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deep end [chapter 5 - the girlfriend]

Paige Bueckers x Azzi Fudd Summary: Paige is barely holding it together—broke, half-focused on her last semester in UCLA, and saying yes to every side gig that pays. Pool cleaning seemed easy enough. Then she gets assigned to a secluded property in the hills, where the woman of the house watches her work and never says more than she has to.

Azzi is a cardiologist, recently separated, and still adjusting to a house that feels too large for one—too quiet when her daughter’s away. She didn’t ask for a distraction. Certainly not one with long legs, a smart mouth, and a habit of showing up late with wet hair and no apology.

What begins as glances and guarded small talk unravels into something harder to name. Neither of them should want more. Author's note: this is an AU where Paige is a college student in UCLA and Azzi is 14 years older with a daughter (but she's divorced). someone suggested i should write milf!Azzi. i don’t know if i’ll do it justice, but here we go. *CHAPTER LIST HERE* Chapter Summary: Paige downplays her milestones. Azzi has other plans. What follows is soft, a little chaotic, and entirely theirs.

Author's note: Thank you for joining me in this short series. It was fun being creative with the age gap and a kid. I'd like to thank the anon who gave me this idea. I hope you had a good read with this fic. Warning: Sexual Content. Strap. Word Count: 7,867

The diner’s fluorescent glow cast soft reflections on the chrome-edged table, catching the faint shadows beneath Azzi’s eyes and the gentle curve of Paige’s wrist where it rested beside the ketchup bottle.

Across from them, Emily perched on her side of the booth with a paper napkin crumpled in her lap. She was slurping the last third of her chocolate milkshake with unconcerned enthusiasm.

A crown of fries ringed her plate. Some soggy from the condensation, others half-eaten and forgotten. She ate with complete focus, unaware of the quiet storm settling between the two adults seated across from her.

Azzi watched her daughter, searching for the right moment. She let out a soft sigh and reached to adjust the straw wrapper beside her, more out of habit than necessity.

“Em,” she said, her voice calm but purposeful. “There’s something I want to discuss with you.”

Emily paused, a fry mid-air. She blinked once, then looked up at her mother, waiting.

“You know your dad and I are no longer together,” Azzi continued. “But that doesn’t change how much we both love you.”

“You already told me that before, Mom.”

“Right. I did.” Azzi nodded.

She glanced briefly at Paige before returning her attention back to her daughter. “What I mean is, now that your dad and I aren’t married anymore, it’s okay for us to spend time with other people. Grown-ups sometimes start new relationships, and that’s normal.”

Emily sipped her milkshake with a weak shrug, “I know, Mommy. Daddy said the same thing.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard. “He did?”

Paige leaned in, lowering her voice just enough to reach Azzi’s ear. “Babe, focus.”

Azzi straightened slightly, redirecting her thoughts. “Right. As I was saying… Em, I want you to know I’m with someone new and your father is aware of the situation.”

Emily’s eyes moved between them. Her gaze stopped on Paige. “Paigey?”

Azzi gave a small nod, nerves creeping up on. “Yes, it’s Paigey.”

There was a brief pause before Emily replied. She seemed to weigh something in her mind, then said, “I like Paigey. She likes my drawings and she lets me swim in the deep end of the pool.”

Azzi turned her head slowly toward Paige. “You let her do what?”

Caught in the act, Paige stifled a laugh and lifted her hands in mock defense. “Supervised. Completely. She had floaties. I was two feet away the entire time.”

Azzi narrowed her eyes, though her expression held more amusement than reprimand.

Across from them, Emily returned to her fries, thoroughly unbothered. Whatever tension had hung between the three of them had already been absorbed and dismissed by the youngest at the table.

The evening sun slipped low behind the Chick-fil-A sign, washing the parking lot in a warm orange haze. Cars pulled in and out with a rhythm that barely registered over the crunch of chicken sandwiches and the drag of long straws through mostly melted ice.

They’d found a spot on the curb near a mulched patch of bushes. The heat of the asphalt rising faintly beneath them.

Paige sat cross-legged, dipping her fries into her sauce with lazy precision. Her bag was half-emptied beside her and a lemonade sweating in her lap.

Nika had her tray balanced on her thighs while KK tore open her second sandwich, chewing like she hadn’t eaten in days.

KK glanced up mid-bite. “Have you told the Doctor about graduation yet?”

Paige smirked and gave a small snort. “You can just call her Azzi, you know. And no. I haven’t.”

“Why not?”

Before Paige could answer, Nika spoke up. “Well, did you tell her about the offer you got from the LA Sparks coaching department?”

Paige paused. Her hand hovered over the sauce cup before she tossed the fry back in the bag. “I haven’t told her that either.”

KK made a sound of frustration and gestured with half her sandwich. “Well, what do you tell your woman, then?”

Paige laughed softly but didn’t answer right away.

A breeze kicked up, rustling a napkin across the pavement. She watched it for a second, then shrugged, more tired than flippant.

“It’s just graduation. And the offer… I don’t know. Compared to everything she’s done, it feels small. She’s a successful cardiologist, she owns a house with an actual view, and probably a credit score higher than God. Me finishing undergrad and maybe getting a contract doesn’t exactly stack up.”

Nika’s face tightened with something like disappointment, though it came out gentle. “P, you have to stop talking about yourself like you’re a half-formed version of something better. Your life doesn’t have to compete with hers. This isn’t a race.”

KK exhaled and tossed her empty sauce packet into the bag. “Yeah, what feels small to you probably means a lot to Dr. Girly Pop. You make it sound like she’s grading your life off some checklist. I don’t think that’s how this works.”

Paige dragged her sleeve over her knee, nodding without conviction. A bird darted across the lot toward the hedge, wings sharp against the sky.

“I’ll think about it.”

The movie had long faded into its closing credits. Soft music swelling beneath the low light of the living room.

Emily’s breaths were slow and even. Her cheek pressed against Paige’s stomach, one arm loosely wrapped around the fabric of her Nike shirt. The couch blanket had slipped down to her knees.

Azzi glanced over and smiled, voice low as she stretched out her legs. “So much for her wanting to stay up late.”

Paige looked down and traced her fingers gently through Emily’s curls, her touch tender and patient.

“She’s a champ for making it twenty minutes in,” she said, her lips curving.

Azzi felt the warmth press in deeper than the couch cushions. Something about Paige’s care, how naturally she moved into moments like this and how easily her affection came, settled into the spaces Azzi had long guarded.

It wasn’t the first time she had noticed it. But lately, it stayed longer. Grew fuller.

Love, she thought, and immediately pushed the word aside. Though the weight of it lingered.

She didn’t realize how long she’d been staring until Paige turned her head and said, “Babe, I’m going to take her to bed. Can you make us some tea?”

Azzi blinked. “Tea?”

Paige lifted her brows like it was obvious. “Yeah. Tea.”

“You’ve never had tea before bed.”

There was a flash of amusement in Paige’s eyes as she adjusted Emily gently in her arms, careful not to jostle her too much. “Guess I’m evolving.”

Azzi stood slowly, still watching as Paige rose with more effort than she probably wanted to show. There was a soft grunt, nearly swallowed by the hum of the credits, but Azzi caught it and straightened.

“Your knee?”

Paige shifted Emily higher and glanced over her shoulder. “I’m good. I’ll see you in a minute.”

She disappeared down the hall with Emily tucked close.

Ten minutes passed before Paige returned to the living room. Her hair slightly mussed from the effort, an envelope pinched between her fingers.

Azzi looked up from the mugs on the coffee table, her gaze narrowing as it slid from the envelope to Paige’s face.

Paige gave a slow, nervous breath and sat beside her again on the couch.

“Sorry I asked you to make tea,” she said, voice low. “I just wanted you to have something to do while I'm having a mental breakdown in your bedroom for this.”

She held the envelope out.

Azzi took it without a word, her fingers careful along the sealed edge. The flap opened with a soft tug. Inside were two graduation tickets, both stamped with UCLA’s crest and the date printed in bold.

Paige rubbed her palms on her thighs. “It’s short notice, I know. I was going back and forth trying to figure out if you’d even want to be there, but—”

Azzi leaned in and kissed her before the doubt could find another foothold. It wasn’t a question. It was pride and affection, full and unshaken. She drew back only slightly, enough to meet Paige’s eyes.

“Don’t ever second guess yourself when it comes to me,” she said softly. “I will always be there for you, Paige.”

Paige’s breath caught. She laughed quietly and leaned in to kiss her again, slower this time.

“Thank you,” she whispered. “I want my favorite girls there.”

Azzi’s laugh came bright and unfiltered. “I can already picture Emily bouncing around in your graduation cap. It’s gonna be too big for her head.”

Paige grinned. “She’s gonna love it. I’m glad I have someone to show off the real thing to now.”

Azzi reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “What about your parents? Or your family?”

Paige hesitated. Her fingers played with the frayed edge of the ticket before she shook her head. “My dad wasn’t happy after the injury. Thought I was wasting my potential. My mom’s busy playing house with her new husband and their kids. We’re not really in touch.”

“I’m sorry,” Azzi said quietly.

Paige lifted her chin, her expression calm. “It’s okay. I’ve made peace with it. Honestly, I think I made peace with a lot more than I realized.”

Before she let Azzi take pity on her familial situation, she reached for her phone and scrolled through her email before turning the screen toward her. “I’m also sorry for keeping this to you.” Azzi took the phone and read the email.

“Dear Ms. Bueckers, we are delighted to offer you the position of Offensive and Defensive Coordinator – Junior Intern. Your talent, experience, and IQ in the game of basketball have impressed our team, and we'd like you to join us next season with the LA Sparks...”

Her voice trailed off. The words hung between them before she tossed the phone gently on the couch and pulled Paige into the wildest hug she could manage. Arms tight around her, cheek pressed to Paige’s temple.

“I am so proud of you,” she said, and meant it with everything she had.

Paige smiled against Azzi’s neck, holding there for a breath before drawing back. The glow between them lingered.

Azzi looked at her, heart still racing, and let the words come before doubt could crowd them out.

“I love you.”

Paige’s smile softened into something bright and certain. “I love you too.”

The rooftop stretched wide above the city, strung with soft lights and filled with the mellow hum of music and conversation. Pale lavender dusk slid into the skyline, and the breeze carried the scent of citrus and candles burning low in hurricane glass.

Azzi moved through the crowd with Paige beside her. The two of them distinct even in a sea of tailored suits and backless gowns.

Caroline spotted them by the bar. She slipped off her heels and padded across the deck, the hem of her dark green dress whispering around her knees. Her drink sloshed slightly in one hand, her eyes narrowing with the kind of delight that always came before she said something she knew would annoy Azzi.

Azzi spotted her first.

“Caroline,” she said, voice smooth but warm, “Happy birthday!”

“Happy birthday,” Paige echoed, stepping forward with an easy grin. “Thanks for having me.” “Glad you could make it cause I certainly did invite you, not my beautiful best friend.” Caroline said breezily, her gaze playful as it moved between them. “She never comes to these things. So, I figured if I wanted her here, I’d have to get strategic.”

Paige laughed. “Is that so?”

“I didn’t spend twelve years watching this woman ignore every social invitation I’ve ever sent just to get discouraged now. You’re basically a diplomatic breakthrough.”

Azzi exhaled through her nose, not quite rolling her eyes. “I’ve been to your parties.”

“Twice,” Caroline said. “One of which was your own engagement.”

“You see what I put up with?” Azzi said to Paige.

But Paige was already extending a hand, her smile wry and bright. “I’m Paige. It’s nice to finally meet the person behind the texts Azzi never replies to.”

“It’s also nice to finally meet the girlfriend.”

“Don’t push your luck,” Azzi said mildly.

Caroline grinned and squeezed Paige’s hand once before letting go.

“Come find me later,” she said. “I want stories. I want origin timelines. I want dirt.”

“Happy to provide,” Paige said. “Depending on your cocktail refills.”

Caroline lifted her glass in salute, then walked off barefoot through the crowd, leaving a trail of amusement in her wake.

Azzi glanced sidelong at Paige. “You enjoyed that, huh?”

“I liked her.”

“She’s dangerous when she likes you back.” Paige laughed as she guided Azzi towards the open bar.

Buzzing with motion, the gym rang with the sharp squeal of sneakers and the thump of basketballs. Kids darted between cones, arms flailing and laughter rising as volunteers shouted encouragement from all sides. Energy bounced off the polished hardwood, chaotic and bright.

Juju Watkins stood near half-court, clapping encouragement as a boy tripped over his own shoelaces.

Paige guided Emily through the doors with a gentle hand on her shoulder, and Azzi followed behind. Slower.

She was still trying to process how she’d agreed to spend her Saturday afternoon at a Juju Watkins’ youth basketball clinic.

“Just thirty minutes,” Paige had said in the car. “She’ll love it. And Juju said KK and Nika were helping today. You’ll finally meet them.”

Azzi spotted the pair before they saw her. KK was crouched near the free throw line, demoing footwork to a cluster of middle schoolers.

Nika stood near the sideline, arms crossed. She was trying not to laugh as two girls debated whose turn it was to shoot.

Both of them looked up when Paige called out.

“Hey!” Paige lifted a hand, waving them over. “Come meet the Doctor.”

Azzi raised a brow. “Really?”

“Just helping them connect the dots,” Paige said, grinning. “You’ve already been nicknamed in the group chat.”

Azzi looked alarmed. “I have not.”

Nika got to them first. She was taller than Azzi expected, all limbs and bright eyes. KK followed right behind, bouncing on her toes as if she might start a drill on instinct.

“This is Azzi,” Paige said, placing a hand on Azzi’s lower back. “Azzi, this is Nika and KK. Teammates, chaos agents, and occasionally helpful adults.”

“Girly pop!” KK beamed, extending her arms as if they were old friends. “She’s real!”

Azzi hesitated. “I’m sorry, what does girly pop mean?”

KK gasped, turning to Paige.

“She doesn’t speak Gen Z,” Paige said. “She speaks in full sentences and reads ingredient labels.”

“It's like queen, but more sparkly,” KK explained, unhelpfully.

Azzi looked skeptical. “Sparkly?”

“I’ll explain later, babe.” Paige said, biting back a laugh.

While they talked, Emily attempted a layup at the far basket. It ended with the ball hitting the side of the backboard and her arms flailing in slow confusion. She retrieved it and turned toward Paige, who gave her a thumbs-up and a warm smile before jogging over.

“You’re supposed to dribble first, Em!” Paige called gently.

Emily pouted. “I did.”

“You traveled from the three-point line.”

Emily shrugged. “I was just walking Paigey.”

Azzi watched as Paige knelt beside her, demonstrating the correct grip, adjusting Emily’s stance like it was instinct. Her voice was low and encouraging. She let Emily mess up three more times before stepping back with exaggerated cheer when the ball finally hit rim.

“See? You got it. Ten more of those and we’ll talk WNBA.”

Azzi felt her chest tighten, caught off guard by how patient she was. How present. She glanced toward KK and Nika, who were standing beside her now, watching the same thing.

“Our little girly pop might not have a future in hoops,” KK said, elbowing Nika.

“But we’re rooting for the next one,” Nika added, then looked pointedly at Azzi. “Maybe one with Paige’s basketball genes.”

Azzi blinked. Her jaw slackened a little.

KK smirked. “Oh, there it is.”

“I... What?”

“You blushed,” Nika confirmed, grinning.

“I didn’t—”

“You did,” KK sang. “She’s thinking about it. A whole new baby girly pop.”

Azzi exhaled and pressed a hand to her forehead. “I came here for youth outreach, not a fertility intervention.”

“Same thing,” Nika said. “You’re just getting a preview of the future.”

“Stop,” Azzi muttered, but there was no real edge to it. Her eyes drifted back to the court, where Paige was giving Emily a water break and a high five.

KK grinned. “You’re welcome, Dr. Fudd.”

“Very welcome,” Nika echoed.

Azzi stayed quiet for a long beat, her pulse tapping something unfamiliar beneath her ribs. It wasn’t entirely panic. Something warmer. Something with a shape she hadn’t let herself picture before.

Paige's graduation had gone better than she expected. The ceremony was long, the speeches forgettable, but walking across that stage with her name called out felt real in a way she hadn’t allowed herself to imagine.

Azzi and Emily were clapping like they had something personal staked on it.

Later, the three of them celebrated over dinner. Nothing fancy, just good food and laughter and Azzi ordering a bottle of wine she knew Paige would like.

After they left the restaurant, Paige’s plans for the evening were different. Nika and KK had organized a night out for their usual group at a downtown bar, a place with a blinding number of lights and a playlist made for dancing.

As they parted ways, Azzi had smiled at her, saying, “Go, celebrate. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

In the back seat, a half-asleep Emily had managed a soft wave. Paige kissed her cheek and then disappeared into the night.

The next day arrived with a brutal afternoon light.

Paige surfaced from sleep as if fighting her way through deep water, her head throbbing and her mouth dry.

A groan escaped her as a harsh beam of sunlight cut through the curtains.

"Fuck!" she mumbled into her pillow, squinting at her phone to tap out a quick message to Azzi.

am alive. u ain’t a widow yet.

From the other side of the apartment, KK made a noise that sounded like a dying animal. "If I ever say I want vodka again, punch me."

"You punched yourself," Nika muttered from the floor, where she was curled in a tangle of blankets. Her hair was a mess and one of her earrings was stuck in the couch cushion.

Paige rolled over and let her arm fall off the edge of the bed. "Does anyone remember how we got home?"

KK sat up with effort and squinted at her phone. "I kind of think Kate Martin dropped us off? The one from your psych class?"

"Really?" Paige rubbed her forehead. "Uhhh, I'm never drinking again."

"We all say that," KK sighed, standing slowly. "I need a shower. And to put on real clothes."

Paige didn’t open her eyes. "Why? Where are you going?"

Nika stretched, wincing. "We promised Dr. Fudd we’d bring you home today. We're not breaking that."

That made Paige lift her head. "That's weird. Did she ask you to?"

KK shrugged. "A promise is a promise. And besides, we miss little girly pop. Don’t be selfish and let us play with Emily too.”

Paige just groaned and buried her face in her pillow again. "Whatever."

Nika eased the car up the winding drive, one hand loose on the wheel, the other clutching an iced coffee like it was the only thing keeping her upright.

Paige squinted through her sunglasses as the house came into view. There were other cars in Azzi's driveway.

Her truck still sat where she left it last night, angled slightly too far to the right like she had parked in a rush.

Directly behind it was a silver SUV with a familiar dent above the tire well. Jeff’s.

Closer to the porch was a black sedan she hadn’t seen since picking up Azzi from the hospital last week. Caroline’s. “Something’s wrong.” Paige muttered to herself.

The second Nika’s car rolled to a stop, Paige flung the door open and sprinted toward the house. Her shoes slapped against the concrete as she moved fast, not pausing to listen to Nika calling after her or the scuffle of KK trying to catch up.

A flash of panic spread across her face. Her mind raced ahead of her steps. Something had to be wrong. Too many cars in the driveway.

She’d been out cold, hungover, unreachable. She didn’t remember hearing her phone all morning, and the guilt hit fast. If something happened, if Azzi had needed her and she had been too drunk to show up—

Her hand hit the door. She pushed it open, breath caught in her chest, ready to find the worst.

But what met her was color. Lots of colors, to be exact. Dozens of balloons floated along the ceiling, their ribbons falling in tangled strands. Streamers curved across the stair rail and fireplace. The air smelled faintly like frosting.

Paige froze.

Azzi was crouched by the couch, looping a purple bow around Emily’s ponytail with the kind of focus that required patience. The small girl sat cross-legged, beaming, legs covered in marker swirls.

“What the—” Paige’s voice cracked out of her throat.

Nika and KK rushed in behind her, still panting.

Azzi glanced up at the sound. Her eyes caught Paige’s first, then moved past her to the doorway, settling on to her supposed accomplices behind.

“You guys were supposed to message when you arrived.”

“Your girlfriend practically threw herself out of the car before we could even breathe,” Nika replied.

Paige was still scanning the room, mind trying to catch up. There were streamers, balloon arches, cupcakes on the table, and a banner stretched across the mantle that read Class of 2025.

Her voice came out hoarse from surprise. “What is going on?”

Azzi stepped toward her, a warmth already building in her expression.

“Surprise?" she said softly. “Congratulations, my love. It’s your very own graduation party.”

Paige blinked fast, heart swelling behind her ribs. “You did all this for me?”

Azzi was close now, fingers reaching for Paige’s hand. “I’d do anything for you, Paige.”

The words landed between them, full and certain. Paige leaned in, her breath catching as Azzi met her halfway.

Before their lips could touch, a voice cut across the room.

“Nuh uh. Not in front of the kid,” Jeff said as he strolled in, holding a paper plate and grinning like he’d been waiting for that moment.

Paige stepped back, flustered, while Azzi rolled her eyes.

Laughter bubbled up from behind them. Nika snorted and KK actually slid down against the front door trying to hold it in.

Jeff raised his plate in a toast. “Congratulations, Paige! I really thought the first time Azzi and I would be throwing a graduation party would be for our daughter, but it seems—”

Azzi turned toward him, already pointing. “Do not finish that sentence, Jefferson.”

Jeff gave a dramatic mime of zipping his mouth, gave Paige a wink, and wandered off toward the kitchen.

“I still don’t really like him,” Paige whispered, wrapping her arms around Azzi from behind. Her lips brushed Azzi’s temple in a slow, lingering kiss.

Azzi laughed under her breath and shook her head, her body easing into the contact like it had been waiting for it all day.

Emily approached them with a gift bag clutched between both hands. She held it out to Paige with a hopeful grin. “Congratulations, Paigey!”

Paige crouched to meet her, eyes softening. “Is this for me?”

Emily nodded proudly. “I picked it. But Mommy paid for it.”

Paige glanced up, her gaze landing on Azzi, who was already watching her with the smallest smile tugging at her mouth.

She peeled back the tissue paper and stopped when she saw the box inside. Her hand hesitated over the sleek packaging.

“You got me an iPad?”

Azzi stepped closer. “It comes with the pen. In case you want to start drawing up plays for the Sparks.”

Paige stared at the gift for another second before pulling Emily into a tight hug, holding her like she was the best part of all this. “Thank you, Em. You’re gonna make me cry in front of everyone.”

Emily giggled and hugged her tighter.

Paige rose to her feet and, without a moment’s hesitation, lifted Azzi into a full-body hug. Her mouth found Azzi's in a kiss too big to be contained. It was the kind of kiss that needed no second-guessing, not even with Emily in the room.

Azzi laughed softly against Paige's lips, but she kissed her back, wrapping her arms around Paige's shoulders.

"I love you so much," Paige whispered, resting her forehead against Azzi's. "You didn't have to do all of this."

Azzi tilted her head, her smile tender. "I wanted to. You deserve it.”

Paige closed her eyes for a moment, her chest swelling with an overwhelming emotion that bordered on pain. This time, when she kissed Azzi again, the kiss was slower and deeper. An intimate moment absolutely worth the judging stares of their friends.

The sheets had barely cooled from the last traces of afternoon sun. With the house finally still, their friends gone, and Emily off with Jeff for the week. The bedroom felt unfamiliar in its calm.

Paige sat cross-legged near the pillows. Her hair damp from a late shower. She looked freshly scrubbed and just a little out of place, like she was trying to blend into a room that still felt too expensive for her hands.

Azzi sat at the edge of the bed, pulling her rings off one by one and setting them on the nightstand. She looked over when Paige spoke.

“Hey, ma,” Paige said, her voice low but steady. “I know I said it earlier, but thank you. For today. For all of it.”

Azzi didn’t pretend not to hear. She turned fully, resting one arm across her knee, watching Paige with a kind of softness that had grown easier to offer but no less real. “You’ve already said it twice.”

“I mean it every time.” A breath passed between them. Paige picked at the hem of her shirt, then met her eyes again. “I owe you. A lot more than just a thank you.”

Azzi tilted her head, smiling in a way that curled slow at the corner of her mouth. “If you want to pay me back, you can start by using the new strap I bought.”

Paige blinked. The pause wasn’t hesitation, just disbelief crackling into interest. Her eyebrows climbed, lips parting like she wasn’t sure if Azzi was joking.

She clearly hoped she wasn’t.

“Wait. You bought one?”

Azzi stood slowly and walked to the closet. When she came back, she held it in one hand. The harness was sleek black leather, still new enough to hold the shape of its folded packaging.

Paige sat up straighter. Her breath caught, not from nerves but because Azzi looked composed and calm as ever. Like she was about to teach a class and seduce her at the same time.

“You said I should get one,” Azzi said, placing it beside Paige on the bed. “I did.”

Paige’s mouth went dry. Her fingers brushed over the straps, careful, curious. “You really trust me with this?”

Azzi leaned in, close enough that Paige felt the warmth of her body through the air. But she didn’t touch her yet. “I trust you with more than that.”

That knocked the playfulness straight out of Paige’s chest. Her breath left in a tight exhale.

The harness still lay beside them. She looked down at it briefly, but Azzi shook her head once.

"Later," she murmured, her voice low and anchored. “Right now, I want you to relax as I give you my private graduation gift.”

Paige blinked. Her back was still pressed to the headboard, one knee bent, the other stretched loosely to the side, leaving her open in the soft sprawl of Azzi’s sheets. Her breath hitched. Not from surprise, but from how calmly Azzi said it. Like it wasn’t even up for debate.

“That right?” she asked, trying for teasing.

Azzi’s thumb moved slowly across Paige's inner thigh. "You've been wanting this since I kissed you. I’ve been watching you all night."

Paige offered no resistance. She simply allowed Azzi to guide her, a firm hand pressing into her lower back, coaxing her to lie flat on the mattress. The pillows shifted under her head, and her shirt bunched at her ribs.

Azzi settled over her, not yet between her legs, but close enough for Paige to feel the tight control in every movement.

"Are you always this patient?" Paige asked, her voice a little breathless.

Azzi's lips brushed against Paige’s stomach, a teasing, searing touch.

"Only when I’m about to eat," she whispered, her mouth moving lower.

Paige’s laugh stuttered out, already breathless. “You’re such a fucking nerd.”

But her fingers curled into the sheets as Azzi pushed her shirt up.

Azzi kissed a trail down her stomach, then dropped to her knees at the edge of the bed.

Her hands hooked under Paige’s waistband. She paused. “These off?”

Paige nodded fast. “Unless you’re planning on chewing through them.”

Azzi slid Paige's boxer shorts down. Revealing slick, warm skin. She said nothing more, her gaze fixed on the sight of Paige glistening, wet and open beneath her. Her pupils dilated at the view.

Paige tried to stay still, but her hips arched slightly on their own.

Azzi pressed her mouth to the inside of Paige’s thigh, a single soft kiss followed by another. She moved with care, tasting the skin and learning every inch with her tongue before allowing herself to get any closer.

Paige was already breathing heavier. Her hand drifted to Azzi’s hair but hovered there, not yet pulling.

When Azzi finally licked a single line through her folds, Paige’s whole body twitched.

“Fuck—”

Azzi groaned, low in her throat, and went again. A deeper stroke. Tongue flattening to savor her. The taste already slick on her lips.

She lapped gently at first, like she was testing how sensitive Paige was. How quickly she could draw her out. Then she opened her mouth wider and sucked, pulling her clit in and flicking her tongue once, twice.

Paige’s moan punched straight from her chest.

Azzi kept her hands on her thighs, keeping her legs spread. Her mouth was slow, unfaltering, but her tongue moved with confident purpose. She kissed Paige like she meant it. Like this was just another version of making her come undone, mouth on mouth, only lower, wetter, and more primal.

Paige’s fingers gripped her hair. “Azzi—fuck. Yes. Don’t stop—”

Azzi hummed into her. The vibration had Paige gasping. She tilted her hips up, chasing the pressure. Azzi let her. She adjusted, locked her arms around her thighs, and buried herself deeper.

The room felt thick. Everything soft but charged, air warm and rich with the scent of sex.

Paige couldn’t think, couldn’t do anything except let it build. The way Azzi sucked her clit between her lips and held her there. The careful drag of her tongue. The faint stubble burn of her chin grazing the crease of her thigh.

Azzi dipped lower, licked through her folds, and pushed her tongue inside.

Paige’s body seized. “Oh my—fuck, baby!”

Azzi worked her like she had all night. Her tongue curled, twisted.

Paige felt her thighs start to tremble. Her head tipped back hard against the pillow. The sheets twisted under her fists. It was building too fast.

When Azzi slid her hand up and rubbed her clit with slow, firm circles while her mouth kept fucking her, Paige saw stars.

“Right there.” Her voice cracked, high and breathless. “'bout to cum, mama.”

Azzi gripped her tighter.

And Paige broke.

She came with a cry. Thighs clamping around Azzi’s shoulders, back arching as the orgasm tore through her. Azzi held steady. Never pulling back, mouth still working her until Paige was shaking beneath her. Paige’s hips bucking weakly.

Azzi only stopped once Paige’s body gave out fully, legs sliding wide again in surrender.

She kissed her once more. Softly now. Then wiped her mouth on the inside of Paige’s thigh and looked up. Her lips were slick, her cheeks flushed, hair mussed from Paige’s grip. She looked wrecked and proud.

Paige was barely breathing.

Azzi climbed back up and lay over her, bracing herself on her forearms, nose brushing Paige’s jaw.

Paige turned her face and kissed her. Slow, filthy, grateful. “I should be graduating every day if this is my gonna be graduation gift.” Azzi broke out laughing and kissed Paige again, just because she could.

Paige bit her lip as she pulled back. Her voice came low, teasing. “Guess that means I’m finally allowed to ruin you.”

Azzi gave her a look that was more amused than warning, though her chest rose sharper beneath her skin. “Allowed?”

Paige’s hand traced down Azzi’s side.

“You’ve been spoiling me all week. Cleaning. Feeding me. Letting me crash here. That mouth earlier.” She exhaled a half-laugh against Azzi’s collarbone. “Kind of feels like I owe you a few orgasms.”

Azzi shook her head, but her breath hitched the moment Paige pushed her back onto the pillows. It wasn’t rough. It was reverent. Like Paige had been holding back and was finally ready to worship properly.

She straddled Azzi’s hips and kissed her again. Slower this time, coaxing, full of intent. One hand braced against Azzi’s sternum while the other moved with calm precision, tugging up the hem of her shirt.

Azzi lifted just enough for it to be pulled over her head. Her bra followed in a fluid motion.

Paige took her in like she’d never seen her before. Fingers drifting over the lines of her ribs, the curve beneath her breasts, the tension coiled in her abdomen. Her mouth followed, kissing down Azzi’s throat, over her collarbone, then lower. Leaving warmth in every place she lingered.

“You always like being in control,” Paige said softly, her lips brushing skin. “But I like you like this.”

Azzi’s hands curled around Paige’s hair. “Like what?”

Paige smiled against her chest. “Laid out. Letting me take care of you.”

She kissed Azzi again. Then she moved down her body and off the bed for a moment, grabbing the harness. She held it up, giving Azzi a look that was equal parts mischief and promise.

“Think it’s time you lie back and let me spoil you for a change.”

Azzi’s only answer was to shift deeper into the bed. Arms raised behind her head, eyes steady and wanting.

“Be gentle,” she murmured, half a dare.

Paige buckled in with a smirk. “Not a chance.”

Azzi reclined against the pillows with a small smirk. The kind that always made Paige want to either fight her or fuck her harder.

The harness slid on smoothly, all confidence and muscle memory. Paige adjusted the straps. Each pull firm, efficient. She tested the fit with a practiced tug, then rolled her shoulders back as the leather settled against her hips like it belonged there.

Her hand drifted to the length attached, curling around it in a slow stroke. Just enough pressure to feel the drag of silicone against her palm. Her thumb brushed the tip once, twice, as if testing its promise.

But it was Azzi watching her that stole her composure. The way she lay there, propped on her elbows, gaze fixed and heavy with want. Like Paige was already inside her. Like the moment had already happened and Azzi was still feeling it.

Paige’s smirk deepened. She gave the shaft another lazy stroke, then met Azzi’s eyes.

Without breaking that gaze, she crawled back down the length of the bed, her knees dragging slow against the sheets. Every shift of her body was deliberate.

Her hands found Azzi’s hips, thumbs pressing into the waistband of her shorts. And she paused, just long enough for Azzi to lift her hips in silent permission.

The fabric peeled away in one smooth pull, catching slightly on the curve of her thighs before Paige got them past her knees and off the bed.

Her hands returned, slipping under to tug Azzi’s underwear down next. This time, her touch lingered. Knuckles grazing bare skin, fingertips tracing the inside of Azzi’s thighs as if she was mapping something sacred.

Azzi’s breath caught. Paige could hear it. Feel it.

She looked up. Azzi was already watching her, chest rising deeper, arms slack above her head like she was surrendering to whatever Paige had in mind. That trust twisted something low in Paige’s stomach. Bare, offered without condition

She leaned in and kissed the inside of Azzi’s knee. Then the top of her thigh. Her hand slid higher, parting her gently.

Azzi was already wet.

Paige’s mouth hovered, lips so close they could feel the heat radiating between them. But she didn’t dive in. Not yet. Instead, she pressed one teasing kiss to the inside of Azzi’s thigh, then another. Her hands slid beneath Azzi’s knees and pushed them open farther.

Azzi hissed through her teeth. “Paige.”

“Patience, mama,” Paige whispered, kissing closer now, her breath grazing damp skin. Azzi groaned.

Paige reached down and stroked herself once. The motion making Azzi even wetter. Then she lined up the tip and dragged it through Azzi’s folds. Gathering wetness as she teased her entrance.

Azzi’s head tipped back. Her fingers clawed at the sheets.

“Please,” she breathed, low and barely controlled.

That cracked something wide open in Paige.

She thrust in with a smooth, deep push that had both of them gasping.

Azzi clenched around her instantly, her back arching off the bed. Paige gripped her thighs to steady them and started to move. Long, wanton strokes that built a rhythm between their bodies. Each one made Azzi’s breath catch, her voice slipping free in half-formed sounds.

“Fuck! Paige!”

Paige leaned over her. Pressing kisses to her neck, her shoulder, her collarbones. Never faltering in her pace.

“You feel so good, baby,” she murmured. “So tight. You like me inside you?”

Azzi nodded fast, nearly frantic. “Yes. Harder.”

Paige adjusted her angle and obeyed. She slammed into her, firm and purposeful, and the sound of skin meeting skin filled the room. Azzi met each thrust like she was trying to take Paige deeper, her legs wrapping around her waist for leverage.

Every time Paige bottomed out, Azzi moaned her name. It wasn’t sweet. It was desperate. Raw. Like she needed it just as much as oxygen.

Paige shifted her weight and reached between them, pressing her fingers to Azzi’s clit and rubbing tight, fast circles. Azzi cried out. One hand flying to her wrist, holding her there, anchoring her.

“Shit, Paige! I can’t —” “Shhhhh. Let me take care of you, ma," Paige whispered, her rhythm stuttering as she fought the pull of her own pleasure. “Look at me, baby. I wanna see you come.”

Azzi's body began to quake, muscles locking up around Paige’s strap. Her mouth dropped open in a wordless moan. Paige kept going, kept her right there. Her fingers and hips moving with relentless rhythm.

Azzi’s orgasm hit like a storm.

She broke apart beneath Paige. Her entire body tightening and trembling as the wave surged through her.

Paige kept her pinned with her mouth against her neck, whispering low praises while Azzi shook beneath her, still riding every pulse of it.

By the time the tremors eased and Azzi finally stilled, Paige slowed her thrusts to a gentle grind and pulled her hand away. She pressed a soft kiss to Azzi’s temple, sweat-damp and flushed.

Azzi blinked up at her, dazed. Her hair clung to her cheeks, her chest still rising like she couldn’t quite catch her breath.

Paige couldn’t help it. She smirked. “Best graduation gift ever!”

Azzi managed a hoarse laugh and curled her fingers around the back of Paige’s neck.

Azzi’s phone buzzed as she adjusted Emily’s hoodie in the seat beside her. She caught the name and answered before the second buzz.

“Don’t know what I did to your girlfriend,” Jeff grumbled over the noise of the arena, “but putting me up here like I’ve got a meeting with God is a shitty thing to do.”

Azzi laughed under her breath. “That’s what you get for being a jerk to her.”

“I called her sugar baby one time,” he protested. “Now I’m on timeout. I was expecting courtside, Az. VIP. Champagne and toes on hardwood. I can’t see a damn thing up here.”

“Enjoy the game with God, Jefferson,” she said dryly, and hung up.

She tilted her head to the upper level and spotted him easily. Tall, sulking, and trying to impress the finance exec he’d met two weeks ago. He gestured around like he owned the building. She shook her head.

Then Emily screamed, “Paigey!”

The tunnel entrance came to life as the Sparks team began to emerge in their full warmup gear, with the coaching staff trailing behind.

Azzi turned just as Paige jogged into view, her eyes already searching the crowd. Azzi’s heart skipped a beat when Paige’s gaze landed on them.

It was a subtle shift. A slight drop of her shoulders and a small tilt of her chin. But Azzi felt the weight of Paige's relief.

Emily was on her feet, waving her arms wildly from the courtside seats.

Azzi touched her daughter’s hip to steady her, even as she kept her gaze on Paige.

Then Kelsey Plum stepped up beside Paige, catching her in mid-smile. They said a few words. Azzi couldn’t make them out over the arena noise, but she caught the moment Paige’s eyes drifted back across the court. To her and Emily. Kelsey followed the glance.

And then, to Azzi’s surprise, she started walking toward them.

“Hey,” Kelsey said once she reached their row, crouching to meet Emily’s level. “Emily, right?”

Emily’s body twisted, half hiding behind Azzi’s arm. “Hello.”

“I’m Kelsey. Paige told me this is your first game.”

Emily peeked past her to find Paige across the court. Paige raised a hand and gave a slow thumbs up. Like she was reassuring her from a distance.

“Paigey likes basketball,” Emily said, voice small but sure. “She said it’s fun.”

“Well then, I’m gonna show you how fun it is.” Kelsey held out her fist. “Since you’re Paigey’s favorite.”

Emily looked at the fist, then at Kelsey’s eyes, then bumped it. Softly. Like she wasn’t sure if it would hurt.

Another player joined them. Her tall figure looming all of them.

“Aww,” Cameron Brink teased, “is this Paige’s kid?”

Emily’s eyes went wide. “Whoa. You’re so tall.”

Kelsey laughed. “She is, huh?”

“I’m Cam,” she said, crouching beside Kelsey. “Wanna see me shoot today?”

Emily nodded without a word.

Kelsey nudged Cam with a grin. “Nah. She’s watching me shoot. I’m about to be her favorite player.”

Cam turned to Emily, mock-betrayed. “Don’t listen to her. I’m obviously the cooler one.”

“Not true,” Kelsey said. “I have snacks.”

“That’s a foul!” Cam looked at her like she’d committed treason.

Azzi couldn’t stop the smile forming. She watched her daughter soak in the attention, eyes darting between them, awestruck and delighted.

A whistle blew from the sideline. One of the coaches pointed back to the bench.

“Duty calls,” Kelsey said with a wink. She gave Emily one last fist bump.

As they jogged back, Cam blew Emily a kiss and shouted, “You better cheer for me mini Paige!”

Azzi glanced across the court again. Paige was still watching. She gave a helpless shrug but her face was lit up, proud and completely unbothered.

Azzi stepped onto the patio, bare feet cool against the stone. The sky was wide and forgiving, streaked with late-afternoon gold.

She caught the sound of the skimmer slicing through water before she saw Paige, crouched near the shallow end of the pool with her hair tied up and a determined look on her face.

“Are you seriously still cleaning?” Azzi leaned on the doorframe, arms crossed. “We can just hire someone.”

Paige glanced over her shoulder, face full of offense. “You’re not hiring someone to clean the pool. I can clean the pool.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow and walked forward, pausing near the edge where the shallow water gave way to the deep. “But I want to cuddle with you twenty-four seven.”

“You can cuddle with me while I clean,” Paige said, sweeping leaves toward the drain. “We’re not getting a pool boy. Or girl.”

Azzi let out a low laugh. “Are you afraid I’ll fall for them?”

That made Paige drop the skimmer. She stood and crossed the distance between them, looking damp and sun-kissed.

“Nuh-uh,” she said, catching Azzi’s waist with her hands. “You’re already locked in with me, ma.”

Azzi tipped her chin up. “Oh really?”

“Yeah,” Paige said. “You’re so locked in, you gave me keys to this house and asked me to move in a month ago.”

Azzi tilted her head, pretending to consider. “Did I? I thought I asked my girlfriend to move in with me. Not the pool girl.”

“Aaah, so we’re roleplaying now?” Paige smirked, eyes gleaming with mischief.

Azzi shrugged, a slow smile playing on her lips. “I miss you being all sexy and wet, cleaning my pool. But I miss you more on my bed. I need more cuddles after that party Emily had.”

Paige shook her head and glanced at the mess, scanning the scene like she was inspecting her kingdom. Floaties were still half-deflated in the corner, pool noodles stacked against the fence like lazy sentries.

“Well,” she said, tugging her shirt over her head. “The pool girl needs help with cleaning today. And since it was your kid who threw a foam noodle rager in here, you should do the helping. Then, we can happily go back to bed and have a cuddle party of our own.”

Azzi wrinkled her nose. “I’d rather hire another pool cleaner.”

“Nope,” Paige said, grinning as she bent and scooped Azzi up in one motion. “We’re both cleaning today.”

Azzi squealed, clutching her. “Paige—”

But it was too late. They fell together, crashing into the water with a splash that echoed through the yard.

The cold hit sharp and fast, and for a heartbeat they were completely submerged, skin against skin in the deep end.

This was the feeling of love stripped of caution. Each second was heavy with meaning and every breath was a testament to choosing one another all over again.

Paige broke the surface laughing, eyes squinting against the sun. Her hair slicked back like mischief in motion.

Azzi followed, drenched. Her heart racing, a breathless smile pulling across her face.

They stayed in the water with their hearts thudding while the sun catching the small waves around them. All in. Always.

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