Page 19 of Off The Rush
I shrug. “No, but something just clicked between us.”
JD rubs his chin thoughtfully. “You should tell Alec. Maybe he doesn’t have strong feelings for her, and you could—”
“No,” I interrupt firmly. “I know Alec cares about her, and I won’t do that to him. It would only cause problems, and I don’t want to drive a wedge between us.”
“Alright,” JD agrees reluctantly, slapping my back in a display of brotherly support. “But if things keep going this way, you owe it to yourself – and to Alec – to be honest about your feelings.”
I nod, knowing he’s right. But for now, all I can do is watch from the sidelines as Alec and Emma grow closer.
“I need to meet this girl.”
“She’s upstairs now. Are you sticking around?” I ask.
“No, I have another class. I just came back for a snack then I’m out of here. Next time.”
He heads to the kitchen and I look up at the ceiling like I can see what’s happening up there if I try hard enough.
Chapter 8
My phone buzzes with another text from Alec. He’s been sending me things he finds funny to make me laugh, and I love it.
Great Literature Through the Ages was boring today but at least my seatmate was back and I had Alec to entertain me.
“Emma, wait up!” JD calls as I start walking down the hall towards my next class. I hesitate for a moment before slowing down just enough for him to catch up. “You walk fast,” he remarks, grinning playfully.
“My next class is on the other side of campus,” I reply, taking a sip of my coffee. “I can’t afford to be late.”
“Ah, so that’s why you’re always in such a hurry,” he muses, his warm brown eyes studying me closely. “So, what are you studying here?”
“Music,” I answer, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks under his intense gaze. “I’m an aspiring singer.”
“Really?” His eyes light up with genuine interest. “That’s amazing! You must have an incredible voice.”
“Thanks,” I say shyly, suddenly very aware of how close he is walking next to me. Is it just me, or is he flirting? “What about you? What are you studying?”
“Business management,” he replies. “Not quite as exciting as music, but it’s something.”
“Passion is important,” I say, taking another sip of my coffee. His presence is undeniably distracting, but I can’t let myself be swayed by a handsome face and some light flirting. We are only classmates, after all.
“I have passion for other things, don’t worry. So, Emma,” JD says, breaking into my thoughts. “This literature class is kind of kicking my butt. Do you think I could get your number? Maybe we could study together sometime or you could help me catch up on the readings.”
I hesitate, torn between wanting to help a fellow student and maintaining some distance from this charming, yet somewhat frustrating guy. My mind conjures an image of Alec but we aren’t really dating so he shouldn’t matter in my decision.
“Alright,” I finally agree, scribbling my number onto a piece of paper and handing it to him. “But only for study purposes, okay?”
“Of course,” he grins, tucking the paper into his pocket. “Thanks, Emma.”
“Good,” I say firmly, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I really need to get to class.”
“Sure thing,” he replies, stepping back with a smile. “See you around, Emma.”
Chapter 9
I stroll away from Emma, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. The afternoon sun casts long shadows on the sidewalk as I make my way home. Swinging open the front door, I find Luka and Alec sprawled out on the living room couch, engrossed in a heated video game battle.
“Hey!” Luka exclaims, not taking his eyes off the screen.
Alec glances at me. “JD, what is that smile for?” Alec adds, his fingers dancing over the controller buttons.
