Ariana smiled and sighed contentedly. “I love you, too.”
Nicole was proud of her. It surprised Ariana how much those words meant to her. She had worked hard all season long, but Nicole had been with her the entire time. They would run scenarios on the court on Nicole’s roof so Ariana would know what to expect with each opponent. She was pretty sure Nicole had no idea just how valuable her analysis had been to Ariana. In a way they were also a team. The thought made Ariana smile and she couldn’t wait to get on the court again. Nicole was inher heart and making every play with her. No wonder she was having such a great season.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Nicole smiled as she watched Ariana sleep. She was finally able to take a deep breath. It seemed like she’d been holding her breath for weeks just waiting for their secret to be discovered or the network to change their minds about leaving her on the air. Amidst the uncertainty she had continued to do her job to the best of her ability and supported Ariana in her quest to win another championship.
Here, in her apartment, nestled together in her bed was where they could let all the drama and noise that had become their life go. In each other’s arms was where they felt safe, content, and able to recharge for another round.
Ariana and her team had gone to Indiana and won, ending their opening series in two games. Phoenix and Golden State had played all three games with Phoenix punching their ticket to the next round. A memory of Ariana waiting for her in the bedroom when she returned from Phoenix made her heart skip a beat. Ariana had Demi Lovato’s song “Fast” playing on repeat and they came together like they’d been separated for months.
New York was set to play the best of five-game series against Dallas in the semifinals. They had upset Minnesota in athree game battle that folks were still talking about. The other semifinal matched the number one seed, Las Vegas, against Phoenix. Nicole and Shealyn thought the network would more than likely leave them out west, but instead chose to have them cover the New York and Dallas series with the David versus Goliath scenario.
Nicole and Ariana were thrilled and during the first two games which were played in New York they stayed away from each other while at the arena, knowing Ariana would be spending her nights at Nicole’s. Ariana continued to play well and New York won the first two games, and now they were set to travel to Dallas for the next two.
Being at home for games made it easier to see each other, but the real reason for Nicole’s relief was thanks to the network. They had agreed to keep Nicole and Shealyn together and move them to call college games. Everyone was still a little nervous about keeping Nicole on the air, but trusted she and Ariana would remain discreet and no one would find out.
Honestly, Nicole suspected if they wouldn’t have had a mess to explain and try to clean up, the network would’ve probably let her go that day she told them the truth. But optics and perception were everything in this business.
She and Shealyn were set to go by and sign their new contract before they left for Dallas. Nicole felt like she could actually see a light at the end of the tunnel. She could visibly see the stress leave Ariana as things began to fall into place.
Nicole gently brushed a strand of dark hair off Ariana’s forehead and smiled. “All you have to do is play, baby,” she said softly.
“Mmm,” Ariana groaned. She captured Nicole’s hand and brought it to her lips.
Nicole was sure Ariana had the softest, warmest, most luscious lips in the world. They were the only lips she wanted to kiss and had no plans of ever stopping.
She watched Ariana slowly open her eyes and blink several times. “Good morning, love.”
A sweet smile crossed Ariana’s face. “Mmm, mornin’.” She snaked an arm around Nicole and pulled her closer. “I want to wake up like this every morning.”
Nicole smiled. “You’re going to finish off Dallas this week and then it’s on to the finals. It won’t be long now.”
“You look very relaxed and…” Ariana gazed into Nicole’s eyes for a moment. “Happy.”
“How could I not be happy waking up with you?”
Ariana moaned and nuzzled Nicole’s neck. “I know, but we have to leave for Dallas today.”
“I made a few notes while I was waiting for you to come home after the game last night.” Nicole widened her eyes when she realized she’d called her apartment their home.
Ariana simply smiled. “I just wanted to celebrate with you when I gotherelast night.”
Nicole giggled. “Here. Home. Wherever we’re together.”
Ariana chuckled and kissed Nicole on the cheek. “I wanna go anywhere you are, no matter how close, no matter how far.” She sang the lines from the Demi Lovato song.
“Since you have an away game that means I’ll send you a new song,” Nicole said.
“I can’t wait,” Ariana said. “Maybe I’ll only need one song. If we can win the first game in Dallas we won’t have to play the second one. I hope we win!”
“Shh, I have to stay neutral, but I hope you do, too. Don’t tell anyone,” Nicole whispered.
“I’m good at keeping secrets.”
“Mmm, yes you are,” Nicole said. She leaned over and kissed Ariana tenderly on the lips. “I’m going to get up and make you a big breakfast before we have to leave.” She kissed her again and turned to get out of the bed when she felt Ariana grab her wrist.
“We don’t have to get up just yet.”
