Page 37 of The Grumpy Vet
"Since we're all so sweaty, should we have a shower?" I suggest.
"Oh, definitely," Dario answers, a knowing smile springing to his lips. "And because I'm such a conscientious environmentalist, might I suggest we shower together? You know, to conserve water and shit."
Ryde chuckles. "That sounds like a great idea."
We hightail it back to the house, not even bothering to shut the roller door. We've blown each other in the carport, on my back deck, in the kitchen, the living room, the hallway, and in my bedroom, but never in the shower.
I'm excited. I tear into the small bathroom and turn the water on, the warm spritz quickly fogging up the room. "You two, naked. Now," I bark.
Not even thinking.
Until Dario clears his throat. "I… I can't."
I spin around to see Dario looking uncharacteristically shy. Uncomfortable, even. His head is bowed, his shoulders hunched up. I meet Ryde's concerned gaze and shake my head. I'm such an idiot. I'd gotten so caught up in the moment, I'd forgotten about Dario not feeling good about his body. Maybe that's the reason we've never hooked up in here before. Why he's kept his shirt on all the times we've done stuff.
"I'm sorry, guys," he says, staying focused on the tiles. "I wasn't thinking with my big head when I suggested this in the carport. It means I'd have to…" He tugs at the hem of his T-shirt. "Take this off. And I can't."
I turn the water off sharply and wipe my arm on a towel. Then I step in front of him and gently tilt his chin until his eyes meet mine. Usually sparkling with a carefree mischief, they'veclouded over with shame, and it pinches my chest. "You have nothing to apologise for."
"That's right." Ryde places his hand on Dario's shoulder, offering a sympathetic smile. "We all just got caught up in the moment. No one meant to make you uncomfortable."
"I know," Dario says, turning to his best friend. "It's…me."
"And that's okay," I tell him. "We can go into the bedroom. Or maybe we should take a beat? Have some food. Go outside and talk, or whatever," I add, since the mood has shifted.
"No." Dario squeezes his eyes shut and huffs out a deep breath. Then a few more. "I need to get over this." And with that, he opens his eyes, swipes his shirt off in one swift motion, and grabs his belly. "Linus, I'd like you to meet Blug Blug."
I raise a brow. "Blug Blug?"
"Yep. I named him."
He tries for a smile, tries to summon a confidence he doesn't have right now, and my heart aches for him. But pity is probably the last thing he wants or needs, so I angle my head to the side and suggest, "Not Hubba Hubba?"
I'm met with stone cold silence.
This is why I'll never be the funny one. Maybe my attempt at humour didn't land. Maybe it's dumb. Maybe?—
"Or Yumma Yumma?" We both snap our heads to Ryde. "Or what about Glubba Glubba?"
Dario snorts. "Glubba Glubba, really?"
Ryde lifts a shoulder, half smirking. "Why not?"
"Why not indeed." I step in between them, caressing each of their cheeks. "We can keep coming up with names, or you can just believe me when I say you're hot, Dario." With my eyes locked on his, I lower my hand, smoothing it down his neck, across his pecs, down to his hand resting on his stomach. Gently, I lift it off, exposing him. "You're so fucking hot," I repeat.
He swallows audibly.
Ryde glances at me and winks. "Really fucking hot," he whispers before leaning over to nibble on Dario's ear.
Dario's head falls back on a breathy "Ohhhh" as my dick turns to concrete at the sexy sight.
I bring my lips to his collarbone. "You're sexy."
"Beautiful," Ryde murmurs before nibbling the shell of his ear.
"Gorgeous," I continue as a groan spills out of Dario, like he's melting between us.
There's a pause.
