Page 71 of Timelessly Ours
“Nicole, Nicole.” She touches my shoulder. “I meant with your story. Is that everything?”
I release a breath. “Oh. Yes.”
“Good. Now I can hug you?” She wraps one arm around me and tugs me toward her. “Thank you for coming to me, you have no idea how glad I am you did.”
“Yeah, but Cora—”
“Your secrets are safe with me—I’m not loyal to one Kane more than the other. But if I were—I always choose my bitches first.”
I chuckle to hide the natural warmth spreading through me. “Thank you.”
“I just want to say, that I was probably the first one to call it. This thing between you and Coach. And of cooourrse he wants you. You’re Nicole Kane. You’re the untouchable queen of Hollyville. But if anyone in this entire city is worthy of you—it’s Coach Collins.”
“Untouchable is right…I don’t know where you’re getting that queen nonsense from,” I mutter.
She tugs my hand. “Nicole. You’re my hero. You’ve been through some fucked up shit…only to come out stronger, brighter, and better on the other side. It’s inspiring. And now you’re caring for an adorable little girl who only seems to want you. You’re as queen as this town gets.” She pauses and gives me a sincere look. “But I think you do need to show all your cards.”
I nod. “I have to tell him…about my issue…don’t I?”
She winces. “If you want things to go anywhere without him wondering why you’re freezing up—yeah, I think so.”
“Easier said than done.”
“Are you forgetting I practically stalked your brother and told him I wanted him to be my first?”
“Yeah, super smooth, babe.” I laugh, then stare out into the peacefulness of his enormous backyard. “What if I get too intimidated?”
She nods once and follows my gaze. “If he intimidates you just by listening—then you probably want to rethink this whole thing.”
She’s got a point. It shouldn’t be this hard. But nothing about me has ever been easy.
“Can I ask you something,” she asks. “You told me you’re not…”
“I’m not. His name was Christopher. Not as preppy as his name.” I chuckle. “We were somewhat of a thing back when I was…around my old crowd. And we did it. Him because he was super into me. Me because well, I wanted to get it over with. I tried to hide that I was a virgin, and he was probably too messed up to even notice I…wasn’t enjoying it.”
“Oh my God, Nicole.” She hugs me all over again and I tear up. But not from the memory, but relief.
Because it felt so good to get that out. To realize that I’m surrounded by better people now. People who see me, care for me, and make me laugh. Even when they’re not trying to be funny.
She pulls back, searching my eyes. “It sounds like you’re coming on a little strong with Coach. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
I nod. “Yes. I want him. If I didn’t screw it all up last night.”
She jerks. “Because you tensed when he touched you? I kissed another boy in front of your brother after he rejected me—you can’t screw up more than that.”
I laugh. “I remember that. It’s a miracle you guys made it out alive.”
We muse for a moment and then I look at her. “Thank you for keeping the part about what happened that night a secret for me. I’ll tell Nick eventually. I promise.”
She touches my hand. “I know. But if he kicks me out—I’m moving back into your apartment.”
I laugh. Because the idea that my brother would ever let this girl out of his sight again is laughable.
It’s not unusual for me to be out of the house at dawn—especially when things get hectic with game schedules and media. But I still can’t help feeling like I snuck out of my own house to avoid Nicole.
I’m so…ashamed. How could I have so thoughtlessly put my hands on her like that knowing she doesn’t like to be touched?
It’s not something she—or anyone—ever shared with me, but I noticed. How could I not? Since I’ve known her, she’s visibly reluctant to all kinds of physical affection. And there’s a very clear vibe she gives off at parties to the male species to stay at least one yard away.