“You read romance novels,” Ariana said, sitting next to her. “What do they do when they’re dating someone they’re not supposed to? Doesn’t that happen all the time?”
Nicole chuckled. “Yeah, it’s called forbidden romance.”
“Ooh, their clandestine meetings were full of hot sex and desire,” Ariana said in a sultry voice.
Nicole chuckled. “Maybe you’ll become a commentator when you retire.”
“Shealyn had better watch out. I’m coming for her job.” Ariana chuckled. “So what do they do? The forbidden couple?”
“They figure it out and live happily ever after.”
“Okay, babe, that’s our mission while we’re here.”
Nicole widened her eyes. “Did you just call me babe?”
Ariana grinned. “Yes, I’d call you that more often, but I’m afraid I’d slip when someone else is around.”
Nicole smiled and reached for Ariana. She pulled her close until their lips almost met. “Whenever you call me Nic, I hear babe.”
Ariana’s face brightened. “You do?”
Nicole nodded. “No one calls me Nic but you.”
“Then when you call me Ari, I’ll hear babe.”
Nicole smiled and pressed their lips together in a tender kiss. When they pulled apart she shook her head. “I had no idea we’d be this sappy.”
Ariana laughed. “We can’t tell anyone. We’d never hear the end of it.”
“You say that like we’re any other couple.”
“We’re figuring it out. Someday we will be.” Ariana smiled. “Do you remember when we talked about the right woman coming along?”
Nicole nodded.
“After we had that conversation I talked to Cameron because she and Terrance have to navigate some of the same things we do with their travel schedules. At that time I never dreamed we’d end up together, but I so wanted it. Anyway, she explained that there comes a time when you not only want to see them, but need to see them. You’ll feel it.”
“Did she wonder why you were asking?”
Ariana shook her head. “I’ve thought about that a lot since then and for me it’s a little different.”
“Will you share with me?” Nicole reached for Ariana’s hand. They were so afraid of talking about what they have, but not today, not while they were away. It was time for honesty if they were going to find a way through this.
“When we’re apart there’s a level of anxiety that rises inside me and when I’m with you it’s like everything is right with the world. It’s hard to explain, but everything is in its place, in balance, and there’s a sense inside of me that everything is going to be okay.”
Nicole could feel her heart soften as they stared into each other’s eyes. She wanted to take Ariana inside and never let her go.
“When you were on that road trip that took you out west and you stayed in Phoenix to visit your parents I couldn’t wait to see you again in DC. When you pulled me into that room...”
Nicole smiled. “Yes?”
“I was full of anxiety and even though we shouldn’t have been doing that and could’ve been caught I knew everything was going to be okay. That’s how I felt and how I feel. You’re the one who has to give up so much to make this work, but Nicole, I willdo whatever it takes because what we have is worth it. I know you’re the right woman for me.”
“Oh, baby.” Nicole reached up and caressed the side of Ariana’s face. “I know we’re worth it.”
“I didn’t tell you all of this because honestly, I was afraid,” Ariana said. “I held back and wouldn’t let my heart feel everything you’ve put inside me, but I can’t hold back or fight it any longer.”
“I’m not giving anything up, babe,” Nicole said. She lowered her voice into the sultry tone she knew Ariana loved. “Yes, we have had hot, amazing sex from the beginning, but it’s like you make my heart explode then you put it back together with more of you inside it. What you make me feel is something I didn’t think I could ever have.” Nicole moved closer and held Ariana’s face between her hands. “This is so much better than calling a basketball game. You are so much more than basketball. I can figure out something with my career. I don’t want any of that if I can’t have you. I’m not giving anything up, Ari. Look at what I’m gaining.”
