Page 43 of Off The Rush
My heart races at the thought, but then anger quickly takes over as I realize what this also means.
“Wait a minute,” I fume, shooting a glare at Alec. “You knew both JD and I liked Emma, and you still went ahead with this ridiculous plan? What’s the deal, man? Why didn’t you tell us?”
Alec runs his fingers through his dark hair, looking sheepish. “I know, it was a dick move. But… I have feelings for her too. I didn’twantto open the door for the two of you to make your move.” His piercing blue eyes meet mine, and I can tell he’s being sincere.
“Seriously?” JD chimes in, disbelief evident in his warm brown eyes. “This is getting out of hand. Why would you flirt with that girl right in front of her tonight, then?”
Alec looks away in what I can only assume is shame before admitting, “You two were flirting with her and I wanted her attention on me.”
“That’s fucked up, man,” I say. “Considering you two are only fake dating she’s been nothing but respectful. She could have flirted with us at any point and she wouldn’t be in the wrong.”
“She’s a better person than I even realized. Emma always insisted we were hanging out as friends,” JD adds.
“Yes, she’s fucking incredible. I know! I got lucky as hell that she askedmeto fake date her. There’s no way I’m letting her go.” Alec clenches his fists.
I nod, hearing his passion. He cares about Emma.
JD cares about Emma.
Icare about Emma.
And she’s a perfect woman who deserves three guys falling all over themselves to impress her.
This feels like the right moment to bring up an idea that’s been floating around my head. My family has always been unconventional and encouraging of love in whatever form it comes in. I have no idea how JD and Alec will react, though.
First, I take a moment to make sure this is something I will be okay with. Once I put this out there, it’s out there.
I want Emma with me more than anything. JD and Alec are my best friends and I know they’ll treat her right. We all get along so well and the time we spend together as a group feels like we are complete in a way we’ve never been before.
Crazily enough, I don’t hate the idea of her being with them as long as I’m a part of things too.
“What if we… shared her?” I suggest hesitantly. Maybe it’s the solution we’re all looking for.
“Absolutely not!” Alec immediately shoots down my suggestion, his jaw set firmly. “I met Emma first.”
JD seems contemplative, his eyebrows furrowed as he mulls it over in silence. I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking.
“That doesn’t mean she’s automatically yours. Now that we know you aren’t officially dating, we have a chance,” I say.
“We don’t know that Emma even likes any of us,” JD points out.
“The connection between all of us is impossible to ignore. Of course, it’s up to her and we would have to find out how she feels but my gut is telling me that she wants all of us too!” I have to keep my voice down as excitement takes hold of me.
This is the right move. I can feel it in my soul.
“We could all have her,” JD says slowly.
“The answer is no.” Alec stomps upstairs leaving JD and me behind.
“Just think about it!” I shout to Alec before hearing his door slam.
“I’ll think it over, Luka. Give him time and maybe he will think about it too,” JD says. He slaps me on the back before going to his room.
“Fine,” I concede, trying to hide my disappointment.
Internally, I ponder how I can make this happen. There has to be a way to convince Alec. Normally, we solve issues that come up between us with a hockey bet.
Can I do that now?
