Chapter 33
Chapter Thirty-Three
“You didn’t tell Ariana we were in LA to call this game?” Shealyn asked as they walked onto the court.
“No, she’s not playing well right now and I didn’t want to add to her anxiety,” Nicole said. “I thought the surprise might be nice.”
“She doesn’t have to be the superstar right now. All she has to do is get the ball to Nia and Cameron. She’s done that consistently,” Shealyn said. “I think Nia is going to win MVP.”
“Yeah, she’s having a great season,” Nicole said. They stopped at the media table as a few of the LA players came on the court for shootaround.
“There’s your sister,” Shealyn said, waving to a woman with a little girl walking down from the stands behind them.
Nicole turned around to see her sister Chelsea and her niece, Livi. When Livi spotted them she came bounding down the steps with excitement on her face. She hugged them both. “I’m so glad to see you!”
“Me too,” Livi said. “Do you really think I can meet Ariana Villa?”
“I hope so,” Nicole said with a grin. “Thanks for coming so early,” she said to Chelsea.
She hugged Nicole. “We’ll talk at dinner tonight.”
Nicole smiled. She’d had a long conversation with her sister about Ariana and their relationship. Chelsea knew they had to keep things quiet for now, but the approving smile on her face gave Nicole a moment of calm. Then Shealyn got her attention and nodded to the other end of the court.
When Nicole’s eyes met Ariana’s she almost dropped the ball she was holding. Ariana started towards them, the smile on her face brightening with each step. Nicole had to stop herself from running out to meet her.
“There she is!” Livi exclaimed behind Nicole.
Nicole saw the love, relief, and happiness in Ariana’s eyes as she stopped in front of them.
“This is a surprise,” Ariana said. “It’s so good to see you.”
Nicole chuckled. “I have someone who would like to meet you.”
“Don’t tell me, Nic. This can’t be Livi. It’s nice to meet you in person.” Ariana beamed a smile at the child. “Have you been practicing those drills Aunt Nicole and I showed you on Facetime?”
“I can do all of them now.”
“Practice is important,” Ariana said. “I’ve heard you’re coming for my job.”
Livi giggled. “Maybe when I’m older.”
“Oh good.” Ariana nodded. “I hoped to play a few more years.”
“Ariana, this is my sister, Chelsea.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Ariana said.
“Thank you for taking time for us,” Chelsea replied.
“Oh, it’s my pleasure.” Ariana smiled at Nicole then looked at Livi. “Do you want to show me your shot?”
Livi turned to Nicole with excitement.
“Go ahead,” Nicole said. She watched Ariana take Livi over to their basket where the little girl heaved the ball with all her might and it went in.
“If that isn’t the cutest thing I’ve seen in a while,” Shealyn said, coming to stand next to Nicole.
“I think I fall deeper in love with her every day,” Nicole said with a sigh.
Shealyn chuckled. “I’ve been there. Still am.”
Nicole glanced over at her and smiled.
“You told me she was great with kids,” Chelsea said. “You weren’t exaggerating.”
“We’ve done several WNBA youth events,” Nicole said. “In a way that’s how it all started.”
“Oh no,” Shealyn said. “Catching her as she flew through the air was the beginning.”
Ariana brought Livi back over to them as her teammates came out to shoot.
“Come on, Livi,” Shealyn said. “Let me show you what your aunt and I will be doing during the game.”
Nicole turned to Ariana, grateful for a moment alone with her.
“I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you,” Ariana said softly.
“I know!” Nicole exclaimed. She took a quick look around the arena. “We have to be careful.”
Ariana nodded.
“I can see you have a big game inside you,” Nicole said, staring into Ariana’s eyes. “Go out and play. Stop worrying about us.”
“Wait for me after the game,” Ariana said quickly.
“No, babe,” Nicole said. “There are too many eyes.”
“Okay. Text me where you’re staying.”
Nicole nodded and realized there was no one near them. “I love you, Ari,” she said softly.
Ariana smiled. “I love you, too.” She turned and dribbled towards the basket. Nicole saw her stop, launch a shot from deep in the court, and it flew through the hoop with a swish. Ariana turned around, winked, and was gone.
Chelsea and Livi left to return later with the rest of the family for the game.
Shealyn talked to a few of the players on the court while Nicole tried to busy herself at her computer, but she couldn’t keep from gazing up at Ariana.
She’d missed calling her games, but was discovering that this might be harder than she thought.
They went back to their dressing room to get ready for the game and fell into their regular routine. Just as Nicole hoped, Ariana had a great game. She played with the joy that Nicole always admired when watching and calling her games.
Nicole’s sister and family were sitting not far behind her and Nicole noticed Ariana pointed at Livi a couple of times as she ran down the court after scoring a basket. She could just imagine her niece’s excitement when she found out Ariana was her girlfriend.
After the game, Nicole and Shealyn made plans to meet Nicole’s sister and family for dinner. As they walked back to their dressing room Nicole couldn’t help but look for Ariana.
“Come on, you’re going to get into trouble,” Shealyn said, opening the door to their dressing room.
Nicole’s phone pinged in her bag and she smiled when she saw a thumbs up from the text she’d sent Ariana with their hotel info. Maybe it was Nicole’s turn to have a groupie show up at her hotel room door. She chuckled at the thought and began to pack up her things.
“What’s amusing?” Shealyn asked, packing her things as well.
“Oh nothing,” Nicole said.
“Mmhmm.”
“I used to tease Ariana about groupies. Maybe I’ll have one of my own tonight.”
“Girl, I know you’re not going to get us fired.”
“I haven’t yet,” Nicole said with a grin.
Shealyn shook her head and smirked. “Let me know if you need any help sneaking her into your room.”
Ariana stepped off the elevator with her phone in her hand.
She glanced down the hall both ways and saw no one.
She quickly typed a text to Nicole and when she reached her door it quietly opened.
Ariana chuckled and walked inside. When the door closed behind her, she blinked a few times.
She was not expecting to see Nicole standing a few steps away in a very sexy camisole and shorts set.
It was an almost see through lacy peach color which highlighted Nicole’s summer tan and smooth skin.
Ariana lost her breath and widened her eyes. “Do you always travel with sexy sleepwear?”
Nicole giggled. “Only when there’s a chance I might see my girl.”
Ariana closed the distance between them and pulled Nicole close. She growled and nuzzled Nicole’s neck. “You are the sexiest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Ariana said, kissing below Nicole’s ear. “I am so lucky to be your girlfriend.”
Nicole moaned as her arms slinked around Ariana’s neck. “Just how lucky are you?”
Ariana smiled against Nicole’s skin and gently guided her onto the bed. Their lips met in a heated kiss as Ariana pushed her leg between Nicole’s.
She slid her hand under Nicole’s top and cupped her breast while kissing just above the fabric. Ariana covered Nicole’s nipple with her mouth and sucked. She could feel the bud harden through the lacy fabric and groaned.
Ariana slid her hand under Nicole’s shorts and down into her wetness.
Nicole’s satisfied moan was the music Ariana had missed while being on this long road trip.
When she felt Nicole’s fingers comb through her hair Ariana could no longer wait.
She slipped one then another finger inside Nicole, filling her with the love in her heart, in her body, and in her soul.
She started a slow rhythm as their lips met in another passionate kiss. They didn’t need words right now. Their bodies knew how to communicate through touch, sound, and emotion.
Ariana moved her thumb to press against Nicole’s clit as she pushed inside once again, a little deeper this time. Her fingers brushed the place Nicole loved so much just as her thumb found that special spot beside her clit.
“Oh, Ari!” The words escaped Nicole’s mouth through clenched teeth.
“Feel my love, Nic,” Ariana said just as the orgasm pulsed against her fingers and rushed through Nicole’s body.
Nicole gasped and said Ariana’s name over and over in a love-filled mantra.
“Mmm.” Ariana found Nicole’s lips once again in a tender kiss. She sighed and slid over next to Nicole. “That didn’t take long. You missed me as much as I missed you.”
Nicole hummed in agreement.
“Will you wear this for me when we get home?”
Nicole chuckled as her fingers tangled in Ariana’s hair. “Absolutely.”
Ariana propped her head on her hand and let her finger trace up and down Nicole’s chest. “I can’t tell you how surprised I was to see you when I walked into that gym.”
“I could see it on your face. I would’ve told you, but it was last minute and I thought the surprise might be a good thing.”
Ariana sighed. “I haven’t been playing well.”
“Would you like my analysis of why?” Nicole asked.
“I have a pretty good idea, but yes, enlighten me with your brilliance.”
“Baby, you’ve got to play,” Nicole said. “You’re letting our situation take the fun out of it.”
“I know,” Ariana whined. “I remember being on the roof with you, talking about the fun.”
“Tonight was different?”
Ariana nodded. “Seeing you at the media table made my heart beat in a different way. Oh, and meeting Livi! My God, Nic, that was the best.”
Nicole grinned. “I can’t wait to tell her that you’re my girlfriend. I may become the best aunt in the world.”
Ariana laughed and rolled onto her back. “Where do you go next?”
“We’re supposed to find out in the morning, but it won’t be with you,” Nicole said. “I really wanted to call the Portland game, but I think we’ll be in Dallas. I want to meet your mom.”
Ariana couldn’t hide the disappointment on her face. Nicole rolled onto her side and stroked the side of Ariana’s face. Her tender touch always gave Ariana such a thrill. “After the season is over, we’ll go to Portland.”
“I’d love that.” Nicole smiled. “And then Phoenix.”
“Hey, if we play Phoenix in the playoffs you’ll have to do that game,” Ariana said. “Maybe I can meet your parents then.”
“Slow down, babe. I want to call that game more than anything, but we’re getting too far ahead.”
“Speaking of ahead and looking past the season,” Ariana said, gazing into Nicole’s eyes, “do you know what you’re going to do?”
“I’ve been thinking about it, but we have to get you that championship first.”
“I thought you were supposed to be neutral.” Ariana interlaced their fingers and pulled Nicole’s hand over her heart.
Nicole smiled. “You may think Livi is your biggest fan, but you’d be wrong.”
Ariana pulled Nicole’s hand to her lips and kissed it softly. “You don’t think they’ll let you keep calling the WNBA?”
“Do we have to talk about this right now?” Nicole said. “I’m trying to get you to stop worrying and play with abandon and the freedom that makes you so damn good.”
“It makes me worry that I don’t know what’s next for you,” Ariana said. “We know what I’ll be doing. I’m under contract.”
“Okay, I didn’t realize you were so concerned about it,” Nicole said. “But babe, we already have plenty to worry about.”
“So?”
“It will make you feel better to know that Misty Bell has wanted me to come coach with her for years. She always has a place for me if I decide to give up the mic.”
“Really!” Ariana’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great option.”
Nicole chuckled. “You don’t think that would be too much togetherness?”
“Never.”
“She isn’t the only one interested in my research and analysis talents,” Nicole said. “I could also write for the network and do the kinds of pieces where I can give my opinion for a change. So stop worrying, I have options.”
“Yes, but none of those include commentating,” Ariana said. “I know that’s your love.”
“I have thought about that,” Nicole said.
“I could go into the studio and do the pre- and post-game shows. Those could be fun. I could definitely show off my analytical skills. Or I could always go back to calling college games. I still do some now and I do love watching these young players blossom.”
Ariana smiled. “Are you sure about this?”
Nicole scoffed. “What?” She sat up and stared down at Ariana. “Are you changing your mind about us?”
“No!” Ariana sat up and grabbed Nicole’s hands. “Will you be happy doing any of those things you just listed?”
“You make me happy, Ariana Villa,” Nicole stated. “I can do any of those things.”
“Or, there’s another you haven’t mentioned.”
“What’s that?”
“You could spend your time with me and travel with me during the season,” Ariana said. “I make a lot of money from my endorsements. We’ve made the decision to do this life together, so what I have is yours.”
“Oh!” Nicole’s voice went up and down as she grinned. “Being your girlfriend has perks, does it?”
Ariana chuckled. “It’s an option, babe. Think about it.”
“Okay, I will add it to the list,” Nicole said. “But right now there are other things I’d rather do.”
Ariana gazed into her dark brown eyes and gave her a sexy smile. “Oh yeah? What might that be?”
Ariana felt Nicole’s lips crash into hers as she landed on her back in a heap. Nicole held her hands pinned on either side of her head and Ariana raised a brow. “Take your shot, babe.”
They had had sex more times than Ariana could count, but this was making love uninhibited with no thoughts of anything but pleasure, desire, and the joy of being together.