Page 148 of Curveball

Quincy grabs the papers. “I’ll have our attorney look at it, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.”

I shake my head. “Is that really necessary? They came all this way.”

Mom grabs my arms. “I think Quincy’s right. Just because it’s in French, and, frankly, my French is a little rusty at this point. It can’t hurt to know what you’re signing.”

Colette appears annoyed. “Very well.” She stands. “We are staying at the Four Seasons downtown. Contact us after you’ve reviewed everything.”

Before I can answer, Quincy does. “We will.”

Pierre and Colette sort of abruptly leave. I can’t deny that I’m disappointed. This felt like a business meeting, not a reunion of long-lost siblings. I didn’t even get the opportunity to ask them if they were married with kids. To ask them anything personal.

As if sensing my thoughts, Quincy rubs my back. “I’m sorry. I doubt that was what you were hoping for tonight.”

I shake my head. “It wasn’t.”

He pulls me into his arms and whispers into my head, “Not everyone is as genuine and perfect as you. Just one of the many things I love about you.”

Mom grabs the monitor. “I’m going to hold onto this tonight. You two sleep…or whatever.”

She quickly exits the room and disappears up the steps.

Quincy looks down at me. “What was that about?”

I look up and give him a small smile. “I told her I want you all to myself tonight. No interruptions from the demon princess.”

He chuckles before his eyes widen as realization hits. “Really?”

I nod. “Really. Thank you for today.”

“You want to have sex with me because I threw a shutout?”

I giggle. “No, you jerk. You went public with our relationship today. It meant a lot to me.”

“If I knew that’s all it took, I would have done it months ago.” He whispers, “Years ago.”

I slide my hand down his arm until it rests in his large hand. With a small tug, I say, “Take me to bed.”

He looks down at me with concern. “Are you sure? I know meeting them was hard, and the way they handled it can’t be easy for you. We can do this another time.”

“I’m sure, Quincy. I need your hands on my body tonight.”

We walk in silence up the stairs, but when I start to turn into my room, he tugs my hand. “Can we go into my…our room tonight? I know it’s not our first time, but it feels like it is. I want to make love to you for the first time in there. I’m hopeful it’s the first of many.”

I nod and we walk into the giant master suite. I’ve honestly only been in here a handful of times. It’s a beautiful room with an oversized California King bed. The multiple windowsoverlook the city skyline that we can just make out. It has a fireplace, a sitting area, and even a desk.

There are two giant walk-in closets. He’s left one empty. The same goes for the second vanity in the bathroom. He says they’re for me if and when I’m ready.

I start toward the bed, but he pulls me into his arms. “Dance with me first.”

“There’s no music.”

He fiddles on his phone and suddenly “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” starts playing.

I smile. “I thought you hated this song and this movie.”

“But you love them, and I love you.” He gives me his crooked smirk. “Don’t ever tell anyone.”

I giggle as he pulls my body flush to his as we move to the slow beat. We’re silently swaying together for the first half of the song.

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