“I’m sorry I worried you, but I’m glad you’re here,” Ariana replied. “You know, I’ll be off the rest of the week and next week is our league break.”
“You’ll have treatment this week,” Nicole said.
“Yeah, for a couple of days. I’m telling you, it’s not that bad.”
“Hmm, I’ve been thinking about our days off next week.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Mmhmm,” Nicole said, lacing their fingers together. “Do you have plans?”
Ariana chuckled. “I was hoping to spend time with this research analyst who’s been helping me all season.”
“Research analyst? That’s what I am to you?” Nicole laughed.
Ariana reached up and caressed Nicole’s cheek. “You’re my girlfriend and more.”
“Oh yeah?” Nicole leaned into Ariana’s touch. “I remember you telling me long ago what a good girlfriend you are.”
Ariana raised her brows. “And?”
“You’re right, you are a good girlfriend.”
The joy in Ariana’s heart spread through her body. To hear Nicole say that meant so much to her. They didn’t talk about their relationship much because it was so hard to define.
“I told you that I wasn’t a good girlfriend.”
“But that’s not true,” Ariana said. “You’re here right now.”
Nicole smiled. “I wouldn’t want to be any other place. But, speaking of good girlfriends, I was wondering if you’d like to go away with me next week.”
Ariana’s mouth fell open in surprise. “Go away with you? Should we do that?”
“Kate’s family has a place on a little island off the coast of Rhode Island,” Nicole explained. “Summer is their busy time, but we could walk along the beach and there’s this cozy cafe right on the water. I’m sure we could find a secluded corner to enjoy a meal together.”
Ariana didn’t know what to say. It never bothered her that they couldn’t go out. She preferred keeping Nicole all to herself,but suddenly the idea of holding hands on the beach sounded like a piece of heaven. “Are you sure?”
Nicole nodded. “I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t think it would be okay.”
Ariana gasped. “Wait, did you tell Kate about us?”
Nicole shook her head. “No, she’s respecting my boundaries and being patient.”
“Oh, Nic, I’d love to go away with you.”
“Yeah? Only if your ankle is okay.”
“My ankle is fine! Just you and me, a beach…” Ariana’s eyes widened. “That means you’d be in a swimsuit!”
Nicole laughed. “Yes and you would be too.”
Ariana grinned, leaned in, and softly touched her lips to Nicole’s. “You’re a good girlfriend, too.”
“Mmm.” Nicole murmured.
Ariana’s arms went around Nicole and she pushed her back against the couch. Their lips met in a kiss of what’s to come. Ariana heard a relieved sigh and pulled Nicole a little closer. She kissed her with all the joy that was in her heart.
They were so wrapped up in this kiss that neither of them heard the beeping of the keypad until the front door opened. Ariana turned around to see Cameron and Terrance walking into the living room.
