She pulled her hair up on top of her head and walked into the steaming droplets, instantly feeling her muscles relax. Minnesota and Indiana had played a close game tonight and Nicole learned some things about both teams. She couldn’t wait to share her observations with Ariana. A smile played across her face as she closed her eyes and let the water rinse her face cleanser away.
Nicole could imagine Ariana’s excitement when she showed her what she’d learned. New York had won tonight and Ariana had scored another twenty points. She must have been open as Nicole predicted and took the shots.
She stopped and realized she was in her shower, thinking about Ariana, and only had thoughts about basketball. See there, she could keep Ariana in the friend zone. Nicole finished rinsing her body and stepped out of the shower with a momentary burst of renewed energy.
She thought back to Shealyn’s comment oflook, don’t touch.“I can do that,” she murmured as she dried her body. Maybe she’d entertain the thought after the season was over like Kate had suggested.I can trust Ariana, maybe a fling isn’t a bad idea.
Nicole looked in the mirror and reached for her moisturizer. She patted it around her eyes and gently rubbed it in. Framing this friendship as “a wait and see until the season is over” might be a way to keep her feelings in check.
She narrowed her eyes at her reflection and tilted her head. “We’ll see,” she said.
Ariana quickly texted Nicole before she got out of her rideshare and thanked the driver. They weren’t playing basketball today because Ariana had already had practice and needed recovery time before her next game. When she walked through the automatic door Nicole’s smiling face was the first thing she saw.
Ariana’s heart jumped in her chest. She was looking forward to spending time with Nicole again, but was surprised by the effect her smile had on her body.
“Hey,” Nicole said, walking towards Ariana.
For a moment Ariana thought they might hug. Instead Nicole stopped in front of Ariana and furrowed her brow. “What’s all this?”
Ariana held up the sack she carried in her left hand. “You supplied take-out last time, so I brought snacks.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
Ariana shrugged. “I wanted to.”
Another smile beamed on Nicole’s face and Ariana decided right then to find ways to keep it there.
“I want you to meet someone,” Nicole said, looping her arm through Ariana’s and leading them to the front desk in the building’s foyer.
“Dave, I’d like you to meet my friend, Ariana Villa,” Nicole said.
“Oh, I know Ms. Villa,” Dave replied. “You’re the best point guard in the league.”
Ariana smiled at him. “Thank you. Please, call me Ariana.” She reached out her hand to shake his.
“Ari, Dave is our doorman and takes care of us,” Nicole said.
Ariana could hear the affection in Nicole’s voice. “It’s nice to meet you, Dave.”
“My pleasure.”
“Dave can make sure you have no problems coming and going from my apartment,” Nicole said.
“It’s no one’s business but yours and Ms. Neal’s,” Dave said.
“Oh, so you’ll help me sneak through all of Ms. Neal’s adoring fans undetected,” Ariana teased.
Nicole chuckled and bumped Ariana’s shoulder with her own. “More like your adoring fans following you around the city.”
Ariana playfully looked behind her then back at Nicole and Dave. “I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”
“You never know,” Dave said. “But I’m always here to help.”
“Thank you,” Ariana replied with a smile.
“Have a nice evening, ladies,” Dave said with a slight bow.
They walked to the elevator and once inside Nicole turned to Ariana. “I wanted you to meet Dave because he really does take care of the tenants. He won’t let anyone in the elevators who isn’t supposed to be here.”
