my unconventional love life.
“Yep, the house where my boyfriends live,” I confirm, trying to sound casual.
“Wait, did you say ‘boyfriends’?” Tristan asks, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. “As in, more than one?”
“Yep,” I reply, my voice wavering slightly as I meet his bewildered gaze. I take a deep breath and face my brother head-on. It’s now or never. “I’m dating Luka, JD, and Alec. All three of them.”
“Are you serious, Emma?” Tristan sounds incredulous, but there’s an edge to his voice that’s unmistakably protective. “How does that even work?”
“Look, it just…happened,” I explain, trying not to sound too defensive. “We all care about each other, and it’s been amazing so far. They make me happy, and I know they’d do anything for me.”
“Three guys, though?” Tristan rubs the back of his neck, clearly struggling with the idea. “Isn’t that…complicated?”
“Sometimes,” I admit. “But we’re making it work. They’re great guys, Tristan. You’ll see.”
“They really are. They have my stamp of approval,” Tessa adds.
Tessa and Tristan have known each other as long as I’ve known Tessa and I know that means something to him.
He remains silent for a moment, studying me intently before finally letting out a sigh. “Fine, I’ll meet them. But I swear, Emma if any of them hurt you…”
