Ariana had been on edge all day, knowing she’d be able to once again look into those pretty brown eyes. It had surprised her how much she was looking forward to seeing Nicole. They’d talked more this week than they had in the past, yet that seemedto only make Ariana want to see her more. This wasn’t the first game of hers that Nicole had called since they’d become friends, but it felt different.
She finished with her routine and started back to the dressing room to change into her uniform. As she walked down the wide hallway she saw a few support staff wheeling equipment in the other direction. She was about to pass the door to the dressing room when suddenly she was grabbed by the wrist and pulled into an opened doorway.
The door closed behind her and Nicole’s hands were on Ariana’s cheeks before she could take a breath.
“Hey,” Nicole said with a wicked grin.
Ariana gasped, grabbed Nicole’s hips, and pulled her in for a hungry kiss.
“Mmm,” Nicole moaned, sliding her arms around Ariana’s neck. “A kiss like that could make a girl think she was missed.”
Ariana chuckled. “You were.”
Their lips met again in a softer, more thoughtful kiss.
Ariana leaned her forehead to Nicole’s and smiled.I can breathe again, she thought. “Wait a minute. Should we be doing this?”
“Maybe not, but we are.” Nicole giggled. “One more kiss then you have to get ready to play.”
Ariana gazed into those soft brown eyes then hers fluttered closed as she met Nicole’s lips for another passionate kiss. Yep, this was her new favorite thing.
“Okay, I’ll see you on the court,” Nicole said.
Ariana took a deep breath then slowly let it out. “I guess if I run up and kiss you after making a basket that wouldn’t be a good look.”
Nicole smirked. “I mean, I would like it, but it would probably be the last game I get to call.”
Ariana huffed out a breath with faux exasperation. “Okay. I’ll keep my lips to myself.”
“Until you come over to my place tomorrow.”
The smile that grew on Ariana’s face lit up the small room.
“Wait,” Nicole said.
Ariana felt Nicole’s fingers push an errant strand of hair back into her bun.
“You’re wearing a bun instead of your usual ponytail.”
Ariana grinned. “I did it for you.”
Nicole’s eyes widened.
“I wanted you to know that I was thinking of you.”
Nicole tilted her head and Ariana felt her soft lips on hers once again.
“Okay, take a peek both ways before you leave,” Nicole said.
Ariana did as she was told, but not before pecking Nicole’s lips one more time. She hurried the few steps down the hall into the dressing room, stopping in front of her locker.
“Hey, where’d you go?” Cameron asked, changing next to her. “You left the court long before I did.”
“Oh, I walked down a little further,” Ariana lied. “I thought I might give JJ a hug.” She pulled her shirt over her head and smiled to herself. Sneaking kisses with Nicole Neal might be risky, but it sure was fun.
Nicole followed Shealyn through the entrance to the gym floor. The arena was buzzing with excitement as fans found their seats, players warmed up, and their network team prepared for the broadcast.
“I forgot to tell you that your girl asked about you,” Shealyn said over her shoulder.
