Page 165 of Curveball

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

We pull in through my gate, and I see Ripley sitting on the front steps with Kaya in her arms. She holds up Kaya’s little arm and waves at us. I love the thought of coming home to them waiting for me.

I turn back. “I know you’re a big boy. I am too. You’ve got to be extra careful with the ladies when you’re big. You never want to hurt them.”

Bark.

“I feel like you really hear me, Thor.”

Bark.

“Good talk. Let’s go meet your sister and your new mommy.”

I open his door but keep his leash tight to me. I’m terrified he’ll accidentally hurt Kaya.

Ripley shouts out, “Let him go. If you act crazy, he’ll be crazy. Let him sniff and explore her.”

She’s so calm about this. I blow out a breath. “Here goes nothing.”

I unclasp his leash. He immediately barrels toward Ripley and Kaya. Oh god.

He stops short just as his nose meets Kaya’s. They both tilt their heads and carefully examine each other. She’s not afraid of him and he hasn’t eaten her for breakfast. I suppose that’s a good start.

Ripley doesn’t flinch, allowing them to explore oneanother. Theoretically, you never want to pull a kid from a dog unless you know it’s dangerous. That’s easier said than done with a dog Thor’s size.

Kaya reaches out and squeezes his nose.

He then proceeds to lick her entire face in one fell swoop. And she begins giggling. Uncontrollably. Deep, hard belly laughs. I’ve never heard her laugh like this. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

Ripley and I smile at each other, knowing everything is going to be okay.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

RIPLEY

Today is our first game of the season. When I found out I was pregnant, I never thought I’d be able to play today. What a crazy year it’s been.

I’m on my way to the stadium with a big smile on my face. Yesterday I did a photoshoot for plus-sized lingerie. With the money I’ve received from my father’s estate, I didn’tneedto do it. Iwantedto do it.

At his absolute insistence, since he missed my first session last season, Quincy came with me. The entire day has been replaying over and over again in my mind.

“Quincy, I need to get out there.”

His hands slide into my silk robe. As soon as his skin touches mine, my body ignites. Again.

He grumbles in my ear, “You look so sexy. I’m about to explode. I need to be inside you.”

He presses his body to mine and takes my lips withhis. I can’t help but run my fingers through his hair as I kiss him back. He’s so fucking hot. And he’s mine.

Michel clears his throat. “Mr. Abbott, once again, you are ruining her lipstick. We’re already delayed due to your inability to maintain control.”

Quincy sighs. “My cock might explode watching you do this.”

I giggle. “At least you’re not being photographed with a wet spot, which is what’s about to happen to me.”

His eyes lustfully move down my body, taking in the red lace bra, panties, and garters that I’m wearing. “Red suits you, Shortcake. Be sure to bring this outfit home tonight.”

I catch a quick glance at myself in the mirror. I do look good. The outfit is beautiful, and my makeup is perfection. They’ve got my curls styled in a sexy way. I’m proud of how I look, and my man is making me feel even better about it. I don’t think there’s ever been a time in my life where I’ve felt as good about myself as I do right now.

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