Page 58 of Curveball

Quincy: You’re no fun.

I can’t help but smile as I place my phone down. Bailey is staring at me. “Is something going on between you and Quincy?”

“No. We’ve been friends for over twenty years.”

She tilts her head to the side. “I see the way you look at him. I also see how protective he is over you.”

“He’s the same with Arizona.”

“Yes, but she’s his sister. You’re not.”

“Perhaps he sees me that way. Sisterly.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “Your entire body is flushing just talking about him. You’re practically naked right now. I can see it. It’s not very sibling-like.”

I brush her away with my hand. “You’re overreading this situation.” I head toward my bathroom to avoid any further inquisition. “I’m jumping in the shower. I’ll see you later.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

RIPLEY

Iknock on Quincy’s door at ten in the morning. He opens it in board shorts and no top. Holy fuck, he’s hot. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen his naked body, and I’m suddenly feeling a bit of an ache for it. I have to bite my lip in an attempt to maintain a cool demeanor.

Quincy Abbott is just so…manly. Every inch of him. In an era where men think women want waxed chests, Quincy is all man with a healthy dose of blond chest hair a little darker than that on his head. He’s broad and sexy as hell. I love sinking my nose into him and taking in his scent. And the trail that leads down from his belly button into his shorts. The one I’ve traced with my tongue many times.

I know my cheeks must be flushing. I can feel them heating up at the memories of our time together.

He quirks an eyebrow. “You’re not looking at me in a veryfriendlymanner, Shortcake.”

Shit. I bring my eyes up to his. “Sorry.”

Christ, I need to get laid. I haven’t had a non-self-induced orgasm in several long months.

He smirks. “Anytime you want to take advantage of your husband, you just let me know. Our bodies work quite well together.” He rubs the back of his hand along my face. “More than well.”

My mouth and panties are pooling. He does make a compelling case. It’s been a little while for me. No one makes me come like Quincy Abbott.

No, no, no. I can’t go there. My feelings for him are too strong. I know where he stands. I can’t do this to myself all over again. I’m not trashing the small amount of progress I’ve made.

I narrow my eyes at him. “I’m all set, thanks. Did you answer the door topless on purpose?”

He winks at me. “You know I never wear a top. Summer in Philly is hot as hell.”

“You live in what must be a two-million-dollar condo. I imagine you have ample air conditioning.”

He chuckles. “I’m always a little extra hot when I’m around my wife.” He looks my body up and down. “So sexy.”

I roll my eyes. “Stop calling me that.”

“Sexy? Can’t help it. That’s what you are.”

I sigh. “You know what I meant. Stop calling me your wife.”

He mouths, “Never.”

I swear he does it just to fuck with me. At least we’re back to a playful place. I prefer that to awkward, forced polite conversation.

“What is it you need help with, Abbott? If it’s to clean your apartment, I’m leaving.”

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