You Get It

basketball champ

Hands on his knees, Spencer took a deep breath as the sweat dripped down his forehead. The hot California sun beating down on him and not helping with his lack of oxygen. This was it. The final moments. The score was 10-7 and if he could score then the game would be tied and he had a chance of winning. It wasn't as easy as he thought it was going to be and this may have been his toughest opponent yet. He quickly looked up into the face of his rival before breaking eye contact to plot the best plan of attack.

"You going to make a move, James or are you finally accepting defeat?" The rival taunted causing Spencer to meet their eyes again.

A small smirk formed on his face as he looked into the wide brown eyes he had spent so much time looking into this summer. The light hitting her and creating a glow that he'd been picking up on more than usual lately. He wasn't sure why but for some reason, this summer had felt different from other ones. He had female best friends before, counting Coop as more of a sister than anything. But with Olivia, it felt natural. Almost like a piece of him had returned and a sense of comfort he'd been searching for his whole life had finally connected. He shook it off, not sure of how he kept getting lost in thoughts like this when they hung out recently. It was his best friend, so obviously he'd feel comfortable. Right? He shook his head and refocused.

What had started as a friendly game between friends to break up the movie binges they'd been having, had quickly escalated into a fierce competition and he wasn't going to give up that easy.

"Don't push your luck there, Baker. You had a few lucky shots. You can't rush perfection and natural athleticism." He cracked trying to stay serious, causing them both to squint before breaking out into a fit of laughter.

"Dude just make a move, it's hot and I'm ready to just beat you and wrap this up. Spoiled Rich Kids comes on soon and that couch and central air is calling my name" she said, adjusting the now messy curls in her ponytail before getting back into a defensive stance. Just as she went to reach for the ball, he side stepped and got around her before dribbling to the basket and making a shot.

"HA! Told you, Liv. Cant rush perfection." He gloated as he was met with her glare.

"Lucky shot. Next point wins, and then I'm for real done." She said grabbing the ball and dribbling away. Just as she went to shoot, she felt his hand touch hers and block the shot, causing her to lose her breath for a second before turning right into him. Their eyes met and neither one pulled away from their position as their bodies stood close together and their lips were inches apart. His eyes looked down from her eyes to her lips and then back again. A sudden chirp of a car locking nearby, brought them back. Clearing his throat in an attempt to break the clear tension, Spencer turned slightly, dribbling a few steps before shooting and making the winning shot.

"I am the champion" he gloated, flexing his arms and not even trying to feign modesty.

"Not even fair, you have like an inch on me in height and I'm pretty sure you traveled" she defended, rolling her eyes as she crossed her arms.

"Don't be a sore loser, Liv. Sometimes in life we just have to accept our loses, doesn't mean you can't try again" he mocked, repeating the words she had said earlier after beating him in Monopoly for the third time. Adding on to the act by placing a hand on her shoulder in fake sympathy, he couldn't help but laugh.

"Whatever. Still think you cheated" she said, shooting him a death glare before peeking down at the sweat that had formed on his shirtless abs before meeting his eyes again. She wasn't sure why but for some reason, these touches felt a little different than normal. It wasn't unusual for them, especially after getting so close over the past year but since the beginning of summer and them spending so much time together, it felt....nice. Natural in a way. A secret part of her had enjoyed the fleeting moments but she rationalized it as friends being comfortable around each other despite knowing that feelings she had long tried to repress were resurfacing. Making up in her mind that it wasn't going to go anywhere since he couldn't possibly feel the same way. Between that and the awkward spot she was still in with Asher and with Layla and Spencer still uncertain of where they stood- she did what she knew. Buried them deep down. Deep, deep, deep down.

It wasn't until they heard the sounds of noise from the kitchen that they broke their stare and Spencer realized his hand was still on her shoulder. Chuckling and again trying to play off what just happened, he went over to the corner to grab his shirt. Spotting Jordan and Simone in the kitchen, they made their way in so they could properly greet them.

"I demand a rematch this weekend. I am not going down that way." She said, passing him as he opened the door and they crossed the entryway. He laughed at her competitive side coming out so fiercely.

"Why wait? I say we go again later on." He shrugged as he made his way over to Jordan and they did their handshake. "Sup, J. Hey Simone"

"What's up Spence. Gremlin" Jordan replied, nudging Olivia's shoulder as she smacked him away. "We're just grabbing a snack before we head back out", grabbing a to-go container of fruit and chips, Jordan made a face at Olivia before walking out and leaving Simone, Spencer and Liv in the kitchen.

"Be quick, babe. I don't wanna miss the previews" Simone yelled out to him before refocusing on her phone.

Rolling her eyes at the interruption, Olivia turned to Spencer and spoke again. "Anyways. I'll take any chance I can to settle the score." She said, raising her eyebrows and nodding. A few moments passed before she scrunched her eyebrows. "Wait hold on, don't you have mini-camp soon? Won't you be too tired?" she said with a confused look.

"Yeah, but something more important came up. I can come back after." He stated matter-of-factly. "Besides, it's worth it. You are the better Baker twin, after all." He added with a wink before walking out. "Later" he called out without turning.

Blushing, Olivia tried to bite her lip to hide the smile that was forming as he walked away.

"You are not slick." Simone's words knocking her out of the trance.

"Huh?" she said, trying to refocus her brain.

"Huh?" Simone mocked. "I see the two of you are pretty comfortable" she teased with a knowing look.

"Well yeah we are. He's my best friend, Simone." Olivia defended in an unconvincing tone.

"Okay. Best friends. Don't worry. When the two of you get married, I'll make sure he knows that you guys are just friends."

"We are. He's still with Layla, and I'm with Asher. We're friends. That's it."

"Keep telling yourself that." Simone said, putting her hands up in fake defeat. The two had talked about it before, with Liv denying it and Simone pretending that she believed her. Hearing her name, she stood to grab her purse and meet Jordan at the door. Pausing, she looked up to meet Olivia's eyes. "But I'll just say this. You deserve to be happy. No one would think it came out of nowhere. And you both of you are technically single "

"And we're friends. That's it" Olivia cut her off.

"Whatever you say, girl" Simone sighed. Not wanting to push any further, Simone shrugged her shoulders just as she heard Jordan call her name again. "I will say this though. I don't recall any of my friends looking at me the way he looks at you." she said with a nod before walking away.

Left alone in her thoughts, Olivia's mind began to race as she tried to calm the butterflies in her stomach at Simone's words.

Him looking at her that way? The thought made her smile.

Wait. No. Not happening. Bring it in, Olivia. She caught herself and reminded herself of her plan.

Bury it. She repeated.

But then Spencer's words and their time together started to flash in her mind again and that smile crept back onto her face.

Damn it. She thought as she gathered her drink and made her way to her room to shower.

This was going to be harder than she thought.