BETWEEN OUR LIPS. paige bueckers

thirty five

The hum of activity from the gym serves as a constant backdrop as Kai works in her office. Today's task is less about flashy media and more about logistics—she's finalizing an intricate travel itinerary for the team's next road game. That just so happens to be against South Carolina. She already knew what the team was gonna feel like on the way back—hopefully they prove her wrong. Color-coded spreadsheets fill her screen, listing hotel accommodations, bus schedules, practice times, and meal plans. Her desk is littered with sticky notes, each scribbled with reminders: confirm catering, adjust player interviews, check hotel confirmations.

From the other side of the glass wall, she catches glimpses of the team running drills. Aaliyah is dominating the paint, while Nika's sharp passes carve through defenders. Paige, ever vocal, directs the chaos like a conductor, her braids bouncing as she moves. Kai sighs, massaging her temples as she switches tabs to address an email from a sports journalist requesting a last-minute player interview. "A last minute interview with Paige. Yeah, like that's gonna happen." Kai says as she rolls her eyes typing out a professional email basically saying that it would not be possible within the time frame of the interview.

As she hits send, the knock on her door is soft but insistent. Before she can respond, Paige slips in, her face still glowing from practice, her hair slightly mussed, and a confident smirk playing on her lips. She doesn't wait for an invitation, closing the door behind her and stepping inside like she belongs there. "Still buried in work?" Paige asks, closing the door behind her.

Kai rolls her eyes, not looking up. "Yes, busy making your life easier." Paige perches on the edge of Kai's desk, leaning just enough to block part of the screen. Kai groans as she tries to push the blonde away from her monitor. She doesn't budge.

"How about a break?" Paige suggests, slowly closing Kai's computer. Kai swats at Paige's knee without looking up.

She opens her computer back up, seeing her email had been deleted. She lets out an angry sigh. "How about you stop interrupting me?" Paige grips Kai's wrist in one hand, stopping her hands from typing.

"I'm being helpful," Paige counters, grinning. "I can take over. I'll send emails for you." Kai finally looks up at the girl with a 'are you serious' expression on her face and eyebrows raised.

"Oh, sure. I'd love to see what kind of nonsense you'd send to our sponsors." Paige fakes a gasp, holding her hand to her heart in faux heartbreak.

"I'm a professional! I'd start with, 'Hey, this is Paige Bueckers, guard for the UConn women's basketball team. Can you believe Kai made me write this email?'" Kai lets out a sarcastic laugh.

Kai exhales heavily, leaning back in her chair as Paige stands up and looms over the brunette. "Paige, I have deadlines."

"Deadlines can wait," Paige says softly, stepping closer. She places her hand lightly on Kai's arm, leaning down just enough so that their faces are mere inches apart. "You can't tell me you don't need a break."

Kai narrows her eyes, though her resolve is already cracking under Paige's proximity. "You're infuriating."

Paige grins. "And yet, you let me in." Her thumb brushes lightly over Kai's arm, her voice dropping to a low murmur. "Admit it—you like having me around."

Kai opens her mouth to respond, but Paige moves closer, her lips brushing softly against Kai's. The contact is brief, testing, but when Kai doesn't pull away, Paige deepens the kiss, her hand sliding up to cup Kai's jaw.

For a moment, Kai's mind goes completely blank. She forgets about the spreadsheets, the emails, and even the sound of practice still echoing faintly through the walls. All she can focus on is the warmth of Paige's mouth and the way Paige's fingers curl into her hair, anchoring her in place.