soul ties-a paige bueckers story

SIX

***

PAIGE

Nothing else in the world mattered to me when I kissed her. It all became so clear. So simple. There was so much truth in the saying "When you know, you know." And oh, how I knew.

I hadn't wanted to stop, but the girls were blowing up my phone, asking where I was and if I was okay, when I'd be back to determine whether or not they had to lock the door, and whether or not I had my keys to get in. As soon as I regretfully pulled away, I kicked myself for it. But she was understanding. "I know how morning lifts are," she leaned her head on my shoulder. "I get it. Let me walk you back."

"You're tired," I said lamely, unable to stop myself from begging her to come back to my dorm with me. "It's okay."

"And you're Paige Bueckers," she grinned. "You need security detail wherever you go."

"Nah," I shook my head, almost embarrassed. "You gotta stop sayin' that stuff."

"Not until you realize it's true." She got up, placing her hand on the door, but I was right on her. Perks of being a defensive legend, I suppose. I slid my hands onto her hips and pulled her close for one more kiss. She closed her eyes, exhaling sharply, giving me all the confirmation I needed that she wanted me to stay just as badly. "If you keep doing this, I can't let you go."

"So don't. Stay with me, B."

"Is that gonna get you in trouble, P?" Her eyes were wide with worry. "I don't wanna mess it up for you. I know how important this is."

"I've waited 22 years to be able to do this and not feel sorry," I told her, bending down again to leave a kiss on her forehead. "And I'm a big girl. I know what's good for me. And it's this."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Okay," she smiled, shaking her head in disbelief. "You got me."

***

My teammates were normal when we walked into the suite, hand in hand, and headed straight for my room. Had I texted them, begging them to stay cool and collected, while we were on our way up? 110%. But Bryce didn't have to know that. I saw them exchange looks and silently freak out, Nika especially. She had wiggled her eyebrows at me playfully when I entered the suite ahead of Bryce, scanning the scene to know what we'd be walking into. But she was silent. Happy for you, she'd mouthed. You're good here. The trust I have always had in my teammates was truly immeasurable. It's moments like these I know I couldn't have played anywhere else.

Bryce kept her eyes on me and her fingers interlocked with mine as I guided her to my room. I should rephrase that. As I guided her amongst the billion Lego pieces Jana had out on the floor. There had been too many mornings I'd started with a brick between the toes, and that shit was like no other pain I'd ever felt. She set down her purse and pulled off her glasses once we were safely in my room, flopping on my bed with a groan. I laid down next to her, cautiously, as she stared at the ceiling. We didn't even have to talk. I was at peace purely existing next to her.

"So." I could hear the smile on her lips without even looking at her.

"So," I said back. Deja vu, that's for sure.

"You sure you're not gonna wake up tomorrow and kick me out? And regret everything? Because you asked me to come here," she asked me. From the slight nervousness she was giving off, I knew she was only half-joking.

"Not a chance," I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her into my chest. She giggled and snuggled into me instantly, leaning her head into my neck and letting her hand rest gently on my chest.