Page 96 of Off The Rush
“Emma, we can’t know for sure who did this,” I caution, though deep down, I have my own suspicions about Rachel’s involvement.
“Either way, we’ll find out who did this and make them pay,” Alec says with steely determination. Tessa nods in agreement, her grip on Emma’s arm tightening in solidarity.
“Guys,” Emma suddenly says, her voice quivering with fear. “What about hockey? Your spots on the university team? Your future NHL dreams?” She looks at us apologetically, as if she believes this is somehow her fault. It breaks my heart to see her like this.
“Emma, don’t worry about that,” JD tells her, his warm brown eyes filled with sincerity. “We needed to come out about our relationship at some point. This isn’t how we would’ve chosen to do it, but we’ll deal with it together. You’re more important to us than what other people think.”
Alec and I nod, agreeing with JD’s words.
“Thank you,” she whispers, her eyes shining with tears.
“Hey, that’s what we’re here for,” Alec says with a grin, trying to lighten the mood. “We will figure out how to prove it was Rachel and put this whole mess behind us.”
JD and Alec go to pull the car around and I take Emma to gather her stuff.
I’m tired of hiding my feelings, especially now that someone has tried to sabotage Emma’s concert with them.
“Emma,” I begin, my voice shaking slightly with emotion, “I need to tell you something. I’m in love with you.”
“What?” Emma’s eyes widen, shock evident on her beautiful face. “Luka, did you just say…?”
“Yes,” I interrupt, not wanting her to doubt my words for even a moment. “I love you, Emma. I’ve loved you for a while now. I’m not ashamed of our relationship. I wish it hadn’t come out this way but I’m proud the world knows you’re mine.”
Taking a step closer, I pull her flush against my body and lean down to press our foreheads together. Her green eyes are wide, searching my gray ones for any hint of insincerity. But all she finds is the truth.
“From the moment I saw you outside the hockey rink, I’ve been obsessed,” I confess, my voice low and full of emotion. “You’ve become everything to me, Emma.”
Before she can respond, I close the distance between us and capture her lips in a passionate kiss. She melts into me, her hands finding their way to my shoulders as our mouths move together in a dance.
“Wow,” Emma whispers when our lips finally part, her cheeks flushed and her breath ragged. “I never knew this could work…I mean, I hoped, but I didn’t think…”
“I always knew it could,” I admit, chuckling softly. “But now that it’s out in the open, I don’t want to go back. I don’t want to hide my feelings for you any longer.”
“Neither do I,” Emma agrees, her eyes shining with happiness. “I love you too, Luka.”
I grab her bag and throw it over my shoulder before taking her hand to pull her along behind me.
JD and Alec are waiting right out front for us. I pull Emma into my side in the backseat.
“Emma, despite everything that happened your performance was incredible,” JD says. “You were the best singer there. I’m sure they’ll take notice.”
“Absolutely,” Alec chimes in, nodding in agreement.
“I don’t think anyone will remember my singing,” Emma says sadly.
“You never know,” I say firmly. “You were talented enough to leave a mark.”
Emma leans her head on my shoulder and I squeeze her hand in support.
Despite our words, I know Emma has a point. Rachel has jeopardized Emma’s future and ours with this petty act.
Chapter 43
Emma stands with Luka at the stove making breakfast the morning after the disastrous showcase.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out to see a text from Coach:
My office. Now.
