Nic's Devotion: An Endless Series: Book One by Sara Hess

other boogers.
         Mark came around the counter. “Nic Stanford, what can
we do for you?” His tone wasn’t as friendly as it usually was with the other
customer’s. He walked over to stand next to me, almost touching my side.
         I shuffled over half a foot uncomfortable with my space
being invaded. Mark was only about five inches taller than me so he wasn’t all
that imposing, but I still didn’t like it. Nic’s face tightened and he lost his
smile. In fact, he seemed to be holding back a scowl.
        “I wanted to get Carrie’s advice on some shafts. She was
helping me Saturday but I had to take off for practice.” Nic’s voice sounded
terse.
         “Carrie’s just started here and doesn’t really know all
that much. I’d be happy to help you. Although, I don’t know why you would need
any help at all since you probably know more about shafts than me or John, collectively?”
Mark offered with a sham smile.
         “Yeah, but John wants her to become more
familiar with the equipment so I thought I’d help her out.” Nic said with a
smile that was just as forced.
         My brows were near my hairline at their dialogue. Did these
guys have some bad history or something, because they seemed to really dislike
each other?
         What looked like a sneer crossed Mark’s face. “You’re
all about being helpful, aren’t you, Nic? Can’t help hearing about how helpful
you are all over campus.”
         Nic’s face flushed with anger…and something else. His
gaze flickered my way and what looked like discomfiture filled his eyes. I
understood what Mark was trying to infer. I’d already heard some talk about
Nic. I knew he’d slept with a few girls on campus, and if I went on rumors it
could be a lot more than a few. But I disliked rumors and tried not to let them
direct my behavior. Nic had been nice to me from day one and rumors weren’t
going to influence my behavior toward him.
         “Uh, Mark, Nic’s a...friend…” I hope he was okay with
me calling him that even after my meltdown. “And he has been helping me
to learn more about lacrosse.” I interjected before something was said that
shouldn’t be. I wasn’t sure if Mark was trying to protect me or if he had some
kind of ‘beef’ with Nic, but I didn’t want to be in the middle of it, and I
didn’t need his protection either. Not from Nic.
         The two males continued to glare at each other. I
rolled my eyes and walked around the counter. “Come on, Nic, lets’ go look at
the shafts.”
         “That’s not the only shaft he wants to show you.” Mark
said.
         My face instantly burned with embarrassment. I knew
that shaft was another term for penis.
         Nic had turned to follow me but at Mark’s words he spun
back around. Reaching out he gripped Mark by his polo shirt and hauled him half
over the counter. I gasped in dread at the possibility of violence.
         “Listen to me Mark; Carrie is my friend not a groupie.
You need to watch what you say around her and to her. You hear me?” Nic gave
Mark a little shake as if to emphasize his point and then shoved him away. Mark
stumbled back, his face beet red.
         “John’s going to hear about this.” Mark said angrily
straightening his shirt.
         “He’ll be hearing from both us then, about everything
that was said. Just remember that.” Nic retorted. The anger on Mark’s face
deepened.
         Nic turned away and grabbing my hand pulled me toward
the lacrosse section. I followed silently, skipping a little to keep up. When
we reached the section he released me and began making fists with his hands.
         “I’m glad I’m not the only one who has to do that.” I
said watching him in fascination. 
         He turned toward me, confusion joining the anger covering
his face. “Do what?”
         I held my hands up, clenching and unclenching them.
“Fist and release, fist and release. That’s