LOVING DAHLIA ( ᴘᴀɪɢᴇ ʙᴜᴇᴄᴋᴇʀs) (ON HOLD)

Chapter 20: A Knock on the Door

Dahlia was sitting at her kitchen table, surrounded by textbooks and notes, trying to focus on her studies. The apartment was unusually quiet, with Sadie and her grandparents out enjoying the park. She'd almost gotten lost in her reading when a soft knock at the door broke her concentration.

She frowned, surprised. She wasn't expecting anyone. Pushing back from the table, she stood and made her way to the door, her heart speeding up with curiosity. When she opened it, the sight on the other side made her breath hitch.

Paige stood there, her tall figure framed by the door, holding a bouquet of white roses in her hand. Her glasses perched on her nose, and she wore a shy, almost vulnerable smile. Dahlia couldn't help but melt at how utterly adorable Paige looked in that moment.

"Paige?" Dahlia said, blinking in surprise. "What are you doing here? I didn't expect you. Please, come in."

Paige stepped inside quietly, her shoulders visibly relaxing as she met Dahlia's gaze. As soon as the door was closed behind her, she wasted no time in wrapping her arms around Dahlia's waist, pulling her close. Paige rested her head in the crook of Dahlia's neck, inhaling deeply as if grounding herself in her presence.

Dahlia's heart fluttered as she wrapped her arms around Paige's neck, gently stroking her hair. Paige's warmth felt like home, and she couldn't help but close her eyes, enjoying the comforting silence between them.

"I missed you so much, flower. I really did," Paige whispered against Dahlia's skin. "I'm sorry for avoiding you. I didn't mean to. I just got caught up in everything..."

Before Dahlia could reply, Paige pulled back slightly and handed her the bouquet of roses, her blue eyes sincere and apologetic. Dahlia blushed, taking the flowers and bringing them to her nose to smell the soft fragrance.

"It's okay, Paige," Dahlia said softly, putting some distance between them so she could look Paige in the eyes. "I understand. But what are you doing here?"

Paige smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Well, I came to hang out with you and my little champ. Where's Sadie, by the way?"

Before Dahlia could answer, the door to the apartment burst open, and Sadie came running inside, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw Paige. "Paigey!" she yelled excitedly, her little legs carrying her toward her favorite basketball star.

Paige laughed, bending down to scoop Sadie up in her arms. "Hey, champ! How's it going?"

Sadie giggled, wrapping her arms around Paige's neck. "I missed you!"

"I missed you too, kiddo," Paige said, giving her a squeeze before setting her down.

As Paige stood up, she noticed the elderly couple by the door-Dahlia's grandparents. Mark and Jane were embracing Dahlia, but when Mark's eyes fell on Paige, his jaw dropped.

"Is this the Paige Carla was talking about?" he asked, his voice full of surprise. "She was talking about the Paige Bueckers?"

Dahlia giggled, her face flushing with embarrassment. "Yes, Granddad, this is the Paige Bueckers."

Mark's eyes widened in awe as he turned back to Paige. "I've seen your games, kid. You're really talented. You're like a young Diana Taurasi. I'm glad my sweet Dahlia knows you-you're so kind to her. Thank you for taking care of my two girls."

Paige smiled shyly, nodding. "Anytime, sir."

"Please, call me Gramps," Mark insisted with a chuckle. "And you can call my wife Granny Jane."

Paige grinned. "Okay, Gramps. And Granny Jane," she added with a grin, looking over at Jane, who smiled warmly.

"Why don't you stay for lunch, sweetie?" Jane offered kindly.

Paige hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "I'd love to."

With that, Dahlia and her grandmother headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch, leaving Paige to chat with Mark. As Dahlia worked alongside her grandmother, she couldn't help but glance over occasionally at Paige. The sight of her playing with Sadie and talking animatedly with Mark sent a warmth spreading through her chest. It was in moments like these that Dahlia felt herself falling harder for Paige-seeing her so at ease with her family made her heart swell.

During lunch, Mark and Jane asked Paige questions about her basketball career, UConn, and her plans for the future. Paige answered each one with a warm smile, her eyes occasionally drifting to Dahlia, making her heart skip a beat. Dahlia couldn't stop herself from admiring how naturally Paige fit in with her family, how she made everyone feel at ease.

After lunch, Paige stood and stretched, thanking them all for the meal. "I really hope to see you guys again soon," she said, flashing her bright smile.

Both Mark and Jane hugged her tightly, Jane patting her cheek affectionately. "We hope to see you soon, too, Paige."

As Paige made her way to the door, Dahlia walked her to the car, her heart racing in her chest. Just before Paige could get into her car, she turned back, wrapping her arms around Dahlia's waist. She leaned her forehead against Dahlia's, her voice soft and affectionate.

"I love your grandparents," Paige whispered. "They're so kind. I'm glad they raised the most beautiful woman standing in front of me right now."

Dahlia blushed, her face heating up as she buried it against Paige's chest. Paige's words made her feel like she was floating, her heart fluttering uncontrollably.

"Oh, by the way, flower," Paige added, pulling back slightly to look into Dahlia's eyes. "There's a party tonight. Do you want to come with me?"

Dahlia smiled softly and nodded. "Sure, superstar. I'd love to go. Do you mind if I bring Carla? I don't want to be alone in a new environment."

"Of course, flower. You can bring Carla."

With that, Paige handed Dahlia a piece of paper with the address, then leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. Dahlia's heart skipped a beat as she watched Paige get into her car and drive off. When she turned back to the apartment, her grandparents were standing there, giving her warm smiles.

"Paige is good to you," Mark said, his voice filled with approval. "Don't let that girl go, Dahlia. She's a keeper."

Dahlia smiled, her heart full as she walked back into the apartment. Paige wasn't just good to her-she made her feel like the most special person in the world. And Dahlia was starting to realize just how much Paige meant to her.

Guys this chapter idk what I even wrote I hope you love it and I've been thinking of putting this book on hold after Halloween or not write it anymore I'm having second thoughts about it right now.

Sorry for the late chapter I went out to watch the new venom movie and I liked the movie I just didn't like the ending.

XoXo V 💜💜💜