Micahhadhatedseeingthat guy flirt with Nicholas last night. Just thinking about it now pissed him off. Adam was everything Micah wasn’t. He was broad shouldered and athletic, with a strong jaw and teeth so white they had to be bleached. Perfect hair cut, designer clothes, and a job working in finance completed the picture. There was no way he could compete with that, not with this slim build, unruly auburn hair, penchant for wearing jeans or sweats, and current unemployed status. And now, here he was, rubbing salt into the wounds by coming bowling with him and Nicholas. Well, technically, they were all part of a larger group, but Adam hadn’t left Nicholas’ side for the best part of the last half an hour.
He picked up a bowling ball from the rack and stomped to the top of the lane. His throw was too aggressive, and the ball headed straight for the gutter. Micah turned away in disgust and returned to his seat.
“That’s too bad,” Chad said. “Maybe take it a little slower next time; line the ball up, control the throw.”
“If I wanted your advice, I’d ask for it,” Micah snapped. An excited shout had him turning to the next lane, where Adam was punching the air.
“What’s got up your ass?” Chad asked. “Ah… I see.”
Micah turned his gaze back to his brother. “See what?”
“See what’s put you in a foul mood.”
“I’m not—” Micah sighed. “Yeah, sorry. It’s been a long day.”
“Is everything going all right at the play center?” Chad asked, taking the seat next to Micah.
Micah offered his brother a smile. “It’s fine, just tiring being on my feet all day.”
“Nicholas tells me you’re doing an amazing job, keeping things running smoothly and making his job easier.”
“Did he?” Micah’s gaze fell on Nicholas, who was now lining up at the head of the next lane.
“He said you’re awesome with the kids and dealing with their parents, too. I knew you’d do a great job, but the way Nicholas talks about it, you practically walk on water.”
Micah knew his cheeks were flushed as he looked back at Chad. “I think he’s got it the wrong way around. If he hadn’t stepped up, then the whole thing would have been a disaster.”
Chad rolled his eyes.
“What?” Micah asked.
“Please! You’re both as bad as each other.”
Micah frowned at Chad before looking at Nicholas. Nicholas caught his gaze and grinned, bringing a smile to Micah’s own lips. “It’s true though. He really saved the day.”
“Okay, I get it.” Chad chuckled. “He’s your knight in shining armor—”
“He’s not my knight.”Oh, but how I wish he was.
“Here comes your knight now,” Chad said, obviously not paying him the slightest bit of attention.
“Chad!” Micah elbowed his brother, hoping the message got across.
“How’d you go?” Nicholas asked, leaning casually with one shoulder against the wall. He shoved his hands into his jeans pockets, relaxed and confident and charming as ever. Adam followed behind, and Micah tried to ignore him, focusing instead on Nicholas.
“We had a good game,” Chad said. “Right, Micah? But Micah was just saying he’s had a long day and has to do it all over again tomorrow, so he’s ready to call it a night.”
Nicholas smiled. “I get you. It’s a killer being on your feet all day. I was thinking of heading, too. How about I give you a lift?”
Micah’s gaze flicked to his brother, who’d driven him here.
“Go for it,” Chad said. “I’m going to hang around for a bit, have another beer or two. Adam and I can catch up. Right, Adam?”
“Okay, if you’re sure.” Micah said, not waiting for Adam’s answer. He bent and quickly changed his shoes, relieved to see Nicholas doing the same. He gathered his stuff, wanting to leave before anyone changed their mind and tried to convince him or Nicholas to stay, or tried to wangle an invitation to accompany them. “See ya.” Micah flung a parting wave to Chad and Adam and didn’t worry about saying goodbye to the rest of the group. He headed straight to the counter and returned his shoes, then waited at the exit for Nicholas.
“You’re keen to leave,” Nicholas said when he joined him.
Micah shrugged. “Just wasn’t feeling it, I guess.” He suddenly felt terrible, as if he’d forced Nicholas into leaving. “You don’t have to drop me home if you want to join the others.”
