Page 49 of Curveball

She nods in understanding before turning back to Arizona. “You and Layton are doing a great job being seen in public. Is everything okay between you two?”

Arizona blushes, and I think Reagan catches it. I knew she’d be into him. Who wouldn’t be? He’s gorgeous, and she’s always had a thing for him.

“It’s fine. We’ve gone on a few dates and have been photographed. Honestly, Layton has been a perfect gentleman. It’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be.”

Reagan nods. I can see her wheels turning. “I’m glad to hear it. I’ll let you two get back to work. I’m excited for your first game.”

I smile. “Us too.”

She walks away. I look at Arizona. “She’s gorgeous. You two could be sisters.” Both have blonde hair, blue eyes, and are tall.

She lets out a laugh. “You should see her husband. He’s so hot. He’s got a beard you want to sit on and never get up. Layton and I were with them at that party in New York last week. They couldn’t keep their hands or eyes off each other.”

I blow out a long breath. “I haven’t had sex in months. I miss intimacy.”

She lifts her eyebrow. “I don’t want to hear it. I haven’t had sex in over a year.”

“You’re dating sex on legs. You should fuck him.”

“Not happening. No more baseball players. Ever.”

She’ll be fucking him within a month. I’d bet on it.

It’s opening night.The stands are about half full. That’s not terrible for a new team. Philly isn’t a softball town. Yet.

The fans all cheer for Layton as he walks out onto the field in an Anacondas jersey with Arizona’s number. It readsArizona’s Admireron the back.

He turns and shows it to her as she laughs. She’s already gone for this guy. She just doesn’t realize it yet. I’m pretty sure he’s gone for her too.

He throws out the ceremonial first-ever pitch for the Philadelphia Anacondas. I’ll be throwing the real first pitch. It’s exciting to be pitching the franchise’s first game—hopefully the first of many.

The game is about to start when we hear a huge ruckus in the stands. We all step out of the dugout and look up to see Quincy, Cheetah, and Ezra all making their way to join Layton in the stands. It’s sweet of them to be here.

The fans are eating up, taking selfies and asking for autographs. Having them here will help our future attendance.

Cheetah lost a bet with Kam the other night so now he’s dancing topless with her name written across his chest, per the terms of their bet. We all laugh at that vision.

I can’t help but look at Quincy as he laughs at Cheetah’santics. He’s so handsome and looks so happy. I see my number on the front of his Anacondas jersey. I get choked up that he’s wearing my jersey and not his sister’s.

He cares. I know he does. But it’s not enough. It never will be.

In between innings, I sit next to Arizona in the dugout. I nudge her shoulder. “Did you see Layton’s jersey?”

She smiles. “I did.”

“Is that what you guys are wearing to theSports Illustratedshoot?”

Reagan Daulton arranged for Layton and Arizona to be in the body image issue ofSports Illustrated. I remember the last time that issue was published. The athletes were practically naked.

She shrugs. “I have no idea what we’re wearing. I’m nervous about being half-naked with him all day.”

“Nervous or excited?”

“Definitely nervous.”

“I think it’s awesome. I doubt I could ever do something like that, especially with a man. You’re so brave.”

She blows out a breath. “Or stupid.”

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