Page 22 of Curveball

She tilts her head to the side like she’s shocked by what I just did. “What’s your problem? Don’t be a cockblock. He was cute.”

I pull her hips to mine and start moving us both to the beat of the music. “I thought you wanted me.”

“I wanted you as my firsts. Mission accomplished. I haven’t seen or heard from you in over four years, Quincy. Not since that night.”

“What a night it was. Have you thought of me?”

She’s quiet.

I give a satisfied smile. “I thought so.”

“I’m not the same girl you once knew.”

I look her body up and down in an outfit the Ripley I knew would never wear. “I can see that you’re no longer a girl. You’re a woman. A sexy woman. Let’s have a drink so I can get to know the new Ripley St. James. I promised my sister I’d welcome you to Houston.”

She quirks an eyebrow. “I’ve been here for over a month.”Yes, I’m a dick. “An accidental run-in is quite the welcome, Quincy. I hope you didn’t hurt yourself rolling out the red carpet for me.”

Her words are biting, but her blue eyes are playful. She’s not mad. She had no expectations of me reaching out to her.

“How about I make it up to you while we revisit all your firsts? Am I still theonly?”

She lets out a laugh. It’s belly-deep and so…so…Ripley. “You wish, Abbott. Four years is alongtime, and I’m no longer an inexperienced, shy, eager girl willing to take whatever it is you’ll throw my way.”

I can’t help but smile. “I like confident Ripley. It’s sexy.”

She smirks. “I like her too.” She runs her fingers through the long curls at the back of my head. “I see you’ve kept these around.”

“You said you liked them.”

“When did I say that?”

“About six years ago.”

“Are you telling me you’ve kept your hair long because of me?”

“What if I were to say yes?”

“I’d say you’re full of shit. You haven’t given me a second thought in years. I was one of many for you.”

That’s not true, but I’m not getting into this with her.

We continue to dance, our bodies pressed together, neither of us moving to break apart. We stare at each other. Ripley and I undoubtedly share a strong connection. There’s no denying that. I didn’t imagine it all those years ago.

Because I can’t help myself, I bend and sink my face into her neck, inhaling deeply. She has such a distinct scent. Strawberries. It draws me to her. It’s just so…comforting. It’s like a warm blanket around me. One I crave.

She breathes, “What are you doing?”

“Taking you in. I love the way you smell.Everywhere.”

She gives me a small shove, enough to put some spacebetween us. “This is a mistake. Go back to wherever you came from.”

I grab her hand. “Come on. Let’s have that drink. We need to catch up, old friend.”

She attempts to pull out of my hold, but I overpower her, not letting go.

She rolls her eyes at me. “Fine. One drink. Then I’m getting back to the hottie I was dancing with before you cut in.”

“No problem.”Fat chance.

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