Page 53 of Taking Care of You
“Hey,” he says, framing my face with both of his large hands.
“Hey,” I mumble back, face heating. I’m not sure why. Not from embarrassment. Maybe…arousal? I mean, I’ve felt turnedon by Ethan before, but tonight it’s …different. It’s hitting harder, and even that small kiss has my dick taking notice, chubbing in my pants. “How was the meet?”
His smile is blinding. “I reached my personal record today in the two hundred.”
“Yeah?” I exclaim. “That’s so good! What was your time?”
Before he can answer, Crystal walks over and gives me her keys. “Put them on top of my front driver's side wheel when you get your stuff. Ryder and I are going to get something to drink.” She gives me a hug and I give her a look when she pulls back. She looks over at Ryder, who’s talking to a kid about not knocking his shit over, then back at me and shrugs. Maybe she’ll get to know him better and will stop feeling so bad about what she said to him the other day.
“You wanna stay a while?” I ask Ethan, since he just got here.
“Nah. I came to get you.”
I give him a look. “You made me come, even though you didn’t plan to stay?”
He smiles softly and puts an arm around my shoulder as we walk out the door. “I planned to stay, but I’m tired. The meet was long, and I want to go home and hang out with you. It’s too loud in here. I’m just not feeling it.”
I grab my things out of Crystal's car and look around before I place her keys on top of her tire. Her car isn’t the best out here, but I don’t want someone to grab her keys and try to play a prank on her by hiding her car somewhere.
Hand in hand, Ethan and I walk the few yards to his car, ready to be alone.
18
“What was your run time?” I ask when we’re settled and on the way home.
“Twenty point fifty-four,” he says proudly.
I grab his hand. “Ethan! That’s close to breaking your school record! How excited are you? Oh my God! You’ll break it by the end of this season. And the outdoor record! I’m so excited for you!”
I’m babbling and I know it, but Iamexcited for him. He’s been working so hard to reach his goal.
His eyes land on me, and they’re bright and shining. He blinks quickly, then faces the road again. “Creep, it’s like with every conversation we have, you come more and more out of your shell. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard you that animated before.”
My face flames and I squirm in my seat. He’s not wrong. But I’m trying to do better when it comes to him.
“I’m just happy for you. Can’t I be happy for my boyfriend?” My voice sounds breathy and high-pitched when I use that title.
He laughs and grabs my hand, kissing my fingers. “You definitely can. I like it. And to answer your question, I’m veryexcited. But sad too.” He gives me a drawn look. “Coach wants me to stay for an extra hour after practice to get my time down. Maybe not the whole hour, but long enough to get extra drills done.”
I deflate a little. I’m slightly put out because I love spending time with him, but I won’t complain. His dream is to break records so he can show his college what he has to offer. I won’t stand in the way of that because I like being around him.
Straightening my shoulders, I say, “That sucks, but I’ll be fine. You can always come get me if you’re not too tired after practice.”
“I’ll never be too tired to see you, creep.”
I smile at him and squeeze his hand. The rest of the ride is spent in silence, but a very comfortable one. I’m still vibrating with excitement for him. He’ll have broken a few records by the time we head to USC. I can’t wait to see his progress.
Pulling up to his house, he leans back in his seat when he turns the car off. I turn to look at him, concerned. “You okay?” I ask.
“I’m good. Just tired. I need a shower and bed. Want to hang in my room or the theater room?”
Rolling my eyes, I grab my bag from the back and tell him, “Your room is fine. That way if you fall asleep, you’ll be comfortable.”
He nods and we get out, heading inside. I take a cue from him and decide to take a shower as well. Even though we didn’t stay at the party for too long, I still have beer on me from when one of our cups spilled. I grab my things and walk into his apartment-sized guest bathroom.
I start the water, waiting outside the stall for it to heat. While I wait, I undress, looking at myself in the mirror. It looks like I’ve gained some weight, having had regular meals and snacks here at Ethan’s. I’m still thin, but I can tell I filled out some.
Before I can step in the shower, there’s a knock at the bathroom door. Frowning slightly, I wrap my towel around my waist and go to open the door. I see Ethan is dressed similarly, his hand grasping his towel. He opens and closes his mouth a few times, staring at me with an unreadable expression.
