Page 37 of Off The Rush
“Mind if I stay and work on some schoolwork with you?” I ask, hoping she’ll agree.
“Sure, Luka,” she says softly, relief evident in her voice.
I pull out my books and laptop, trying to focus on the essay I have due for one of my classes. But with Emma sitting right across from me, focusing on anything else seems impossible. Strands of her chestnut-brown hair sway in the air with every move she makes. Her emerald eyes focus intently on the laptop screen as her long, slender fingers fly over the keys- it’s all too distracting.
When she held an ice pack to my eye after the fight on the ice, I couldn’t take my eye off her. I loved having her there to take care of me after a game.
“Hey, Emma,” I start, giving up on the idea of getting any work done. “What are you working on?”
“An assignment for my music theory class,” she replies, looking up at me with a smile that makes my heart skip a beat. “It’s pretty interesting, actually.”
“Oh yeah? What’s interesting about it?”
She goes on to tell me a lot of things that make no sense but her passion means I could listen all day long.
“Sounds like it,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
I have way more game than this but she unnerves me. Plus, I can’t make a move considering she’s Alec’s girl which makes me unsure how to ask.
Alec’s. Girl.
But maybe if they break up… she could be my girl.
“Thanks, Luka,” she says, a hint of surprise in her voice. “For listening.”
We continue talking, our conversation bouncing between school, hobbies, and life in general. I can’t help but feel drawn to her in a way I’ve never experienced before.
No woman has ever made me take a second glance.
When I make a joke about prowling the bars Emma’s brow furrows slightly.
“That’s right. I’ve heard some rumors about you being a player. So, that’s true?”
My cheeks flush at her question, and I curse whoever told her that.
“Well, yeah,” I admit hesitantly, not wanting to lie to her. “I used to be, at least. But lately, something else has caught my eye, and I’m not as interested in other girls.”
Fuck that was way too honest. Reel it in Eriksson.
Emma’s green eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that leaves me feeling exposed and vulnerable. “If I asked you what that something is, would you tell me?”
I hesitate for a moment, weighing my options. If I tell her how I feel, things could get complicated. But there’s something about the way she’s looking at me that makes me want to open up to her.
“No,” I finally say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I can’t.”
“Okay,” she replies softly, her gaze still holding mine.
And in that moment, I know that I can’t keep running from my feelings for Emma. The tension between us is palpable like a thread stretched taut and ready to snap. I can’t deny it anymore; my feelings for Emma are growing stronger by the minute.
It’s getting harder to stop myself from begging Alec to let me confess my feelings to Emma, especially when our connection feels so intense.
As I “work” on my essay, my eyes flit over to Emma every few seconds, barely able to focus on the words on my screen. I glance at the guy who had been bothering Emma earlier, and I see him still watching her from his table. I know I can’t leave her alone with him lurking around.
I’m torn between staying with Emma and seeking out Alec to confess my feelings. The thought of talking to Alec about it makes me anxious as hell, but I know it’s something I need to do eventually.
Emma’s phone suddenly buzzes on the table, and she picks it up, her green eyes scanning the message before looking up at me. “Alec just texted. He’s going out tonight with you, JD, and some of the team tonight and he invited me along.”
I’d completely forgotten about our plans with the guys, but the idea of spending more time with Emma sounds perfect. “Yeah, of course you should come,” I say, trying to sound casual. “We should probably head out soon if you are.”
