Nicole let Ariana pull her back down as their lips met in a passionate kiss.
“Mmm, this is so good,” Ariana said, swirling a bite of waffle in the syrup pooling on her plate.
“I know how much you like waffles, babe. You’re recharging before tomorrow’s game.”
“You take such good care of me.”
Nicole chuckled and sat down next to her. “I’d say you took pretty good care of me this morning.”
Ariana giggled. “You are just too sexy. I couldn’t help myself.”
“Uh huh,” Nicole said. She opened her notebook and pointed to the page. “Watch for this formation when you bring the ball down. Fake going left which should open a lane here then you can dribble to the basket.”
“Yeah, that will work unless they close down from here.” Ariana took the pencil and drew a line.
“If they do that more than likely they’ll foul you.”
“Maybe,” Ariana said. “The refs have been letting a lot go this series.”
“Has Maggie said anything to you during the first two games?”
“No.” Ariana furrowed her brow. Since the beginning of the season Maggie had officiated a few of Ariana’s games and hadn’tcalled any bogus fouls on her like she did that first night. If anything, she’d been fair and professional.
“The officials are taking a lot of heat and letting a lot go,” Nicole said. “Maggie hasn’t said anything to us and I wondered how she’d been on the court.”
“She’s been professional, but they’re all letting a lot go. It’s getting kind of rough out there.”
“Yeah, the same thing is happening in the other series,” Nicole said. “I was a little surprised to see Maggie's crew calling a semi-final series. It’s quite a step up for them.”
Ariana shrugged. “I don’t let the refs bother me. It’s out of my control. However, Maggie hasn’t tried to ask you out again, has she?”
Nicole chuckled. “You know she hasn’t.”
“I’m just making sure.” Ariana smirked. “I don’t want anyone messing with my girl.”
“Don’t you worry, honey. I only have eyes for you.”
Ariana leaned over and rested her head on Nicole’s shoulder. “Mmm, I love you.”
“I love you, too, babe.”
Ariana would miss playing on her home court in front of their fans, but she’d especially miss coming to Nicole’s after the game. At least Nicole and Shealyn were calling the game so Ariana would be able to see her. She knew it wasn’t necessarily true, but Ariana felt like she played better when Nicole called her games. There was just something about Nicole being there, looking on, and Ariana knew she was supporting her in her heart.
“Villa puts up a three-point shot that beats the buzzer,” Shealyn said with the loud sound ending the game echoing around the arena.
“It’s too little too late,” Nicole said. “Dallas has won the game and the series now stands at two to one. Dallas is making this series interesting after all. They couldn’t keep up in New York, but here on their home court it’s been a different story, Shealyn.”
“I’ll say,” Shealyn replied. “They came out aggressive and kept it up the entire game. Let’s go to Keely with the players of the game then we’ll send it back to the studio for highlights.”
Nicole slipped her computer into her bag and zipped it up.
“Ariana played well, but her supporting cast was not up to the task tonight,” Shealyn said.
“Yeah, she’ll be upset with the loss,” Nicole replied. “She’s supposed to call me tonight when she gets back to the hotel.”
“I’m glad to see you both being careful,” Shealyn said. “You’re so close to the finish line.”
“Let’s go change and have dinner,” Nicole said. “I want to get back to the room to look at the replay. Maybe I can find something to help Ariana.”
