“The idea of having a friend who understands how committed I am to the game and what I do is kind of a dream come true. You know?”
A smile grew on Ariana’s face as she nodded. “I do.”
“We really do have to keep it a secret though, Ari.” Her job could be on the line if someone found out Nicole was spending time with a player.
“I know.”
“Do you? All I’ve done is give you mixed signals.” Nicole knew some of their conversations had evolved to flirting here and there and she liked it, but was it appropriate?
“What do you mean?”
“I had Stuart give you a note. I tell you how sexy you are. I call and text you.” Nicole sighed.
“That’s called being a friend, Nic,” Ariana said. “I do the same thing to you.”
Nicole sat back and sighed again. She hadn’t made a new friend in so long and it was obvious she didn’t know what she was doing. To keep her professional distance she never let any players in too close. But somehow Ariana Villa had barreled her way in before Nicole even realized it. She was now part of Nicole’s life and she wanted to keep her in it.
Chapter Sixteen
The waitress brought their food and they both dug in with vigor. Ariana couldn’t believe the words that had tumbled out of her mouth and was glad to stuff a big bite of a delicious waffle into her mouth to stop the flow. She hadn’t meant to tell Nicole about the jealousy she’d felt over Maggie or her revelation that they were meant to be friends, but she couldn’t stop herself. Ariana feared at any moment Nicole could stop this friendship before it started and she was desperate to keep it alive.
Nicole reached over and put her hand over Ariana’s before she could fork another bite into her mouth. “Slow down. We have all day.”
Ariana reached for her napkin and wiped her mouth. She swallowed and smiled. “Do you remember when I called you after that disastrous game and dinner with Maggie?”
Nicole’s eyes widened and she nodded. “God, yes.”
“If you’ll remember, you apologized for rambling,” Ariana said. “That’s how I feel right now. All of these thoughts and feelings are tumbling out and I’m stuffing food in my mouth before I embarrass myself even further.”
Nicole tilted her head and smiled. “You haven’t embarrassed yourself. I appreciate your honesty. Honestly.” She chuckled. “You sounded a little desperate to keep this going.”
Ariana groaned and dropped her chin to her chest. Nicole reached over and squeezed her hand.
“I feel the same way, but I didn’t know how to say it.”
Ariana raised her head and met Nicole’s eyes. They were a rich coffee-colored brown with sparkles at the edge. Those eyes and Nicole’s touch sent flutters through Ariana’s body. “Really?”
Nicole nodded. “I’ve told you I have to be careful with perceptions, but here I am doing the opposite of what I say. That has to be confusing.”
“Uh, I’d say hopeful instead of confusing.” Ariana beamed a smile at her.
“This may not be what you think, Ari. This is a coincidence today, but we’d have to be careful out in public.”
“Luckily, you live in a building with a basketball hoop.” Ariana shrugged. “It works for me. Oh, and you have a TV and computer so we can watch games. Right?”
Nicole nodded.
“Why would we need to go out in public?”
The smile that grew on Nicole’s face melted Ariana’s heart just a little. “Oh wait, did I just invite myself to your apartment?”
Nicole chuckled. “I’d already invited you. What do you say we go shoot some hoops?”
“Ah, now you’re speaking my love language.”
Nicole laughed. “I’m paying for breakfast. No discussion. You bought our smoothies the other day.”
They finished eating and walked side by side to Nicole’s apartment. Ariana glanced over at Nicole several times and could see the hint of a smile on her face.
