Page 58 of Trick or Treat Nurse at My Feet
His words hit a nerve, tapping directly into my insecurities, but I refuse to let it show. "That's my risk to take."
Ryan's mask finally slips completely. "People don't leave me, Ethan. I leave them.” His voice turns cold, ugly. "You're just some little piece of ass who got lucky I paid attention to you. Why couldn’t you just shut the fuck up, bend over, and be grateful?"
The words hit like a physical blow. This is who he really is underneath all the sweet talk.
"You think some pretty boy frat asshole is going to want you long-term?" Ryan's voice drops to something ice-cold and vicious. "That mouth of yours was made for one thing, and it wasn't talking back to me. When he's done using you and tosses you aside, don't come crawling back."
With a subtle jerk, my hand pulls away. "He understands that no means no. That's already more than I can say for you."
Something on my face makes him back off. I jump when his fist hits the wall beside the doorway on his way out. He turns back, his eyes dark with rage. "You've really fucked up now, Ethan.”
The door slams behind him with a harsh crash that echoes down the empty hallway. Before this week, I've never felt uncomfortable around Ryan. Disappointed, sure, but never something like this.
For the first time, I walk over and lock the door before going back to work.
Chapter 14
Soaped Studs and Stirred Feelings
ETHAN
After the week I've had, I almost cancel on the car wash. Between Ryan's ambush and the constant feeling of being watched, I'm exhausted and on edge. But by Saturday morning, the thought of seeing Tyler, and, yes, seeing Tyler wet, wins out over my anxiety.
Arriving at the student union parking lot a bit after ten. My blue board shorts and dark navy t-shirt feel pretty dark next to what I figure frat guys wear to these things. Parking my bike at the edge of the lot I take a second to look around.
They've transformed the space into an efficient operation, cars lined up, music pumping from massive speakers, and fraternity brothers directing traffic through three washing stations. Most of the guys are wearing white T-shirts that have become nearly transparent from the water, clinging to muscled torsos. A few have abandoned shirts altogether, drawing appreciative stares from people waiting in their cars.
My eyes scan the crowd, looking for Tyler. I spot him near the middle station, hose in hand, laughing as he sprays down a Honda Civic. Even from here, I can see how hiswhite shirt has become practically see-through, moulded to his broad chest and shoulders. My mouth goes dry.
He turns, still laughing, and our eyes meet across the lot. His whole face transforms, lighting up in a way that makes my stomach flip. Without warning, he turns the hose and sprays the tall guy next to him, Gavin, who yelps and lunges for Tyler.
"Hold this!" Tyler shouts, thrusting the hose into the hands of another brother before jogging toward me, dodging Gavin's attempt to tackle him.
"You came," he says when he reaches me, slightly out of breath. He stops just short of touching me, water dripping from his clothes onto the pavement between us.
"I said I would," I'm unable to keep my mouth from smiling. "Nice setup you guys have."
"Thanks," he says, running a hand through his wet hair. "We do this twice a year. Usually raises a few thousand for the shelter."
Nodding absentmindedly, I notice that a bunch of the frat guys are watching us with obvious curiosity. Tyler sees where my glance goes, and he rolls his eyes.
"Ignore them," he says. "They're just nosy."
"I heard that!" calls a guy with dark curly hair, grinning as he approaches us. "As Social Chair, it's literally my job to be nosy about our VP's love life."
"Ethan, this is Ian," Tyler introduces, looking slightly embarrassed. "He has no filter and no shame."
"Accurate," Ian agrees cheerfully, offering a wet hand to shake. "We've heard a lot about you, Ethan."
As I shake his hand, my eyebrow raises at Tyler. "Have you now?"
Tyler groans. "Don't encourage him."
"Tyler mentioned you're in the nursing program?" Iancontinues, ignoring Tyler's glare. "That's awesome. We've got a couple pre-med guys, but no nurses."
"It's a great program," I say, surprised by his genuine interest.
"Well, we're glad you're here," Ian says warmly. "Maybe you can keep this one in line." He jerks a thumb at Tyler. "He's been annoyingly cheerful all week."
