“I will.” Nick hesitated, feeling a little vulnerable asking, but he needed to talk to someone and of his two male friends, Anthony was less likely to razz him too hard. “You really think she’s into me?”
Anthony took a drink, studying Nick over his water bottle. He snapped the lid closed before answering. “You don’t see the way she looks at you?”
“No.”
“I know you and Noel have been close since the cradle, but you’ve been gone a while. We hang with her several times a week and I can say with confidence that Noel has always held you in a separate league than Pike or myself. She talks about you and her whole face lights up. She may not want to admit it, but her feelings go deeper than friendship.” Anthony grinned. “Probably why she dogs on Amber so hard.”
“I think that has more to do with their history than with me.”
“Maybe so. Still, pretty sure it burned her bad that you fell for her nemesis. I know I’d have a hard time admitting my feelings for a woman who dated Tim Bateman before me.” Anthony’s face twisted into a harsh grimace. “That douche left a permanent indent in my ass crack from all the seventh-grade wedgies he gave me, before my brothers kicked his ass.”
Anthony’s insight left Nick defensive. He never meant to hurt Noel, but his friend’s point of view made him feel like he should be apologizing. “It’s not like I never thought about taking that next step with Noel. She didn’t give me any indication she wanted me, even before Amber.”
“Or she did and you couldn’t see it because you’re too close to the situation. The view is always better with a little distance.”
Nick thought about all the times he’d given his sisters advice, simply because he was an outsider looking in and groaned, “You’re right.”
“Damn right I’m right.”
Nick picked up his phone next to his water bottle and cursed. “I gotta go.”
“Where are you running off to?”
“My mom booked a photographer to take family pictures this afternoon. I have just enough time to get home and shower before they get started.”
“All right, I’ll see you Thursday then. Same time.” Anthony held out his hand and Nick took it, bringing him in for a hard hug.
“Thanks for the talk, bud.”
“First one’s free. After that, we’ll need to discuss my hourly rate.”
“Yeah, right.”
Nick followed Anthony into the men’s locker room and wasn’t surprised to find Trip inside. He stood shirtless by his open locker and when he spotted Nick, he puffed out his massive, bald chest.
“Winters.” Did his pecs just bounce?
“Sup, Trip.”
“Nothing, just getting ready to hit the weights. Gotta keep these guns up.” Trip flexed his arm and kissed the bicep.
Nick caught Anthony’s WTF expression and barely caught a laugh.
“Something funny?” Trip asked.
“Nah, man. Have a good time.”
“You know I will.” Trip pulled on a sleeveless tee and slammed his locker closed. “You seen Noel lately?”
Warily, Nick answered, “Yeah, why?”
“Just curious. I stopped by her place last week.” Trip didn’t add more, obviously baiting Nick to ask what happened, but he already knew. Nothing.
“Good for you.” Nick made an attempt to step around Trip, but the other man blocked his path.
“Are you actually a thing? Or you just hooking up?”
“Why do you care?”
“Just curious what makes you so special.” Trip’s cold gaze trailed over Nick, conveying with one look he thought Nick wasn’t shit.
Nick bristled. “Come again?”
Anthony stepped in front of him, facing Trip. “Maybe you should step off and work out whatever’s got you twisted up.”
Trip threw his hands up. “I’m just asking. For years guys in this town have been chasing Noel, trying to crack through all her damage and here you come walking back into town, and suddenly she’s relationship material?”
Nick stepped around Anthony, putting a reassuring hand on his arm. “Noel’s always been relationship material. She was just waiting for the right man.”
“And that’s you?”
“You think it should have been you instead? Why? You didn’t even have the balls to tell her when you started hooking up with someone else so I’ll ask again…why do you care?” Nick punctuated every word, keeping his cool when what he really wanted to do was put the puffed-up asshole in his place.