you guys are hysterical.
I do not believe Eric is "toying" with Nicole, not at all. I know I am repeating myself, but Eric professed his love for Nicole when both thought they were going to die in that gas filled basement. They got rescued. Subsequently, Nicole & Daniel went on their fact finding mission, locating Dr. Chyka, and attempting to get him to own up to what he did. Eric knew nothing of this. Chyka escaped, Nicole found evidence, was happy as a lark, rushed back to Salem, intending to show it all to Daniel, Eric, etc. But when she got there, she changed her mind, and kept her secret.
And thus, Eric lost all hope of being cleared, proving he was drugged, etc.
So he thought about it, and because Nicole already said she loved him, decided to leave the priesthood before they relieve him completely. But his mind and heart were truly not into really settling down with Nicole. As others have noted, she really is "2nd choice".
And right now, Eric is struggling with the what he started. Nicole wants a sexual commitment which he cannot give her, his beliefs are very strong. And then she wanted a marriage date commitment, something else he is not ready to do. He truly is betwildered with himself. He cares about Nicole, but finds himself unwilling or unable to take the next steps. He really does not want to leave the priesthood, and it is very obvious, (again pointed out by others) that he would be at odds with Nicole in re: lifestyle. He would want to still work within the church, perhaps be a deacon, she would not want any part of that. She very definitely has a hard time resisting temptation. LOL
And then, there definitely is how he accused her of being the person who raped him, was adamant about it. So he has a problem with trusting her.
And..unbeknownst to him, he is right. She had all the evidence, and shredded it. And if she loved HIM as she says, she would want him to be happy. And she had the way to do that in her hands, but figured she would lose him back to the church, and wanted him for herself. THAT was selfish of her, and I do agree that it will come out, and Nicole will once again have fingers pointed, whispers, and will have slid back down to the bottom of the respect ladder. Because, as I said, Nicole has betrayed all who befriended and trusted her.