Years Of Love

The Hickey

Chapter 6: 

It had been a month since Paige and Azzi made things official, and life couldn't have been better. They were playing some of their best basketball, and their relationship was thriving. The team had just pulled off a huge win against a top-ranked opponent, and a post-game celebration was in full swing at one of the off-campus houses. The energy was electric, everyone still riding high from the victory.

Paige and Azzi arrived at the party together, but as soon as they walked through the door, they were greeted by different groups of friends and teammates. Paige was soon swept up by a group of fans, mostly underclassmen who were thrilled to be at the same party as the star player. They surrounded her, asking questions, and showering her with praise.

Azzi watched from across the room, a slight frown tugging at her lips. She wasn't usually the jealous type, but seeing Paige so absorbed in the attention from her admirers made her chest tighten. It wasn't that she didn't trust Paige—she did, completely. But there was something about the way those girls looked at her girlfriend that made Azzi's stomach twist uncomfortably.

Nika noticed the change in Azzi's expression as she approached with a drink in hand. "What's up, Fudd? You look like you're about to start a fight."

Azzi let out a frustrated sigh, her eyes still locked on Paige. "I'm not gonna fight anyone. But I'm definitely not loving the way those girls are all over Paige right now."

Nika followed her gaze and chuckled. "You know she's just being friendly. But if you're feeling a little possessive, I might have an idea."

Azzi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I'm listening."

Nika grinned mischievously. "Why don't you give her a little taste of her own medicine? Find someone to flirt with, get her attention, and see how she likes it."

Azzi considered the idea, a smile slowly spreading across her face. "You think that'll work?"

"Paige is crazy about you, Azzi," Nika said confidently. "Trust me, she won't be able to stand it."

With her mind made up, Azzi scanned the room for a willing participant. She spotted a girl from one of her classes—tall, athletic, and pretty—standing by the kitchen. Azzi turned to Nika with a wink. "Watch this."

Azzi made her way over to the girl, striking up a casual conversation. She kept it light, smiling and laughing just enough to make it clear she was flirting. It didn't take long for Paige to notice. As soon as she caught sight of Azzi talking and laughing with someone else, her easygoing demeanor shifted. She tried to focus on the conversation around her, but her eyes kept drifting back to Azzi, jealousy starting to simmer beneath the surface.

Unable to take it any longer, Paige excused herself from the group and made a beeline for Azzi. She slipped her arm around Azzi's waist, pulling her close as she interrupted the conversation.

"Hey, babe," Paige said, her voice light but with a possessive edge. "I was wondering where you went."

Azzi turned to Paige, trying to keep a straight face, but the sight of Paige's slightly jealous expression made her heart race with satisfaction. "Just talking to a friend," she replied nonchalantly.

Paige's eyes flicked to the girl Azzi had been talking to, then back to Azzi. But before she could say anything, her gaze locked onto Azzi's, those deep brown eyes that always seemed to draw her in. The world around them faded, and all Paige could see was Azzi, standing there looking effortlessly beautiful.

Paige's breath caught in her throat, and without thinking, she leaned in, her lips brushing against Azzi's neck. The soft touch of Paige's mouth against her skin sent a shiver down Azzi's spine, her heart pounding in her chest. Paige's kisses grew bolder, more insistent, as she trailed them down Azzi's neck, finding that sensitive spot just below her ear.