Page 107 of Curveball

Layton looks at me with nothing but concern on his face despite the fact that I’m ruining his reunion with Arizona. “Can I do anything for you?”

I shake my head. “No. I’m so sorry to intrude, but I really need to talk to her.”

We’re in the back of a limo on our way to the airport. Arizona’s plane is due to arrive at any moment.

“Don’t worry about it. Take however much time you need. She and I have all the time in the world.”

“Thanks, Layton. You’re a good guy.”

“Of course. Should I take an Uber home, so you two can talk privately?”

I shake my head. “No. I’m sure you already know some of it and you’ll hear everything else soon enough. If she’supset, I want you to be there for her. I’ve kept secrets from my best friend for a long time, and she’s going to be hurt. She’ll need to lean on you.”

He nods in understanding and takes my hand in his. “She loves you, Rip. She’ll forgive whatever it is. That’s the kind of person she is.”

I swallow. “I hope you’re right.”

We arrive at the airport. The limo pulls right out onto the private airstrip. Just a few minutes later, a small, private plane lands.

With crutches in hand, Layton maneuvers out the door. I stay in the limo. I’m already interrupting their big reunion. I want to at least give them a few minutes of happiness before dropping this bomb on her. Bombs.

When the door opens, Arizona emerges. Even through the tinted windows, I see a huge smile break out on her face when her eyes find Layton. She’s so in love with him. Even though I’m a mess, my heart still swells for her and what they share. I know he’s her forever.

She practically sprints down the stairs. He’s right outside the limo door, so I can hear him laugh. If it wasn’t for his leg, she’d leap into his arms.

As she’s approaching, he tosses his crutches to the side and holds out his arms. She falls into him, and, without a single word needing to be spoken, their lips meet.

They kiss for several long minutes, like the starved lovers they’ve been for two months. Neither cares where they are nor who can see them. Their need for each other is palpable.

Her hands move under and up his shirt while his are on her ass.

When they eventually break apart, she breathes, “Hello to you too, superstar.”

He lovingly rubs her face. I can see tears falling down his cheeks. “Never leave me again.”

“Never.”

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too. Let’s go get into bed and not surface for a week. In fact, we can start in this limo right now.”

She reaches for his belt buckle, but he grabs her wrist. “We have company in the limo.”

She bends and pokes her head inside before pinching her eyebrows together. “Rip? What are you doing here?”

“I’m so sorry to interrupt, but I’m flying home later today, and I need to talk to you before I go.”

Her face falls. “You’re leaving? I just got home.”

“I know, babe. I’ll explain everything.”

Once her luggage is packed in the trunk, they slide inside the limo. As it pulls away from the airport, Layton intertwines his fingers with hers. She looks at him. “Do you know what this is about?”

“I have an idea. Let Ripley speak. Hear her out. No matter what, you know she loves you.”

Arizona turns to me, worry written all over her gorgeous face.

I take a deep breath. “Let me just get right to it. I’m in love with your brother.”

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