Chapter 28 #2
"Long story," still not quite ready to let Ethan go for a long explanation. "The point is, we have proof that we were messed with. Ryan and Cher are getting their Karma, and you and I..."
Trailing off, I'm suddenly uncertain. We were kissing moments ago, but we haven't discussed what happens next. Are we back together? Does he need time?
Ethan's expression softens as he understands my unspoken question. "And you and I are together," he finishes for me. "If you still want that."
"More than anything," I admit without hesitation.
His response is another kiss, gentler this time, but no less meaningful. Around us, the fraternity brothers erupt in a chorus of catcalls and "Get a room!" that finally breaks through our bubble.
I pull back and put Ethan down, suddenly realizing what Ethan is wearing: the tiny shorts, the tied shirt, the heels. Now that my initial shock has passed, I can fully appreciate just how incredible he looks, and how many other people are enjoying it, too.
"You look..." I struggle to find an appropriate word that won't make me sound like a complete Neanderthal in front of my entire fraternity.
"Hot as fuck?" Gavin supplies helpfully, earning him a glare from me and a laugh from Ethan.
"Something like that," comes out as a mutter while I instinctively move to position myself between Ethan and the appreciative gazes of the crowd. "Gavin, give me your shirt."
"What? Why?" he protests, though his grin suggests he knows exactly why.
"Because my boyfriend is not going to stand around half-dressed in front of these animals," I say, gesturing to our brothers, who respond with exaggerated howls.
Gavin laughs but pulls his Delta Psi Omega t-shirt over his head, revealing his bare chest. He tosses the shirt to me with a flourish. "Your modesty shield, my liege."
Catching it I turn back to Ethan, who's watching me with amused affection. "Arms up."
He complies with a smirk, allowing me to pull the oversized t-shirt over his head. It falls to his knees, completely swallowing his frame and, more importantly, hiding those distracting shorts from view.
"Much better."
"Now no one can see how amazing he looks," Sylas comments dryly from the sidelines.
Wrapping an arm around Ethan's waist, I pull him against my side. "I know exactly how amazing he looks." The words come out low enough that only those nearby can hear. "And that's for my eyes only."
Ethan's resulting blush is visible even under his makeup, and his eyes darken in a way that makes me want to find the nearest private space immediately.
Before I can act on that impulse, Gavin appears with a mischievous grin and a hose in hand. "You two look a little hot and bothered," he announces. "Let me help with that."
There is just enough time to pull Ethan against me, shielding him as best I can, before Gavin unleashes a spray of cold water. My body blocks nothing; we're both completely drenched within seconds, water streaming down our faces and plastering our clothes to our skin.
"Gavin!" sputtering and wiping water from my eyes one-handed, while keeping a steadying arm around Ethan.
My outrage is cut short by the sound of Ethan's genuine, unreserved, and beautiful laughter. He's drenched, his makeup running, and Gavin's shirt clinging to his body; now it's completely see-through.
"Special car wash shirt," Gavin explains with unrepentant glee. "Gets transparent when wet."
Groaning, I can't stay annoyed in the face of Ethan's joy. He's still laughing, head tilted back, water droplets clinging to his eyelashes, and I think he's never looked more beautiful.
"You're a menace," the words come out fond rather than angry.
"You love me," he retorts confidently.
"Debatable."
"Well, I think he's wonderful," Ethan chimes in, surprising us both. "Though maybe next time, warn me before the surprise shower?"
"No promises," Gavin says with a wink before turning to Ethan's friends. "You nurses want to help wash some cars? We're raising money for the neuter clinic."
To my surprise, Sylas and the nursing students jump right in, spreading out to help at different washing spots. The car wash gets back to normal, though people still glance our way now and then.
As I wrap my arm around Ethan's shoulders, I'm feeling the need to keep him close. "Can we talk to Drew for a minute? There are some things you should know."
He nods, and I guide him toward the frat president, who's directing everything from near the entrance.
Drew breaks into a wide smile as we approach. "Good to see you two worked things out."
"We did," Ethan confirms, leaning into my side. "Though I understand there's more I should know about what happened with the photos?"
Drew nods, his expression turning more serious. "Cher and Ryan orchestrated the whole thing. They hired a guy, Caleb, over there, to manipulate photos to make it look like Tyler was cheating. They knew exactly what they were doing."
"Cher's been expelled from her sorority," I add, watching Ethan's reaction. "The president came over personally to apologize. Said it was a unanimous vote."
Ethan's eyes widen. "Expelled? That seems... severe."
"Apparently, this wasn't her first offence, just the biggest," Drew explains. "And the dean has been informed about everything, the fake photos, how they were used to hurt you both, all of it."
"I still can't believe you have actual proof," Ethan says, shaking his head. "Here I was, planning this grand gesture based solely on how I know you wouldn't do that to me."
Ethan's words fill me with warmth. "You believed in me without any proof?"
"I should have from the beginning," he says, regret colouring his voice. "It just took me a while to see past the hurt and remember who you are."
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 his whole 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.
"Same thing," I mutter, though there's no bite to it.
Carrying Ethan around the house to a quiet spot under a big oak tree, I set him down gently with my arms still wrapped around him. Gavin's wet t-shirt sticks to his body, almost see-through from the water, but now that we're alone, I can enjoy looking at him without getting all jealous about it.
"You really went all out," I observe, gesturing to his outfit. "The shorts, the heels... was that Sylas's idea?"
Ethan blushes slightly. "Partially. I wanted to do something dramatic, something that showed I was willing to put myself out there the way you have been with me. The outfit was just... added flair."
"It's both quite a lot of flair and not enough," I tease, fingering the hem of the soaked shirt.
"Too much?" he asks, suddenly uncertain.
Shaking my head, I pull him closer. "Perfect amount. Though I reserve the right to murder anyone who has those videos."
He laughs, then grows more serious, his hands coming up to frame my face. "I am sorry, Tyler. For not believing in you. For breaking up with you so publicly. For—"
Silencing him with a gentle kiss. "Stop apologizing. We're past that now."
"Are we?"
"Completely," I assure him. "Besides, your grand gesture more than makes up for it. You showed up at my fraternity car wash in booty shorts and heels. That's commitment."
He groans, burying his face against my chest. "Oh god, I did, didn't I? That video is probably already going viral."
"Probably," I agree, stroking his back. "But this time, it'll be a happy ending."
He looks up at me, his eyes all bright with something I'm now brave enough to call love, even though we haven't said that word yet. "Happy ending," he says quietly. "I like the sound of that."
I capture his lips again, a slow, thorough kiss that promises everything I'm not quite ready to say aloud. When we finally break apart, breathless and smiling, I rest my forehead against his.
"Me too," I whisper. "Me too."