“It just brought so much opportunity and I like to help people. I don’t have any more of an explanation than that. I just love what I do. The thrill. I can’t imagine having to sit at a desk for hours.”
“I can appreciate that. That’s all you need anyways, right? What kind of nurse are you?” He watches me as we walk.
Tyler is the kind of devastating that shouldn’t exist. It’s damaging, it’s daunting, it’s otherworldly. His size alone is something not seen often. A body tall and lean, packed with muscles that his white dress shirt hugs in all the best ways.
For a moment, I wonder if he’s cold in the chill of the night,but realize quickly a man his size must radiate enough heat for the both of us. So I inch a little closer.
“I’m a trauma nurse,” I reply.
“So, what you’re telling me is, you’re a badass?” He smiles, inching a bit closer, too.
My heart does something, but I can’t quite pinpoint it. Aside from necessary interactions at work, this is the first leisure conversation I’ve had with a man since Ryan.
“If that’s what you want to call it. It doesn’t always feel like that.” I watch the street ahead.
Ryan never appreciated my job. In fact, when he took over his parents' business, he expected me to quit my job and stay home. For what? I have no clue. It was just another form of control.
“And you travel?” he asks, still keeping his eyes on me, our arms almost touching at this point.
“Yes. This is my first assignment, actually. I’ve never been to a place like this before.” I look up at the city night sky, the buildings around me, the moon and city lights glimmering along the water in the harbor.
Regardless of the hour, it’s all still so full of life, even when people are sleeping comfortably in their homes, there’s still people wandering the streets. Restaurants, bars, all filled with people smiling, laughing, sharing food and drinks.
“Where are you originally from?” He fires another question.
“So many questions. What’s with the third degree?”
He’s analyzing me, and rightfully so, considering I’ve become one of his sister’s closest friends. With having so much money comes risk and trust issues on people's intentions. I realize very quickly this isn’t curiosity, but interrogation.
“Well, what else are we supposed to do, walk in silence?” He teases.
“I would’ve been if you didn’t insist on coming with me.”
He grins, like he enjoys this banter between us. Something Ryan never enjoyed. He said I had a smart mouth.
“I’m from a small town in California on the coast,” I finally say. It isn’t too much to give, but maybe just enough to suffice his need for information on me. Before I can try and ask him a question, he fires another one.
“Did the town bore you? Is that why you left?”
His eyes are intent on me, unwilling to move, almost desperate to hear my answers. I’m curious why he feels so invested in me. This now feels beyond wanting to protect his sister.
“No. Not at all.” I mean it. “I love my hometown and when I feel ready, when Ican, I’ll most likely go back.”
Tyler chuckles. “A girl named Sunny from a little beach town in California.”
“Yeah, my parents are very unoriginal.”
“I like your name,” he admits. “Sunny.”
Yeah, I kinda like the way it sounds laced with your voice.
We approach my small apartment building nestled in the back streets of Boston. And surprisingly, I wish we had just a little more time.
“Thanks for walking with me.” I halt in front of the apartment building.
Tyler hands my shoes back. “Any time. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around again.” He takes my hand in his, pressing his warm lips to it. “Goodnight, Sunny.” Regardless of his goodbye, he stands like a pillar in the darkness, waiting until I’m inside.
Once I walk in, I peer out the window of the door and see a smile curve the corner of his mouth. He places his hands in his pockets and shakes his head as he turns around, disappearing into the night.
