Noel’s voice softened. “I don’t want to lose anyone important to me. Not again.”
Her meaning washed over Nick and he pulled her against him, wrapping her up in his arms. He rested his chin on top of Noel’s head and her body melted into his. “I understand how you feel, but you can’t close yourself off from love because of your parents. They wouldn’t want that for you.”
“I know they wouldn’t, but I just can’t. I like to compartmentalize my life. If something grows with someone I’m dating, fine. I’ll accept that. I don’t want to take a friendship that is amazing the way it is and ruin it with sex.”
Nick chuckled. “I don’t know how sex can ruin anything, unless it’s bad sex.”
Noel hit him in the arm. “Such a guy thing to say!”
“Well, last time I checked…”
“Oh my God, enough. I don’t need to hear about you jerkin’ your gherkin.”
Nick bent over with loud guffaws. “Ah, man. I missed you.”
“Missed you too.”
When Nick’s mirth finally subsided, he caught her watching him closely.
“What’s that look for?”
“Just happy you got your smile back.”
“Yeah, well, it’s hard to fight when I’m with you.”
“So you’re glad you came out tonight?”
“Glad? No.” He nudged her shoulder. “But it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Seeing Amber with someone else was shocking but not really painful. I’m actually more concerned about people pitying me once they see my replacement. The dude is hot, and I’m man enough to admit it.”
Noel took his hand, and he noted her cooled skin. “You are hotter. You are also funny, kind, smart, and only the tiniest bit irritating.” She flashed him a teasing grin as their fingers interlaced. “No one is going to pity you, Nick. They’ll feel bad for her. Only a loser dumps a guy like you for Cousin Itt.”
The sincere tone brought on the strangest urge to kiss her again, but that would be weird, out here for no one’s benefit.
“You’re freezing. Let’s go inside.”
“Sure.” Noel placed his arm around her shoulder and wrapped hers around his waist. “Feel like putting on a show?”
Damn, she fit perfectly against him. How had he never noticed before?
Stop it, Nick. This isn’t real. Get ahold of yourself.
“What did you have in mind?”
“Follow my lead.”
Nick nodded.
As they walked back into the bar, Noel slipped her hand into the back pocket of his jeans and it took everything in him not to jump.
“You copping a feel?” he asked.
“Maybe. Do you mind?”
“Not at all.” The minute he’d felt her fingers against his ass through the denim, his cock stirred to life. After this, he was going to need a cold shower. He was sick and tired of Rosy Palm, but he was used to her.
Pike and Anthony stared at them in horror as they sat back down, their hands connected on the tabletop.
“Ummm…” Anthony started.
“What the hell is going on?” Pike finished.
“How about you act normal and stop asking questions?” Noel ground out between her teeth.
“But everything started out normal. We all got here, had a few laughs. Then you guys made out, disappeared, and came back in holding hands! Excuse me for having a couple questions.”
Anthony caught on quicker and elbowed the other man. “They’ll explain later, wide mouth. Just button your lip until we get out of here. Or go get us some more drinks, since it’s your turn.”
“All right, all right.” Pike stood up and smoothed down the front of his shirt. “I’ll grab some beers to slow this party down.”
Nick glanced at Noel with a grin. “Good idea.”
A shadow passed over their table and Nick noticed Noel tense. He looked over his shoulder to find Trip and Jillian standing behind him.
“Hey there, Nick. Welcome back!” Jillian batted her thick black lashes at him, glued to Trip’s side. The girl was a world-class flirt, but Nick didn’t hold it against her.
“Thanks, Jillian. It’s good to be back.” Noting the way Noel gripped his hand, Nick brought it to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. She immediately relaxed, giving him a small smile.
“When did you two become a thang?” Trip asked, drawing out thang sarcastically.
“What do you think, babe?” Noel’s eyes twinkled as they met his. “A little after lunch.”