Page 10 of Trick or Treat Nurse at My Feet
"What is it, then?" I ask, hating how my body still responds to his touch, even as anger builds inside me.
"It's us hanging out. Together. Like you wanted." He tugs me closer, his other hand finding my waist. Even with the mask between us, I can feel his breath. "You look hot, by the way. I just wasn't expecting all... this."
He gestures vaguely at my glitter, my outfit, everything Sylas worked so hard on.
"I wanted to look good," I say, my voice small.
"You always look good to me." His hand slides lower, resting just above my ass. "Especially in these pants. Turn around, let me see."
I step back, breaking his hold. "No. This isn't—" I take a breath, steadying myself. "This isn't what I thought tonight would be."
"What did you think it would be?" There's genuine confusion in his voice, which somehow makes it worse.
"I thought it meant something that you wanted to be seen with me in public." Saying that out loud makes me feel stupid and awkward. "But you're still hiding."
"I told you, I need time. My family?—"
"Isn't here," I finish. "Your family isn't at a college Halloween carnival. But your friends are, and you still won't even acknowledge me around them."
Ryan's shoulders stiffen. "You knew the deal when we started this."
The words sting because they're true. I did know, I've always known, but I kept hoping things would change.
"Yeah," I say finally. "I guess I did."
Something in my tone must alert him because he steps closer, hands coming up to frame my face. Even with the mask, I can picture his expression, that soft, pleading look that always breaks my resolve.
"Barrett, Baby," he says, voice dropping to a low tone that weakens my knees. "Don't be mad. I'm trying here. This is me trying."
I want to laugh. I want to cry. I want to tear that stupid devil mask off his face and force him to look me in the eyes while he feeds me these lines.
Instead, I take a step back.
"I'm going to get something to drink," I say, needing space, needing air. "I'll meet you by the Ferris wheel in ten minutes."
"Ethan—" he reaches for me, but I'm already turning away.
"Ten minutes," I repeat, not looking back.
Chapter 2
Confessions of a Bi-curious Jock
TYLER
The sun shines down on the Pacific Coast University campus, turning the grass into a perfect place to people-watch while I throw around a football with Gavin, just a short walk from our frat house. There's plenty of space to talk to my best friend about what's been bugging me.
I've been holding this in for weeks now. It's a warm feeling in my chest whenever a certain guy walks by. I've thought for a very long time that I might be Bi, but I've only dated girls. I have kissed a guy before. Right after Cher and I broke up, I kissed a guy at a party. It was nice, but he's not the one I want to ask out.
Gavin's the only one I trust with this for now. Being the VP of the Delta Psi Omega fraternity means I'm going to be judged harshly, so I need to be aware of my actions. But Gavin, the big guy, has never judged me about anything. As I catch the spiral, he launches my way; I take a deep breath. Maybe today's the day I finally say it out loud.
Glancing at Gavin, who is far over sixfeet tall and a total powerhouse. His tank top shows off his muscles, and he has that playful, golden retriever energy that is hard to resist. I've never been attracted to him, but I'm honest enough to say he has a great body. Not my type at all, but still great.
The words I want to say feel stuck in my throat. How do you even start this conversation?Hey man, I think I might like dudes?No, that sounds forced. I gotta find a smoother way to bring this up.Hey man, I like men too. Like I'm attracted to a guy.My brain's scrambling to find a link to make this whole thing less out-of-nowhere.
"You know, it's kind of crazy how different the frat is now compared to a decade ago," I say, my thoughts drifting as I toss the football between my hands. "It wasn't until ten years ago that we had our first not-white pledge. Now, we've got the most diverse frat on campus. Makes me proud to be VP, honestly."
What I'm really asking is,will there be room for me, too, once I tell the truth about who I am?
