“A lot better than frigid New York,” Nicole said. “Are you going to play Unrivaled again?”
Ariana nodded. “Yeah, I think so. I’ve looked into the new Project B league, but I think Unrivaled is a better fit for me. They plan to go to other cities, but still be based in Miami.”
“It won’t be a lot of travel like during the regular season though.”
Ariana turned to face Nicole and took her other hand. “You know, I’d spend all my free time here with you. I couldn’t tell you that before without sounding needy or smothering, but when we went to Rhode Island and actually saidI love youfor the first time everything changed. I’m not afraid to tell you what I’m feeling. Love is trust, it’s honesty. I want to travel to your games with you. I want you to come to Miami with me. That’s our life and what we have to do to be together.”
“I wish you could stay over here every night,” Nicole said. “There will be even more eyes as the playoffs continue. It won’t be much longer.”
“Dave will help me get in and out of the building without anyone recognizing me.”
Nicole smiled. “He’s the best doorman and friend.”
“I brought him tickets for tomorrow’s game. You should’ve seen his face.” Ariana smiled.
“He’s been good to us. Thank you for doing that.”
Ariana kissed the back of Nicole’s hand.
“How do you feel now? You know what I’m planning to do after the season. You know what you’re going to do in the off season. Does this help with the pressure? Please tell me the only pressure you’re feeling now is about the game tomorrow.”
“When did we become so worrisome? I worry about you, you worry about me.” Ariana shook her head. “Once this secret is out in the open, our worries should be gone.”
“You know, let’s stop the worrying now,” Nicole said. “We have our plan and we’ll put it into action. You are prepared for Indiana, so what’s there to worry about?”
Ariana chuckled. “You are so good at this. You’re right. If you’re prepared there’s nothing to worry about.”
“That’s right.”
“Damn.” Ariana sighed.
“What is it?”
“I was hoping you would take away my stress in another way.” Ariana wiggled her brows.
Nicole chuckled. “I love you.”
Ariana leaned over and kissed her softly. “It’s a good thing because I love you, too.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Nicole walked into Kate’s office and smiled as she sat down in the chair opposite her desk. “Thanks for meeting with me this morning on such short notice.”
“No problem. Are you on your way to the airport?”
“Yep.” Nicole nodded.
“Traveling light?”
Nicole chuckled. “The car is waiting downstairs with my luggage. This shouldn’t take long.”
“Okay. What’s up? Fill me in on your contract thoughts.”
“Shealyn and I want to go back to college. That sounds funny.” Nicole grinned. “We want to stay a team and NCAA women’s basketball is where we started. We still call a few games and the big tournament, anyway. The important part is there will no longer be a conflict of interest.”
“The network will be glad about that,” Kate said. “Anything special you want to ask for?”
Nicole furrowed her brow and shrugged. “Not really. Don’t you think they’ll go for it?”
