I always feel so conflicted about this.
There’s something we’re taught as girls where a guy holding a door open for us is meant to be polite… and I don’t mind it from time to time.
But expecting a guy to carry every heavy fucking thing heavier than a purse? I work out hard, I’m strong. I don’t need a man for that.
For other things, perhaps. But not for this.
“I’m fine,” I say sharply. “I can carry a stupid box by myself.”
The moment the words leave my mouth, I realize I’m being a bit of a bitch.
“Whoa, calm down,” Jayden holds up his hands. “We were just trying to help.”
His words make me feel worse, because he’s right. They are just trying to help. It’s just the implied assumption that I can’t do it for myself that irks me.
“Yeah, don’t get your sports bra in a twist,” Noah jokes.
I scowl, stomping towards the kitchen.
Jerks.
I’ll show them I’m just as strong as they are.
My stubborn Taurus nature is coming out. The box digs into my arms, but I keep going, ignoring the pain.
I don’t need their help, even though they would probably have made this whole ordeal much easier.
I stomp into the kitchen, dropping the heavy box on the counter with a thud. As I straighten, rubbing my sore arms, laughter erupts from the living room.
What the hell? Are they laughing at me?
Fuming, I march back down the hall to confront them. Noah and Jayden are cracking up on the couch.
“What’s so funny?” I demand, crossing my arms.
“Um, Dylan...” Jayden grins, averting his eyes. “Your shirt.”
I glance down. To my horror, one of my nipples has slipped free of my tank top.
No wonder they were offering to help—the weight of the box must have tugged my shirt down.
My face burns crimson. How long has my nipple been exposed?
“Oh my god!” I gasp, quickly tucking my boob back into my tank top.
The guys erupt into laughter again.
Mortified, I whirl around, fleeing back to my room. I’ll never live this down. Stupid top.
I hear Noah call after me, “Hey, don’t be embarrassed! It’s nothing we haven’t seen before!”
I slam my door, throwing myself onto the bed. I can’t believe I flashed them. This is so humiliating. But at least now I know they were just trying to help, not patronize me. Still, I’m never leaving my room again.
I bury my face in my pillow, willing the mattress to swallow me whole. How can I ever look Noah and Jayden in the eye again after this nip slip fiasco?
Jonah saunters up to me and plops down by my armpit, purring loudly, as if he’s getting huge amusement from the situation as well.
A knock sounds at my door. “Dylan? Can I come in?” Noah calls out gently.