Del kept his eyes on his cards and delivered a deadpan response. "I'm sure that's what you want to take from her."
"Enough, guys. She's part of the team. And do you really think she would blend in with all our drinking, smoking, and cursing?" Noah grumped. He couldn't imagine Claire being comfortable in this "boys only" environment. He checked himself, wondering when Jenny had become one of the boys in his mind. Perhaps Claire would enjoy hanging out with them. If nothing else, she could join Jenny when she eventually got bored with their shenanigans.
Larry frowned at him. "Since when are you against mixing it up with colleagues? I seem to remember a time when you?—"
"Fold!" He glared at Larry, effectively shutting him down. The man's memory was longer than an elephant's, for Pete's sake. He threw his cards down, then picked up the second deck and shuffled while Jack and Rick eyed each other over their hands.
"Are y'all talking about Claire Broussard?" Jack asked. "I've seen her around the office, but haven't interacted with her. Developers and server guys rarely cross paths. How is she doing?"
Noah considered Jack. He was huge—like American football huge—but known for being a kind soul.
Rick answered. "She's doing well. She has contributed nicely to the MADS update project in the two months she's been here."
"She's got a lotta hair," Larry added. "I bet it's silky. I keep wanting to touch it. Did you see that maneuver with her lipstick at lunch last month? Holy sh?—"
"Enough!" Noah barked. "She's our teammate. Show a little respect."
"Geez, Noah." Jenny put her book down and studied him. "What's with you? Larry just needs to get laid. And also, Claire does have pretty hair. Even I want to touch it." She pulled a pillow from the couch and launched it at Larry. "Also, Larry, that's disgusting. Don't be a douche."
Noah stood up again and walked to the kitchen area. "You guys are drunk."
Rick finished the round, going all in and taking both Jack's and Del's chips. "And the more drunk they are, the more I win. Just you and me now, Raines. You ready for me to take your money too?" Rick's calm demeanor steadied him and he sat back down.
Jack stood up. "I hate to lose and run, but it's a long drive home for me, so I'm heading out. Thanks for the game. I'll let you know when I'm hosting the next tourney if y'all are in town."
After seeing Jack off, they played a few more hands before Noah lost his last chips to Rick. Larry stowed the cards and poker chips in his case, while Del woke up Jenny, who'd fallen asleep in the chair. Those three left while Noah stayed to help Rick clean up.
"So," Rick said.
Noah raised an eyebrow at him and wiped the table. When he said nothing further, Noah stood still and waited.
"What's going on between you and the redhead?" Rick asked.
Noah stiffened. "Nothing."
Rick rinsed out the blender and loaded it into the dishwasher. "Sure about that? You've been awfully agitated for the last three weeks."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Rick laughed softly. "Okay." He placed the last glass on the top rack and reached under the cabinet for the soap. "I saw the adjustment move you made after the infamous lipstick trick."
Shit. Noah hung his head and silently weighed his options. Deny everything or spill the beans? Rick was his friend. He'd shared his fears about Peggy's pregnancy. And he was a good listener. Perhaps Rick could help him figure out how to handle this ridiculous fascination with the tiny ginger.
He looked up and watched Rick close the dishwasher and push the buttons to set the cycle, quietly waiting for him to decide. "I'm fucked. I knew it the moment I met her." He paced, twisting the dishrag as he spoke. "I just—" Noah blew out a breath. "Why? Why her? And I don't think she knows. How does she not feel the tension between us?"
"Are you sure she doesn't? Hand me that rag before you destroy it." Noah tossed the dishrag to Rick and watched him wipe down the counters. "There was a lot of tension when she started due to the circumstances of her hiring. It could still feel the same to her, you know. Why don't you talk to her?"
"What's the point of that? We work together. Nothing's going to happen."
"Mm."
"What does that mean?" Noah stopped pacing and crossed his arms over his chest. He raised an eyebrow and waited for his friend to elaborate.
"I think something needs to happen, because you've been a bear to work with. You need to work off your excess adrenaline, in some form or fashion, or it's going to explode at the worst possible time."
Noah released a harsh breath and flexed his hands before balling them into fists. "You're right. I don't know what the appropriate move is."
"Try being nice to her instead of biting her head off?—"
