It is interesting, that as much as viewers love Nicole, there is not the same sort of excitement generated when you talk of the two of them together. And then Taylor, the scarf, strangers across an empty pier, lol. Never generated the interest, intrigue this story does.
I think both Nicole & Sami both knew exactly what EJ was, what he does, did, and will do.
EJ knows Abby is smart, is beautiful, doesn't swallow his charm hook line and sinker, but cannot seem to help herself. And it is as tho he feels she is fragile, that he just cannot bring himself to hurt her, has to really protect her, from himself or the fallout that could result.
Hey, I can be all wrong....