What the hell was he supposed to do?
He needed to talk to Nicole. He needed to tell her that he wasn’t interested, but he didn’t want to hurt or humiliate her, not here in front of the rest of the Team. He needed to talk to Naomi, too. He needed to tell her that he and Nicole were just friends, but he couldn’t do that in front of Nicole.
He was tempted to solve the whole problem by taking Naomi in his arms and giving her a deep, hard kiss, but he wasn’t sure how she would feel about that. They had only shared one kiss, and that had been in private. Besides, he didn’t want to disrespect either woman—or take the coward’s way out.
“Hey, Nicole, would you be my belay slave?” Winona had been doing her best to run interference with Nicole, but so far it hadn’t worked. “I really want to try that new five-ten route.”
Nicole shook her head. “Sorry, Win. I’m past the two-drink limit.”
Winona looked apologetically at Chaska.
Nicole leaned closer to him. “Dance with me.”
Up on the stage, newgrass band Gold Dust Creek had just started a high-energy number that had couples streaming to the dance floor.
Okay, fine.
“Let’s go.” He met Winona’s gaze, hoping she would understand, then walked with Nicole out to the dance floor.
Rather than breaking into a two-step like everyone else, he drew her toward the far edge, where no one from the Team could see them. “We need to talk.”
Nicole swayed a little in his arms, let herself fall against him. “Why are you so serious all the time?”
He set her back on her feet. “I like you, Nicole, but you and I are never going to be together. You’re a great climber and a good person, and I have a world of respect for you, but I’m just not interested. I would never hook up with a fellow Team member.”
She stopped dancing and looked up at him, hurt on her face. “You don’t even want to sleep with me?”
“You’re pretty, Nicole, but I’m just not—”
“Are you gay? If you are, that’s fine. I just want to know. Guys usually don’t turn me down, but then you’re not like other guys, which is why I like you so much.”
“No, I’m not gay.” Not that it ought to matter.
He’d been raised to respect those who werewinkte.
Her gaze dropped to the floor. “Okay. I get it. Thanks.”
She turned and walked away.
Shit.
Chaska walked back to the table wishing there’d been an easier way.
Chapter 10
Naomi fought notto look toward the dance floor, a sick feeling in her chest. Then again, why should a man as good-looking, smart, and successful as Chaska be interested in her? Yes, he’d kissed her—an amazing, mind-blowing kiss—but she knew from experience that physical passion meant nothing to most men. She had no claim on Chaska, no right to the disappointment and jealousy she was feeling.
Winona leaned closer so as not to be overheard. “My brother isn’t interested in Nicole. She’s had a thing for him for a while, but he doesn’t want to hurt her feelings. I’m sure that’s why he’s dancing with her. He wants to let her know the truth without embarrassing her in front of everyone.”
Why was Winona telling her this? “What Chaska does is his business.”
Win seemed to hesitate. “Youare the only woman my brother has been attracted to in a very long time.”
Naomi stared at her. “You’re not serious.”
“Oh, yes, I am. If Chaska knew I’d told you … ”
At that moment, Nicole reappeared—alone and visibly upset. She grabbed her jacket and drawstring backpack off her chair and walked away.