Chapter 29
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Ariana was settled on her couch, frowning down at her ankle propped on the table they used for meals, to hold their game controls, and to lazily rest their feet.
She’d rolled her ankle before and didn’t think this was serious, but the trainers, out of an abundance of caution, insisted on putting a plastic boot on it.
She sighed as her head fell back against the couch.
It had taken her thirty minutes to convince Cameron that she would be just fine here alone.
Ariana knew she and Terrance had plans after the game and now that there wouldn’t be a victory celebration since they’d lost, Ariana did not want to be the reason Cameron wasn’t with her boyfriend.
All Ariana really wanted to do was talk to Nicole.
When the injury happened and they got her into the treatment room, her panic of being hurt had subsided and her first thought was of Nicole.
Ariana knew she would be worried and that led to thoughts of their relationship.
What was Nicole? Her girlfriend? That’s how Ariana thought of her, but it was more than that.
Sometimes Ariana had to temper her feelings because their situation was so different from anything she’d ever experienced. Their time together had become Ariana’s favorite parts of the day whether they connected over the phone or were together at Nicole’s apartment.
Nicole was always sensitive to Ariana being the one who had to come to her. It never bothered Ariana; she would gladly spend any days she could at Nicole’s because that’s where she was happiest.
Ariana smiled, thinking about how they would sit on the couch and Nicole’s hand would rest on her thigh, her fingers gently moving in a sweet caress.
It was the simple things they did together that Ariana loved the most. They were extremely careful and Ariana didn’t know how this was going to play out, but she hoped they could make it through the season.
After that, eyes would no longer be turned to them and maybe they could figure something out.
Ariana couldn’t imagine what that would be because of Nicole’s job, but she was willing to do whatever it took.
If they had to continue to sneak around then that was fine with her.
She’d never felt anything like this. No one had ever understood her the way Nicole did.
She’d never been this close to someone and here she was injured and Nicole is the only one she was thinking about.
When she’d finally gotten her phone from the dressing room, Nicole’s text was the first one she saw. Ariana quickly texted her back and also texted her mom who had been watching the game.
Ariana groaned when she heard the familiar beeping of the lock on the front door. As it opened she raised her voice. “Cam, I told you I would be fine! Terrance is going to be so upset with you and then with me!”
When the door closed Nicole stood there clutching a sack to her chest. “Terrance won’t be upset with you.”
Ariana’s face brightened with the biggest smile. “I knew it was a good idea to give you that key code.”
Nicole chuckled and walked into the kitchen.
They had only been to Ariana’s apartment once when Cameron was out of town for the night. Nicole had given Ariana the code to get in her apartment not long after she’d introduced Ariana to her doorman. When they’d come to Ariana’s apartment that day she’d done the same for Nicole.
Ariana could hear shuffling in the kitchen then Nicole walked back into the living room. She eased down next to Ariana and took her into her arms.
“I’m sorry,” Nicole said. “It’s going to be okay.”
Ariana closed her eyes and held on to Nicole, thinking this might be one of the best moments of her life.
“How bad is it?”
Ariana could feel Nicole’s hand gently smoothing her hair down. “I don’t think it’s serious but they want me to wear a boot for a couple of days.”
“Are you in a lot of pain?”
Ariana chuckled and pulled back to smile at Nicole. “Nope. They shot my ankle up with a pain killer and then gave me something. It doesn’t hurt at all.” She reached for Nicole and tried to pull her into her lap. “Do you know what would make me feel better?”
“Oh no,” Nicole said, taking Ariana’s hands into hers.
“Come on,” Ariana whined. “I love it when you’re on top like this.”
Nicole laughed. “I think you’re a little loopy. It’s a good thing Cameron brought you home.”
Ariana frowned. “I’m not loopy. I promise. I’m trying to take advantage of this lucky yet unlucky break. Yes, I’m hurt, but you’re here with me.”
“I couldn’t stay away,” Nicole said.
“I’m sorry I worried you, but I’m glad you’re here,” Ariana replied. “You know, I’ll be off the rest of the week and next week is our league break.”
“You’ll have treatment this week,” Nicole said.
“Yeah, for a couple of days. I’m telling you, it’s not that bad.”
“Hmm, I’ve been thinking about our days off next week.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Mmhmm,” Nicole said, lacing their fingers together. “Do you have plans?”
Ariana chuckled. “I was hoping to spend time with this research analyst who’s been helping me all season.”
“Research analyst? That’s what I am to you?” Nicole laughed.
Ariana reached up and caressed Nicole’s cheek. “You’re my girlfriend and more.”
“Oh yeah?” Nicole leaned into Ariana’s touch. “I remember you telling me long ago what a good girlfriend you are.”
Ariana raised her brows. “And?”
“You’re right, you are a good girlfriend.”
The joy in Ariana’s heart spread through her body. To hear Nicole say that meant so much to her. They didn’t talk about their relationship much because it was so hard to define.
“I told you that I wasn’t a good girlfriend.”
“But that’s not true,” Ariana said. “You’re here right now.”
Nicole smiled. “I wouldn’t want to be any other place. But, speaking of good girlfriends, I was wondering if you’d like to go away with me next week.”
Ariana’s mouth fell open in surprise. “Go away with you? Should we do that?”
“Kate’s family has a place on a little island off the coast of Rhode Island,” Nicole explained. “Summer is their busy time, but we could walk along the beach and there’s this cozy cafe right on the water. I’m sure we could find a secluded corner to enjoy a meal together.”
Ariana didn’t know what to say. It never bothered her that they couldn’t go out. She preferred keeping Nicole all to herself, but suddenly the idea of holding hands on the beach sounded like a piece of heaven. “Are you sure?”
Nicole nodded. “I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t think it would be okay.”
Ariana gasped. “Wait, did you tell Kate about us?”
Nicole shook her head. “No, she’s respecting my boundaries and being patient.”
“Oh, Nic, I’d love to go away with you.”
“Yeah? Only if your ankle is okay.”
“My ankle is fine! Just you and me, a beach…” Ariana’s eyes widened. “That means you’d be in a swimsuit!”
Nicole laughed. “Yes and you would be too.”
Ariana grinned, leaned in, and softly touched her lips to Nicole’s. “You’re a good girlfriend, too.”
“Mmm.” Nicole murmured.
Ariana’s arms went around Nicole and she pushed her back against the couch. Their lips met in a kiss of what’s to come. Ariana heard a relieved sigh and pulled Nicole a little closer. She kissed her with all the joy that was in her heart.
They were so wrapped up in this kiss that neither of them heard the beeping of the keypad until the front door opened. Ariana turned around to see Cameron and Terrance walking into the living room.
Cameron gasped. “I knew it!”
Terrance laughed and walked around Cameron to sit in a chair at the end of the couch. “She thought you had a secret girlfriend.”
“I knew you were friends, but…” Cameron grinned. “Good for you!”
“You can’t say a word!” Ariana exclaimed with panic in her voice. Her heart was in her stomach and she tightly gripped Nicole’s hand in fear this would be the end of them.
Terrance leaned forward. “Of course we won’t tell anyone. It’s okay.”
Ariana could feel tears stinging her eyes and she couldn’t quite get a breath.
“Yeah, it would be…” Nicole winced.
“Catastrophic? I get it,” Terrance said then he smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Nicole. I’m a fan.”
“Nice to meet you, Terrance.”
Ariana looked between the two of them and suddenly felt Nicole’s hand on her back gently moving between her shoulder blades trying to soothe her anxiety.
“I want you to know that when I got to Terrance’s he was very upset that I’d left you alone,” Cameron said, sitting on the arm of the chair.
“You had a special dinner planned,” Ariana said.
Terrance waved his hand in the air. “There will be plenty of opportunities for us to have dinner after a game.”
“He’s been out of town for a week and the week before that both of my games were away,” Cameron explained. “That’s why tonight’s dinner was different.”
“We know how that goes.” Nicole looked at Ariana and smiled. “She didn’t know I was coming over. I had to make sure she was okay.”
“Good,” Cameron said, standing. “Now we know she’s in good hands for the night. Let’s go have that dinner.”
Terrance smiled and stood up. “You can count on us not to say a word.”
“Thank you,” Nicole said.
Cameron smiled and shook her head. “You and your crush, Ari. Making it real!”
Terrance stopped and turned around. “Nicole, I specialize in matching sports talent with agents. The right fit is paramount in our business. I know how much your network values you and Shealyn as their number one women’s broadcast team. You have negotiation power. Don’t be afraid to use it.”
Ariana couldn’t shake the dread that had taken up residence in her stomach.
In another world the four of them could just as easily be meeting for dinner together; best friends with their partners out for a good time.
Instead she watched Nicole walk them to the front door and couldn’t imagine how she’d negotiate a relationship into her contract.
“That was a surprise,” Nicole said.
“I had no idea…” Ariana said with desperation in her voice.
“Hey.” Nicole sat down next to her.
“Is this it? Are we over?”
“What? I just invited you to go away with me,” Nicole said, putting her arm around Ariana.
“Yeah, right before we got caught making out on the couch!”
“If anyone had to find out about us then I’m glad it was Cameron and Terrance. Don’t you trust them?”
“Yes, I know they won’t say anything, but it shows how delicate our situation is, Nicole.” Ariana gazed into her eyes and softly said, “I don’t want this to end.”
Nicole smiled. “I don’t either, Ari. I hoped maybe while we were away we could talk about us. I think we’re both afraid to say much when we’re together in fear of messing it all up. But honestly, how could it get any messier?”
Ariana sighed. “I know. We are not easy, are we?”
“We are when we’re together.”
Ariana wanted to let her feelings go and tell Nicole what was in her heart. Maybe she could while they were away.
“I brought something that will make both of us feel better,” Nicole said.
She stood up, but Ariana reached for her hand. “Thank you for being here with me.”
“Oh, babe,” Nicole said softly, kissing the back of Ariana’s hand. “I’ll be right back. I brought ice cream.”
Ariana’s heart was thumping double time in her chest. Nicole called her “babe.” Maybe everything would be okay, just as Nicole said.