Page 62 of Trick or Treat Nurse at My Feet
"Anyway," Drew says, mercifully changing the subject, "great job, everyone. The shelter coordinator will be happy with the donation."
Tyler leans close to me as the conversation shifts to upcoming fraternity events. "Sorry about all that," he murmurs. "They have no boundaries."
"It's fine," I say honestly. "They're... nice, and besides, I'm pretty sure the nurses came to check you out because I might have mentioned being here today." My face pinks up at the admission.
Tyler grins. "Well, thanks for coming today and bringing in more cars." My blush darkens when he winks at me. "I know it's not exactly a normal second date."
"I had fun," the reassurance comes out gentle but firm. "Though I might need to get brave and wear a white t-shirt if I'm going to help at the next one."
Tyler's eyes darken. "I'd be okay with that."
Our eyes lock, and for a moment, the noise and people around us just disappear. Then Gavin knocks over his sodaby accident, breaking the moment as we jump back so we don't get splashed.
While everyone passes paper towels and cleans up the spill, Tyler slides his hand under the table to find mine. Our fingers lace together, and I give his hand a little squeeze. He squeezes right back.
Whatever doubts I had about this, about us, don't seem so big anymore. Sure, Tyler might still be working things out. And yeah, maybe we're both stepping into new ground here. But sitting here, with his friends who've made me feel welcome right away, his hand warm in mine, I don’t feel scared.
Maybe that's the difference between settling and finding something real. Real terrifies you and thrills you in equal measure. And right now, the thrill is winning by a mile.
Chapter 15
The First Time for Everything
ETHAN
Two weeks since the charity car wash, things with Tyler have shifted into something surprisingly easy. Nothing with Ryan had been easy, but Tyler has been so great.
"So, tonight's the big night, huh?" Sylas's voice comes through my phone speaker as I straighten the already-neat stack of textbooks on the coffee table.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I aim for casual while my stomach does flips.
"Please," Sylas scoffs. "I didn't agree to stay at my cousin's place for no reason. You've got the frat guy coming over for 'privacy.' I know what that means."
My face feels warm. "We're just hanging out."
"Hanging out naked, maybe."
"Sylas!"
"What? You guys have been practically attached at the hip for weeks. Every time I see you, you're either studying together between classes or sneaking off to his frat house."
"We don't 'sneak off,'" I protest, though he's not wrong. We've fallen into a routine, spending time togetherwhenever our schedules align, stealing kisses in empty stairwells when we think no one's looking. His fraternity brothers even know me by name now.
"Look," Sylas's tone turns more serious. "I'm just saying... this guy seems different. You seem different with him."
Pausing with the cloth still in hand, my voice comes out uncertain. "Different how?
"Happier," he says simply. "More yourself. Like you're not always walking on eggshells like you did with Mr. Six Feet of Pure Regret."
Yeah, I can't argue with that. Each time Tyler and I are together, we go a little further and learn a little more about each other. But we haven't taken the last physical step yet. We both seem to feel it's something worth taking our time with.
"Maybe," I admit. "Tonight does feel different. After barely seeing each other all week because of midterms, he suggested coming over for some privacy and?—"
"And your slutty little heart skipped a beat," Sylas finishes for me.
"I was going to say 'it made me nervous,' but thanks for that colourful alternative."
"Nervous? Why? You guys have already done stuff, right?"
