Page 139 of Curveball

“Can we agree to calling her theExorcistbaby?”

I feel him smile into my neck. “Yes. It’s better than the word monster, and, after the excessive middle of the night vomiting, it makes perfect sense.”

He releases me enough for me to reach for my phone. It’s Arizona. I accept without realizing it’s a FaceTime call.

I immediately see her smiling face. “Is that my brother who you’re wearing like a second skin?” She sarcastically adds, “Shocking that he’s topless.”

I whisper, “Shh. TheExorcistbaby is sleeping. And no, it’s Chris Hemsworth. I bumped into him last night and ditched your brother. You know I’m a sucker for the superhero Thor, though not quite as much as you are for Captain America.”

Quincy’s eyes narrow “I’m hotter than Thor.”

“Blanche’s dog, Thor? Definitely. The superhero?” I shrug. “Hmm, I’m not sure.”

I giggle while he tickles my side and mumbles, “Very funny.”

I roll my eyes at the obvious resemblance. “You look like him. Why do you think I have a thing for Thor in the first place?”

Arizona gasps. “That’s why? Ugh. I’ll never look at Chris Hemsworth the same again. He’s forever tainted.”

“Big, muscular, sexy man. Longer blond hair. Blue eyes. You seriously never added two and two together to get four? It’s no wonder I had to do your math homework all the time.”

“Listen, fucker, do you want to know why I called so early in the morning?”

I’m giggling again. I think I’m so tired that I’m losing my mind.

“Is it morning? The spawn of Satan had us up all night.”

“It’s early, but it’s morning. Anyway, pictures of you twoout last night are all over the internet. There’s even a video of you kissing. I guess it went well.”

I whisper, “Your brother wouldn’t put out, but it was fine.”

He tickles me again. “You’re not funny, Shortcake.”

I still get chills that he’s now calling me that in front of other people.

I turn back to the phone. “I suppose I’m not surprised. We saw people pointing their phones at us.”

She nods. “The headlines are kind of cute. Most are something likePitch PerfectorMound of Love. They mention a budding relationship between the two best pitchers in town.”

I twist my lips. “At least it’s notBeauty and the Beast.”

Arizona nods. “It wouldn’t surprise me if they called Q a beast. He’s looking like one these days with his animalistic face.”

“I meant me.”

“I know what you meant, and you’re nuts. Every man on the planet has a thing for hot redheads. They all want to know if the carpet matches the drapes. I’m giving an interview later where I’m going to confirm that they do for you.”

Arizona and I both start laughing. Quincy opens one eye. “Why are you looking at my wife’s carpet?”

I elbow him. “Ex-wife. And she’s seen me naked as much as you have.”

“I certainly hope not in the same way I have.”

Arizona smiles. “As entertaining as your weird foreplay is, I’m going to go wake my husband up by polishing his helmet.” She suggestively licks her lips.

Quincy scrunches his face. “Ugh. TMI.”

Arizona giggles as she ends the call. As soon as she does, Quincy gets out of bed and pulls me with him. I whine, “What are you doing?”

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