Page 26 of Trick or Treat Nurse at My Feet
Holding my breath, I wait for his response, trying to read the subtle shifts in his expression.
"Well," Ethan finally says, his voice softer, "I'm glad it took a horror house for us to meet. Even if my ex being an asshole was the catalyst."
"Silver linings,"
Behind us, through the window, I catch sight of Gavin throwing me an encouraging thumbs-up when Ethan isn't looking. And for once, I don't mind my friend's interference. After all, it led me here, standing under string lights with a boy who sparkles, feeling possibilities. Possibilities that I want to become a reality.
When our hands brush against the railing, neither of us pulls away. The electric shock running up my arm confirms what I've suspected for months.
I'm incredibly attracted to this man.
"So," I say, my voice dropping lower as I turn to facehim. "I've been wanting to do something since I first saw you in the quad."
"What's that?" he asks, and I watch his pulse quicken at his throat.
"This."
Stepping closer, I reach out to brush a fleck of glitter from his cheek. My fingers linger, savouring the warmth of his skin. I lean in slowly, giving him every chance to back away if he wants to.
But he doesn't move.
When our lips meet, it's like completing a circuit I didn't know was broken. I start soft, testing, but something ignites between us. My hand slides to cup his jaw as he grips the front of my shirt, pulling me closer. The world narrows down to just this: his lips against mine, the slight taste of beer, the scent of his cologne.
The sliding door crashes open with a bang, shattering our moment.
"Tyler, we need, OH SHIT!" Cameron freezes mid-step, red cup in hand, eyes comically wide.
Chapter 7
Frat Boy See, Frat Boy Carry Away
TYLER
Ethan jumps back like he's been shocked, but I barely move. I stay firmly in his space as my brothers pour onto the porch behind Cameron.
"GET IT, VP!" someone whoops loudly.
Gavin appears in the doorway, grinning broadly. "About damn time, man!"
I watch Ethan's expression change like one of those Halloween decorations that transform when you walk past them: his confident smile fading, his eyes widening, and a flush spreading across his cheeks that makes the glitter on his face catch the light.
He bites his lower lip, and for a heart-stopping moment, I can't tell if he's trying not to laugh or desperately searching for an explanation the guys will believe.
His fingers fidget with the edge of his costume as he instinctively leans toward the exit. Then he straightens, his eyes returning to my face with an intensity that makes my breath catch, like he's trying to read something written in invisible ink on my face.
"I… we weren't… this isn't…" he stammers, backing into the railing. "You guys don't understand…"
The genuine fear in his expression hits me like a physical blow. This isn't just embarrassment; something about this situation has triggered a deeper panic in him. My protective instincts kick in immediately, and my smile fades.
"Hey," my voice is soft, stepping closer to create a barrier between him and the rest of the party. Placing a steady hand on his arm, I can feel the muscle tension. "It's okay. You're safe here."
Leaning closer, my words are only for him. They are too quiet for anyone else to hear. "Nobody here cares who we dance with. Or who we kiss. And if anyone did have a problem with it, they'd have to go through me first."
His breathing is still too fast, and his eyes are still too wide. Remembering what he said earlier about bad experiences at frat parties, his reaction suddenly makes perfect sense.
"Babe, you can relax.” My protective stance doesn't budge. "They're just jealous that I got to kiss the hot nurse."
"Seriously, Tyler?" Drew calls from the back of the group, Emily peeking around his shoulder with a delighted expression. "You've been staring at this guy for weeks, and you make your move when we're all here?"
