That's a possibility! Nick would definitely have some pride about her holding her own, that's for sure. He's got a lot more respect for women who aren't damsels in distress. I think Nick will always be suspicious about Connor and her, no matter what excuses she might come up with.
Yeah. The irony is that if it was anyone else that tried to kill Sam, Nick would have interfered unless he knew he wouldn't come out on top.