Nicole fell down onto Ariana’s chest and sighed. “This was even better than before. I think it’s because we let our hearts feel it all. You’ll see in just a second.”
“I already feel it, babe. I could see it in your eyes and feel it in my heart.”
Nicole raised up. “We’re going to figure this out, but first, I’m loving you.”
She kissed Ariana with all the love in her heart. This time she made love to her nice and slow. Their moans wafted around the room in a symphony of the love in their hearts.
Chapter Thirty-One
Ariana had been on lots of getaways with beautiful women since becoming a professional athlete. Most were fun-filled days with friends or her girlfriend at the time, but none compared to the two days she’d just spent with Nicole. Ariana suspected being in love had a lot to do with it.
It wasn’t that Ariana hadn’t been in love before. She had, but none of those times felt like this.
“Something’s going on in that beautiful head of yours,” Nicole said as she sprinkled feta cheese on their avocado toast.
Ariana smiled and took a bite of the breakfast Nicole had prepared. “Mmm,” she murmured, then swallowed. “This is really good. It’s better than the diner’s.”
“How would you know?” Nicole furrowed her brows. “You always order pancakes or waffles.”
“I’ll have you know that I was there by myself and decided to try the avocado toast because you raved about it,” Ariana explained.
“Uh huh,” Nicole said, wiping her mouth with her napkin. “You weren’t thinking about avocado toast just then.”
Ariana smiled and took a sip of her coffee. She reached over and linked her little finger with Nicole’s. “I was thinking about the last couple of days, professing my love to you, and how I’ve never felt like this before. We aren’t just basketball buddies with benefits.”
Nicole chuckled. “We were trying so hard not to fall in love.”
“This is it for me, Nic. I’ve never been able to look to the future and see myself with anyone, but I do with you.” She interlaced her fingers through Nicole’s and gazed into her eyes. “This is more than careers and making it to the end of the season. It’s making a life together.”
“I wouldn't be risking my career if I didn’t think this was forever.”
“I know.” Ariana nodded and narrowed her eyes at Nicole. “We’ve known each other for years. Why now?”
Nicole squeezed Ariana’s hand and smiled. “We were ready to actually see each other. I talked about not dating during the season because no one understood the travel and focus it takes, then you said the same thing.”
“I don’t know how it happened, but staring into your eyes that day?—”
“With my hand cradling your head?—”
“Our hearts started talking to each other.”
“You know how I’m always telling you to take the shot?” Nicole reached over and took Ariana’s chin between her fingers and thumb. “I’m taking my shot with you.”
Ariana could feel Nicole’s love wrapping around her heart. If there was such a thing as a championship as far as relationships go, Ariana felt like she’d just won it all.
“I think we have just enough time before we have to catch the ferry,” Ariana said, getting up, taking Nicole’s hand, and hurrying to the bedroom with Nicole’s laughter following in their wake.
Once they’d made the trek back to New York they dropped their bags at Nicole’s apartment and headed out to Stuart’s bar.
“How’s your ankle?” Nicole asked as their ride share pulled away from the curb. “It’s not as puffy and the bruise is fading.”
“It’s fine,” Ariana said. “I’ve done everything they asked me to do. Maybe after we meet Kate we could come back here and shoot a few baskets on the roof.”
“You can test it out tomorrow at practice,” Nicole said. “I am not going to be responsible for reinjuring your ankle.”
“Okay, okay,” Ariana said. “You didn’t tell Kate you were bringing anyone with you?”
“No, but I did ask Stuart to have a table available away from the rest of the bar. Kate’s wife, Emily, may be with her,” Nicole said. “We sometimes meet for a drink after work on Fridays. I told Kate I would give the key back to her.”
