Page 43 of Trailer Trash

“Bad time?”

“No,” Killian says before I can answer.

He drags himself off the couch, gives me one last evil glare, then faces his guests.

Instantly, he freezes, and his back goes ramrod straight.

River puffs his chest, proud and cheerful. “Killian, I want you to meet my fiancée, Nina.”

She rushes forward with her hand extended.

“We meet at last.” She shakes his hand, stiff and awkward.

“Nina,” he says sharply, like the name cuts.

Her red lips are curved into a wide grin, but her eyes don’t match. Something’s off.

“Engaged,” Killian adds.

“Yeah,” says River. “You’ve been gone so long. I’ve been dying to tell you, but I wanted to introduce you first.”

“Wow. Uh, congratulations.” Killian hugs his brother.

“Thanks, man. We’re so goddamn happy it isn’t funny. We met at the country club.”

Killian nods, then side-eyes me. The look is weary, as if he’s struggling. Maybe watching his brother win at adulthood is triggering.

He reaches out for me in a way a man reaches for his girlfriend.

I nearly laugh at the absurdity.

After all, this is not happening. I keep telling him that. If he would just stop touching me. That’s the problem. My body responds to him so easily. He’s the only guy to make me orgasm in years, and it has to be my patient.

I need to tell his dad that I want my old job back. Yes. That’s what I’ll do. I have to. I made a mistake at a party, but those boundaries can’t be crossed at work. I’ll feel like a sham in nursing school.

I give a small wave to the couple. “Congratulations.”

River smiles warmly. “You’re still helping Killian? That’s great.” He looks at his brother with concern in his eyes. “I’ve been worried you left already.”

Killian folds his arms defensively. “I’m fine. She’s been keeping me sober.”

Oh, Lord.

I don’t react, letting him know his public flattery isn’t working on me.

Still, he grins, somehow knowing it got to me. I could strangle him.

And kiss that crooked smile.

“Let’s celebrate at Arias,” says River, and rubs his palms together in anticipation. “Do you like Italian, Harlow?”

I nod reluctantly, but at least we’ll be in public. I don’t know what to do, but being alone with Killian is clearly impossible. I can’t trust myself.

“We’ll meet you there,” River says.

I panic and speak too loudly. “Can’t we ride with you?”

River hesitates, but shakes his head. “No. We’re going in the opposite direction after dinner.”