Page 31 of Off The Rush
“So, what are Luka and JD up to tonight?” I ask.
Alec frowns, a little wrinkle forming between his eyebrows. “No idea. Probably relaxing after practice. Why?”
I laugh awkwardly. Not the reaction I was expecting. Is there a chance he’s jealous?
I glance around to see that a few people are looking over at us. “Well, they’re your friends.”
Alec nods. “Right.”
Things are awkward after that as we finish our meal and head out together.
I try to fix things by saying, “I had fun tonight, Alec. Thank you for dinner.”
I gather my courage and grab his hand which brings a huge smile to his face and relaxes the tension.
The drive back to my apartment is filled with comfortable silence. The warmth of the car’s heater and the soft hum of the engine create a cozy atmosphere. I glance over at Alec, his strong hands gripping the steering wheel, and feel a sudden urge to reach out and touch him. I resist, reminding myself that this is all just an act and we are back in private.
“So, have you forgiven me for interrupting your audition?” He asks, breaking the silence as the car pulls up in front of my apartment building.
“I suppose I have. You’re not the jerk I thought you were,” I reply.
Alec leans closer and looks at me. “Thanks. I am sorry that it happened but I’m not sorry it brought you to me.”
For a moment, it feels like we might kiss again. My pulse quickens, and I can’t help but want it to happen. This time it would be in private and I would know it’s because he likes me. But Alec hesitates, and the moment passes. Disappointment washes over me.
“Goodnight, Emma,” Alec says softly, his blue eyes lingering on mine.
“Goodnight, Alec,” I respond, my voice barely above a whisper.
I open the car door and step out into the chilly night air, feeling the cold seep through my clothes. As I walk towards my house, my thoughts drift to Luka. His flirtatious nature has always been intriguing, but I know better than to read too much into it. He’s just like that with everyone.
And then there’s JD. He did seem genuinely interested in me, and maybe there’s something worth exploring there. But not until after Alec and I have our inevitable fake breakup unless Alec is willing to tell him things aren’t real.
Chapter 14
The sunlight streams through the blinds as I pace back and forth in the living room, my hands stuffed deep in my pockets. The tension in the house is thick enough to cut with a knife as Alec and Luka sit on opposite sides of the room, both engrossed in their phones. None of us have been talking much since admitting our feelings for Emma, and now, with her coming over to study, things are about to get even more complicated.
Tension like this makes me anxious enough to pace.
“JD, man, would you stop pacing?” Alec finally looks up from his phone, annoyance written all over his face. “You’re making me dizzy.”
“Sorry,” I mutter, forcing myself to stop and sit down next to him. But I can’t help but think back to that day at practice when I saw Alec kissing Emma. Jealousy had reared its ugly head, but I couldn’t allow it to ruin my friendship with her. That’s why I asked her to come over today – a simple study session between friends should be harmless, right?
My mind races with thoughts of what could happen today, wondering if I’ll be able to keep my feelings in check. My heart picks up speed when I hear a soft knock on the door.
“Emma’s here,” I announce, trying to sound as casual as possible. Standing up, I take a deep breath and open the door.
“Hey, JD,” she greets me with a warm smile, her wavy brown hair cascading down her shoulders. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, I’m a little early.”
“Of course not, we’re just hanging out,” I assure her, stepping aside to let her in. She carries her books and notes in her arms, looking every bit the dedicated student that she is. “We can study in the kitchen if that works for you.”
“Sounds great,” Emma replies, following me to the table.
Alec stands up and greets Emma with a kiss on the cheek and whispers words that make her laugh.
I can feel Alec and Luka’s eyes on us, but I refuse to let their presence get to me. After all, this is about spending time with Emma and preserving our friendship – nothing more. Right?
As I lead Emma into the kitchen, the tension that has been building up in the house seems to melt away. She sets her books and notes down on the table, and we both take a seat across from each other. Despite everything that’s been going on, it feels natural to be sitting here with her.
