Chapter Six

I felt my heart sink, watching Becca leave so easily. I know I told her to go, but that didn’t mean I didn’t want her to fight a little. I knew it was stupid but couldn’t help it.

“Mind if I stay a little longer?”

Nichole’s voice took me off guard. “Oh, you don’t have to do that.”

“I know I don’t, but it’s not like I had anything to do.” She shrugged. “Anyways, I’m guessing you could use the help. So what can I help with?” Without another word, she dropped into the seat across from my desk.

I watched her closely. Why can’t Becca do that? I knew I shouldn’t think like that but couldn’t help it. I wanted Becca to show she worked just as hard as me or could work just as hard as I did. I knew I didn’t want someone who didn’t work hard.

I sighed, dropping down into my own seat. “Honestly, there are three things I need to sort out, help with any of them would be wonderful,” I admitted.

I couldn’t help watching her as she let out a soft moan and stretched her chest. I looked down quickly knowing it was wrong, after all, that wasn’t Becca’s chest I was staring at.

*

Nichole pushed herself up from the desk, letting out a deep breath. “What time is it?” She looked at the clock. “Oh, wow.”

“I’m sorry.” I gave her a soft smile. “You’re welcome to call it a night if you’d like.”

“Without you? No way.” She grinned. “Come on, we need to eat if we’re going to keep working.”

She was right, dammit. I wanted nothing more than to get home and get some sleep, but I’d get more work done here at the office than I would in bed.

“Alright.” I stood, grabbing my jacket. “I know a great little place that we can walk on over to.” I slipped my jacket on and led the way out the door. It was nice having someone around just to keep me company.

“Crap.” She gasped. I spun to see what was wrong as she grabbed my arm and stumbled towards me. “Oh, my God.” Her hands landed on my chest as I caught her by the hips. “I’m so sorry.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yea, yea … I just tripped. I’m sorry. I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yea,” she laughed softly. “I’m just klutzy.” She jumped away from me. “But I’m sure Rebecca wouldn’t like me hanging onto her boyfriend like that.” She gave a nervous laugh.

“I won’t rat you out.” I gave her a smile as we started walking again.

“Oh, I wouldn’t want you to keep any secrets from her on my behalf.”

I shrugged. “If she ever asked if you tripped and I caught you, I’ll tell her.” But she didn’t need to know everything. Right? Or was it wrong of me to hide that from her?

“Good, ’cause I don’t think she likes me very much.”

“I’m sure she does!” I lied. “I mean … I’m sure she’ll warm up to you.”

“It must be hard for her, though; I get why she doesn’t like me.” Nicole stepped closer to me. “Like, I am spending all my time with you, and that must be really hard on her.”

“She knows there is nothing going on between us.” I shrugged.

“Still, I’d be jealous; I mean, you’re cute. You must have girls falling all over you at every turn. I can see why she doesn’t trust me.”

“I think she’s just having a hard time with some other stuff,” I said as we turned onto the street. The bright green light of the neon sign let us know the place was still open.

“Right. I forget she was part of that whole … everything that happened with the gunman. It must be really hard on her.”

“I think it is, though she’s not willing to admit how hard it is, not to me or anyone else.”

“It must be hard on you too; I mean, having to support her with everything that you’re going through.”

It was way harder than I was willing to admit, even to myself, but what was I supposed to do? I did love her; I knew that. I just … “I wish she would open up to me,” I admitted. I hadn’t admitted that to anyone. I shook my head. “But I’ve got to give her time. I get that.”

And if we went to a therapy session together, that would help, right? I was sure it would; it was just a matter of finding time to do it. As we came up to the restaurant, I pulled the door open, and she stepped in, heading for the counter. “Should we get it to go?” she asked.

“Good idea.” We could eat at the office and then get right back to work. I nodded as she went to place her order with the cashier behind the counter. Before she could say anything after placing her order, I stepped forward.

“I’ll have a bacon cheeseburger please.” I pulled my wallet out of my pocket.

“Oh, you don’t have to pay!”

“No, it’s my treat; I mean, I do have you working. It’s the least I can do.”

I paid for our meal, and the person at the counter went to go get it ready for us. Nichole stepped closer to me and gave a wide grin. “You know, normally guys expect me to put out if they buy me dinner.”

I laughed softly, a blush touching my cheeks. “Don’t worry, I won’t pressure you.”

She reached out and touched my arm, her fingers tracing over me gently. “It’s a shame; you’re the cutest guy who’s ever bought me dinner, that’s for sure.” My blush darkened. “If you weren’t dating Becca, I’d be all over you,” she admitted.

“Uh, um … thank you.” I struggled to find something to say, having no clue if that was the right thing to say or not, but that’s what I went with. Lame, right?

Nichole stepped closer to me. “Anytime.” It sounded like a promise if you ask me, but maybe I was just acting crazy. “I know how hard it can be to work long hours; if you ever need someone to keep you company … I’m always here.” A smile touched her lips as she batted her eyelashes at me.

If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was trying to sleep with me. But she knew about Becca, and it didn’t seem like she wanted Becca to know that she’d touched me, so why would she try to sleep with me? I smiled, mentally shaking myself. I was tired and probably just imagining things.