We reach my door, and I turn to face him, Cocoa settling at my feet. “Thanks,” I say, surprised by how much his support means to me.
There’s a moment, standing there in the hallway, where the air between us feels charged with possibility. My eyes meet his, and for a second, I think—or maybe hope—that he might lean in and close the distance between us.
Instead, he takes a small step back, clearing his throat. “So, same time tomorrow for training? If you want, I mean.”
“Yes,” I say, perhaps too quickly. “Cocoa definitely needs practice. We both do.”
Dom smiles, that gentle curve of his lips that seems reserved just for me. “Great. I’ll see you then. Goodnight, Nicole.”
“Goodnight, Dom.”
“So,” Nora says, narrowing her eyes over the FaceTime video. “You had your dog training sesh with yourfriend. I’m dying to know how it went. I literally stayed up for this.”
I glance at the clock, feeling bad that it’s nearly midnight in New York. “I mean, it was good. Really good, actually.” I lean back into the couch, snuggling under my dog paw throw blanket.
She leans in, her face filling the screen. “Details,Nic. You are seriously driving me crazy right now.”
“Okay, okay.” I hold up a hand in mock surrender. “He brought a clicker and treats, and we basically had the best date ever in the courtyard, except it wasn’t a date—and I don’t think he even likes me like that.”
Nora gives me a funny look, her head tilting in a way that causes the bun on her head to go lopsided. “So, you like him?”
“I mean…” My voice trails off for a second as I check on Cocoa, who’s snoozing in his bed. “I think he’s just nice to me because I’m his neighbor and my dog is a terror… Also, he’s way too attractive to be real. It makes no sense for him to even like me.”
Nora bursts into laughter. “Nicole, you’re gorgeous. Awkward, sure. But I think your hot neighbor might be the same kind of weird as you.”
I purse my lips together. “But like … if he liked me, wouldn’t he just ask me on a date or something? Isn’t that how it works?”
My sister goes silent for a second and then smirks. “Sometimes I forget how precious you are.”
I roll my eyes, letting out a groan. “Ugh, more like pathetic.”
“No, you’re cute. Tell me how the training thing went.”
“Oh, it was horrific.” I shift on the couch, unable to stop myself from laughing. “Cocoa went feral and took a swim in the fountain,and then I spilled the treat bag, which he promptly scarfed down like he hadn’t eaten in years.”
Nora makes a noise, somewhere between a giggle and a squeal. “Ohhhh no.”
“Yeah. Dom was teaching me how to use a clicker and positive reinforcement,” I continue. “But I kept hitting it too late. But he was so patient and … it was nice. It was so nice, Nora.” I sink a little deeper into the couch. “He never made me feel stupid. Even when Cocoa was being … Cocoa.”
Nora cocks her head. “And you’re positive he’s not into you? Because girl, it sounds like he’s into you.”
My face flames. “No, no! He’s just nice. And southern, so maybe it’s a hospitality thing?”
“Mmhm.” Nora stirs her coffee, giving me the full judgy-sister side-eye. “I’m betting on wedding bells.”
“Oh, stop,” I groan, wishing I could throw a pillow at her. “I’m way too focused on figuring my career out.”
“Yeah…” Nora’s smile fades, and I can already tell she’s trying not to show a reaction.
Ugh.
“I think I have a really good idea.” I bite my lip, debating how much to share. “I printed out a whole proposal. I even did a spreadsheet and everything. I think it’s a good idea. Dom even thinks so.”
“You did a spreadsheet?” Nora lets out a low whistle. “Nic, spreadsheets are the gateway drug to adulthood. That’s serious. Lay iton me.”
My heart thumps as nervous laughter slips from my lips. “I want to build luxury apartments for athletes. Intentionally designed for the way they live. Not just souped-up dorms, butrealhomes. With community and wellness and soundproof walls so nobody can report your karaoke to the HOA.”
My sister grins, a real and proud one, that softens her whole face. “That’s … actuallybrilliant. Even Mom and Dad would have to admit that’s a business move.”
