Cara shook her head, and even Sam wondered what was wrong. She usually out-ate him without worrying about calories. She had a great body and metabolism, not that Sam noticed much because she was his good friend and his brother’s wife.
“I’m fine. Talk to me about Nicole.”
Sam rolled his eyes. “Her ex-fiancé is in town.”
“I didn’t know she had one of those,” Cara said, eyes widening.
“Me neither.” Sam ground his teeth.
“Same,” Macy said. “Although I met him last night and I have to say, yum yum.”
Sam shot her a nasty look.
“Not helping the cause,” Cara reminded her.
Macy blushed. “Oops. But come on. I asked who ended things and he said Nicole did. So obviously you have nothing to worry about where she’s concerned.”
He ignored her and took a drink of his coffee.
“He’s not speaking today. To anyone, apparently,” Cara said.
“Well, he’s listening, so I’ll just mention that I told Tyler—that’s his name—to come here this morning for breakfast. And Nicole called and asked me to save a table in the back so she could talk to him without being interrupted.”
Sam’s stomach twisted hard.
“She said she wanted to make sure he understood she was serious about breaking up.” Macy stared hard at Sam. “Do you hear what I’m saying?”
“His head’s still in the past, isn’t it?” Cara asked. “Now that you know Nicole broke her engagement once, you’re worried she’s just like Jenna. That you can’t trust her or your feelings for her. Am I right?”
Before he could react, Macy reached across the table and slapped the side of his head. “Hey! That’s ridiculous.”
“When you’re the one left stranded the morning of your wedding, then talk to me about what’s ridiculous.” He retrieved his wallet and threw money on the table, enough to cover his and Cara’s breakfast, and rose from his seat.
“You’re leaving? Before you see Nicole? Before you offer your support? Before you remind her you’re here for her?”
Sam glared at Macy, annoyed with her intrusiveness.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Go right ahead and leave the door open for Tyler Stanton, since Nicole already thinks you’re disappointed in her for breaking her engagement.” She waved a hand in dismissal.
With a grumble, Sam lowered himself back into the booth, unwilling to say Macy had a damn good point. He might not be happy about the situation or Nicole’s past, but no way would he step aside. Which meant he’d have to get over himself and his history—at least enough to admit he still wanted Nicole. Which meant they’d have to have an open, honest conversation and make it clear they weren’t talking about a serious relationship between them. Just some feel-good sex while it lasted. He thought they were in agreement, but he’d feel better knowing for sure.
All well and good, Sam thought, knowing that what he wanted didn’t take into consideration her ex-fiancé.
Which left him the odd man out while they spoke this morning. Waiting. Wondering.
Hoping for the best.
Six
Drawing a deep breath, Nicole walked into the restaurant a few minutes ahead of schedule. She planned to get settled in a booth in the back before Tyler arrived. To help, she’d pulled all the armor around her that she could think of, including dressing like the woman she was in Serendipity. Make that the woman she was—period. From her low-rise white jeans to Converse sneakers and a loose, flowing tank top, she was far from the couture-wearing fiancée she’d once been.
She arrived at the restaurant, shocked to find Macy, Cara, and Sam together in one booth. Uncomfortable but not willing to duck and run, she forced herself to meet Sam’s gaze. He acknowledged her with his searing stare, giving her no indication of what he was thinking or feeling.
Insides quivering, she knew she had no choice but to pass them on her way to the booth she’d reserved in the back. “Hi,” she said, pausing at the head of their table.
“Hey,” Cara said.
“Hi, hon.” Macy raised a hand in a wave.