Beyond the Basket - Paige Bueckers

part 13 - an unexpected promise

Wednesday November 6, 2024

Paige POV

I'm at Azzi's apartment, and she's helping me get ready for the date. I sigh, flopping onto her bed dramatically. "Ugh, I don't know what to wear," I groan, feeling like nothing in my wardrobe is good enough. All I want is to look perfect for Kie.

Azzi just rolls her eyes, clearly used to my dramatics by now. "Your hair's already braided, so why don't you take it out and leave it a little wavy?" she suggests as she rummages through her closet. I watch as she pulls out a multi-colored sweater and a pair of beige cargo pants. She holds them up with a smug grin. "Here, try these."

I groan, but get up and take the clothes from her. Once I'm in the bathroom, I pull out my braids, fluff my hair into loose waves, and tie half of it up. After slipping into the sweater and pants, I apply a quick coat of mascara and head back out into Azzi's bedroom.

I do a little twirl in front of her, my nerves fluttering in my chest. "So, how do I look?" Azzi snorts. "Like you're going to scissor city tonight," she quips, raising an eyebrow at me. I narrow my eyes at her. "Seriously? Be for real, Az. Do I look good or not?" She laughs, standing up and swatting me lightly on the arm. "You look good. Don't worry. Now go pick up your wife."

I walk over to her dorm building and knock on her door. Unfortunately for me Ines answers. "Paige, what are you doing here?" she asks me with a confused look on her face. "Well, I have a meeting with my sports agent, and since Kie needs to be there so I offered to drive her."

Unfortunately for me, Inês is the one who answers. She stands there with a puzzled look. "Paige, what are you doing here?" she asks, tilting her head. I give her my best nonchalant smile. "Oh, hey, Inês! I have a meeting with my sports agent, and Kie needs to be there too, so I offered to drive her," I explain quickly. Inês looks unconvinced but shrugs, stepping aside to let me in. "Alright, well, Kie's almost ready."

"Only time my entire team can be there," I answer, trying to sound casual but aware of Inês's eyes on me. "With games, practices, and school, my schedule is super tight." I give her a small shrug, avoiding her gaze as I pretend to check my phone for messages, hoping she doesn't pry any further.

Just then, Kiera steps out, looking absolutely stunning. Her hair is sleek and straightened, and she's wearing a black dress with bold blue lips scattered across it. My breath catches for a second—she looks perfect. "So we should go, don't want to be late for the meeting," I say quickly, sliding my hand around her waist like it's the most natural thing in the world. Kiera glances at me, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Bye," she calls over her shoulder to Inês. "Depending on how late the meeting runs, I might just crash at Paige's for a sleepover." Before Inês can ask any more questions, we rush out of the dorm together.

"Meeting?" she asks with a raised brow as soon as we're a few feet from the door. Her voice is laced with curiosity and a bit of suspicion. "I needed an excuse," I reply with a little shrug and an innocent smile. She smirks, eyes darkening as she steps closer. "You know what I need?" she whispers, and before I can respond, she gently but firmly pushes me against the wall. My breath hitches as her lips hover over mine, teasing me with just the lightest touch before pressing into a slow, deliberate kiss. I can feel her smile against my lips, and it sends a thrill through my entire body.

We pull apart, both of us slightly breathless, and make our way down the stairs. Kiera's hand brushes mine occasionally as we head to the parking lot to find my car. "Sooo, where are we going tonight?" she asks, leaning into the mystery. Her voice carries that playful lilt I adore. "It's a surprise," I reply with a smirk. She rolls her eyes but climbs into the passenger seat, her curiosity piqued. I get into the driver's seat and, without thinking, place my hand on her bare thigh. She glances at me with a mischievous smile before covering my hand with hers, squeezing it gently. I glance at her, grinning as I start the car, ready for whatever the night brings.