“It’s paramount that this relationship is not discovered, so cool it, you two,” Kate said.
“We’re careful,” Ariana said.
“I mean it,” Kate said. “You’re going away for now, but you two may have to stay apart when she gets back.”
Nicole knew that might be a possibility, but now that Kate said it out loud her heart fell into her stomach. With so much riding on this, how could she not do what was best for them? Nicole sighed, reached for Ariana’s hand, and hoped together they could pull this off.
Ariana looked on as Kate recounted her discussion with the network executives. It felt strange to be in Nicole’s apartment with someone else there. Over the past months it had always been the two of them.
Ariana could see how Kate and Shealyn had Nicole’s back. It was the same as Cameron and Ariana’s teammates. She understood why things had to be this way, but Nicole had always acted with integrity and compassion in her job. Ariana had seen it firsthand when she came into the league. She knew Nicole Neal was one of the journalists you could trust. It didn’t seem right for her to give up her job, especially how hard she had to work to get where she was. But Nicole hadn’t batted an eye or wavered once since they’d fallen in love. She was willing to let her job go so they could be together.
Ariana hoped that some day this would all balance out because right now, she felt like Nicole was making the greatest sacrifice. She was determined to show Nicole how much it meant to her and to do everything she could to make Nicole happy. That was her new priority.
“Hey, you okay?” Nicole asked her quietly.
Ariana nodded and smiled. “I think I’m missing you already.”
Nicole smiled and winked at her. “You’re not gone yet.”
“Okay,” Kate said, standing up. “We’ve gone over everything. If you have any questions let me know.”
“I’m leaving, too,” Shealyn said, following Kate to the front door. She stopped and looked at Nicole and Ariana. “There’s no reason you two can’t have the same happiness that Dewayne and I have. You just have to be smart for another month or so. We have your back.”
“Thanks, Shea,” Nicole said and hugged her.
“Come on,” Shealyn said, holding her arms open to Ariana. “You may as well get used to this. I’m a hugger.”
Ariana stepped into her arms and felt like she’d just made two new friends.
After a quick hug with Kate they both left and Ariana started back towards the living room. Nicole caught her hand and smiled. “Hey, would you like to play a little one on one with me?”
Ariana tilted her head and smiled. She knew Nicole was trying to relieve some of the pressure of the situation, but she had a better idea. “I’d love that, but not on the roof.” She raised her brows and looked down the hall to the bedroom and back at Nicole.
“Oh yeah?”
“If I’m going to be away from you for two weeks and potentially even longer then I want to be close to you for as long as I can.”
Their lips met in a tender kiss. “Just for today, let’s forget about all the drama that’s waiting for us outside this door,” Ariana said when she pulled away.
Nicole began to back down the hall, pulling Ariana with her. She gave her a sexy smile and Ariana could feel the tension leave her body. Nicole had dressed in a suit for the meeting and Ariana was going to enjoy taking it off of her.
Before they made it to the bedroom Ariana had Nicole’s blazer off and gently set it on a chair in the corner. She turned and as she unbuttoned Nicole’s shirt she looked up into her eyes. “Be sure and check the tunnel walks while I’m gone. I’ll wear something just for you.”
“Mmm. I can’t wait.” Nicole raised her arms as Ariana slid the blouse off. She tossed it towards the chair and pressed her lips to Nicole’s. Her heart immediately began to speed up andtheir hands were everywhere. Clothes came flying off and when Ariana took a breath she found herself on her back on the bed.
Nicole’s sweet lips were kissing a delectable path up Ariana’s neck leaving goosebumps rising on her skin. She took a breath and shuddered as Nicole whispered in her ear. “It doesn’t matter where you are, I’m always in your heart.”
Ariana’s arms tightened around Nicole as those words floated into her heart. She could feel herself melt as the surge of anticipation began to build.
When she looked into Nicole’s eyes they were a rich dark brown she would gladly fall into forever. “I want you to close your eyes and feel my love wrap around you with every touch, every kiss, every taste, and every sound.”
Ariana groaned as the desire, coupled with the promise of what was to come, was palpable in the room. This wasn’t just sex, relieving pressure, or sharing pleasure. This was their love, coming together as one, letting it flow, expand, and consume them. It would protect them, guide them, and always be a part of them.
Ariana had never felt so loved, so close to someone, and when Nicole immersed her in this ultimate realm of pleasure Ariana had never known she had this much love to give. Right then Ariana knew their love would get them through this and whatever else was thrown their way.
As she tried to catch her breath, Ariana held Nicole to her chest. “Love isn’t a big enough word for what I feel inside for you and for us.”
“I know,” Nicole whispered. “I feel it, too.”
