“So you’re a player, period.”
Ariana gave Nicole a menacing look. “How many times do I have to say it? My rookie year was sketchy as far as women go, but that’s the only time. I love women. I respect women. I want to spend my life with women?”
“Women?”
“Well, eventually one day, I hope with one woman.”
“Ah, the illusive right woman. I remember us talking about her.”
Ariana remembered that conversation as well. She’d thought the right woman would understand the demands of her career and the commitment it took during the season. Work/life balance would be a challenge, but doable if they worked together. “Yeah, do you think we have to seek her out? Or maybe she’ll fall into your lap.”
Nicole looked over at her with a raised brow. They stared at one another for a moment then Nicole said, “Or maybe we’ll meet her through our friends.”
“Have Shealyn and Kate tried to set you up again?”
“Nope. They are respecting that boundary so far.”
Ariana winced. Even though Nicole assured her this was going to happen whether Ariana kissed her first or not, she still felt a little guilty for crossing that boundary.
“Don’t look at me like that. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Nicole paused then smiled. “Okay, I’ll stop teasing you about your stellar reputation with the ladies. Do you play basketball video games?”
“Not really,” Ariana said. She appreciated Nicole’s efforts to alleviate her guilt. “I have, but my favorites are racing games like Mario Kart and the like.”
“Oh, I’ve played that a little. Maybe someday we can play together.”
Ariana smiled. “You’d want to do that?”
Nicole nodded. “Sure. Do you want to read one of my books?”
Ariana tilted her head. “Maybe you could read it to me.”
Nicole chuckled. “Let me guess, one of the sexy parts.”
“I’m not sure that would be a good idea,” Ariana replied. “I’d be tossing the book aside and wanting to try it in real life.”
Nicole laughed. “What else do you like to do?”
“Sometimes I like to watch TV,” Ariana said.
“I’ve been known to binge-watch certain shows.”
“Okay, the next weekend we both have off, let’s pick a show,” Ariana suggested.
“When will that happen, sometime in October?”
Ariana furrowed her brow and studied Nicole for a moment. “Is that something you’d want to do with me? I’m not exactly sure what we are. I mean, we were basketball buddies. Are we now basketball buddies with benefits?”
Nicole laughed and Ariana saw the sparkle in her eyes soften.
“I’m not sure what we are either, Ari. We’re a secret. I know that much,” Nicole said. “You’re my friend and now a friend I do really fun things with.”
“Oh yeah?” Ariana felt a little flutter in her stomach. Nicole Neal’s secret friend? She was fine with that.
“Was today fun for you?”
“You know it was and I hope it will be even more fun this afternoon.” Today had been magical as far as Ariana was concerned and she certainly didn’t want it to end just yet.
“Me too.”
