Page 119 of Trick or Treat Nurse at My Feet
Pressing a kiss to his temple, I'm overcome with emotion and find it hard to trust my voice.
Drew clears his throat, bringing us back to the moment. "Speaking of Caleb," he says, gesturing to where the reluctant pledge is now halfheartedly spraying down a minivan. "He's our newest brother, or will be, once he completes pledging. We call him 'The Third.'"
Ethan follows his gaze, studying Caleb with interest. "He doesn't look thrilled about it."
"He's warming up to us," Drew says confidently. "Slowly. Very slowly."
As if sensing he's the topic of conversation, Caleb glances over. His expression is carefully neutral, but for just a moment, as he takes in Ethan and me together, I could swear a tiny smirk crosses his features before his scowl returns.
"I think he's going to fit right in," I say, surprising myself with how certain I feel.
"Speaking of fitting in," Drew continues, turning to Ethan with an evaluating look, "the shit you two went through is way worse than any rush challenge we could devise."
My body shifts into a more guarded stance because I'm not sure where Drew is going with this.
"So," he continues casually, "if you wanted to pledge Delta Psi Omega, the brothers and I would be willing to put it to a vote."
Ethan blinks, clearly caught off guard. "Me? Pledge the fraternity?"
"Why not?" Drew shrugs. "You've already got the boyfriend, might as well get the letters too."
Before Ethan can respond, several brothers who have drifted within earshot immediately raise their hands, shouting variations of "Yes!" and "I vote yes!"
Ethan looks around at all the excited guys, and hiswhole face lights up. "I… I don't know what to say," he stutters, looking happy.
"Say yes!" Ian yells from where he's drying a car.
"Say you'll think about it," I suggest, not wanting him to feel pressured.
Ethan looks up at me, then back at the brothers, many of whom are now watching expectantly. "I think... I've found my people," he says finally, a smile breaking across his face.
The brothers cheer, several coming over to pat him on the back or offer fist bumps.
In the middle of the congratulations, one of the younger brothers, Elijah, approaches Ethan with a grin. "Just so you know," he says, loud enough for me to hear, "if Tyler ever fucks up again, I'm available as a backup boyfriend."
When I start to object, Ethan beats me to it. "Not a fucking chance," he says firmly, reaching for my hand. "But I have some friends I can introduce you to sometime."
Elijah brightens at this, and Gavin, who's migrated back to our group, perks up with interest. "Yeah? Where they at? Do they all dress like this for car washes?" He gestures at Sylas and the other nursing students.
Ethan laughs, the sound light and happy. "That was a one-time performance, I'm afraid. Though I'm sure special arrangements could be made for the right occasion."
Gavin grins, his gaze drifting toward Sylas with undisguised interest. "I'm going to hold you to that."
Shaking my head, I'm amused by Gavin's transparent interest. "Alright, Casanova. Don't you have cars to wash?"
"I do," Gavin admits without taking his eyes off Sylas. "But more importantly, I told you it would work out." He finally looks back at me, his expression softening. "Now go kiss him already."
No one needs to tell me twice.
Scooping Ethan up in my arms, a move that earns whistles from the onlookers, I announce to no one in particular, "We're taking a break."
"The nurses make up for you skipping out!" Drew calls after us as I carry Ethan away from the car wash.
Ethan laughs, arms looped around my neck. The wet clothes can't hide how warm his body feels pressed against mine. "Where are we going?"
"Somewhere I can kiss you properly," I reply, "without an audience of cheering idiots."
"Your brothers," Ethan corrects gently.
