Page 9 of Curveball

I’m on my way home from college. It’s a several hours long drive from Southern California to Northern California, so I left early this morning.Veryearly.

Even though I only just completed my junior year at UCLA, I’ve cleared out my apartment on campus. The Major League Baseball draft is today and, according to my new sports agent, Tad, I’m going to be selected either late in the first round or early in the second. If that happens, I won’t go back for my senior year of college. I’ll head straight to fulfill my lifetime dream of becoming a professional baseball player. A pitcher in the big leagues. It’s hard to believe.

My sister, Arizona, has organized a huge draft day party at our house. Yes, my sixteen-year-old sister had to do it because my parents can’t be bothered. They own a furniture business that they eat, sleep, and breathe. It’s their favorite child. I can count on one hand how many baseball games of mine my father has attended. My mother came to a few more games than him throughout my life, but not many. Neither have been to a single college game of mine, claiming that they can’t leave the store unattended.

I haven’t been home in a long time. I visited for one day over Thanksgiving and another day for Christmas, but I otherwise haven’t spent time in my hometown in at least a year and a half. If it wasn’t for my sister, I’d never go back.

Arizona visits me at school when she can get away, which isn’t often enough. She’s the one I miss the most.She’s a phenomenal softball player, which keeps her busy, but she sits in the stands for as many of my college games as she can get away with.

It’s late morning on a warm July day as I pull into the driveway. I see balloons and banners everywhere. I knew my sister would go all out. That’s the kind of person she is. My success is her success. I feel the same way about hers. I have zero doubt that Arizona Abbott will light the world on fire one day. She’s a superstar through and through.

I walk toward the front door and am immediately flooded with memories of Diamond greeting me. She died my junior year in high school. My parents refused to get another dog because they said I was leaving for college and wouldn’t be here to take care of it. All I want is to have my own house so I can get another dog just like Diamond.

As soon as I walk through the door, I’m greeted by a big, round ass up on a ladder, hanging another banner. It’s definitely not Arizona. She’s not that round. My sister is a true leggy California blonde. Unfortunately, she’s stunningly beautiful. Despite the five year age gap, I’ve been hearing it from my friends for years. I have to play bodyguard every time my college teammates see her, threatening bodily harm to anyone who goes near her. She always laughs it off. I think she’s used to the attention.

My eyes move up from that plush ass until they meet the gorgeous red hair of Ripley St. James, my sister’s best friend. She’s in jean shorts and a T-shirt.

She startles at the noise I make and begins to wobble. I quickly rush to her to make sure she doesn’t fall.

She turns and slips off the ladder just as Icatch her. Our bodies are now pressed together. I can’t help but look down at her chest. Last time I saw her, she was still a girl. Not anymore. She’s a woman now.Allwoman. I look back up at her face. She’s fucking gorgeous. What the hell?

I can’t help but inhale her aroma. She still smells like strawberries. Yum. So many fun memories are immediately triggered by her scent.

I smile down at her in my arms, “You’re clumsy, Shortcake.”

She blushes at the nickname I’ve called her for over ten years. She always has.

I suddenly hear a voice. “Is there a reason you’re groping my bestie?”

I quickly release Ripley and step back, realizing our close proximity. I playfully narrow my eyes at my sister. “I just saved her life.”

Ripley lets out a laugh. “I was two feet in the air. I think I would have survived the fall.”

I shrug. “Next time I’ll be sure to drop your ass.” A fucking phenomenal ass.

My sister smiles as she jumps into my arms for a hug. “I’m happy you’re home and so excited about today. I’m proud of you, Q.”

I squeeze her in return. “Thanks, Z. I can’t believe this day is finally here.”

“Me too.” She rubs her hand over my hair. “It’s getting long. You look like a girl.”

I smirk. “Chicks dig it.”

I see Ripley nodding in agreement. “Iloveit. The curls in the back are amazing. I didn’t even know you had curly hair.” She starts to run her fingers through it but then catches herself and quickly pulls away. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. It doesn’t bother me.” In fact, I think I like it.

I take the opportunity to really look Ripley up and down, head to toe. She’s truly blossomed into a full-blown sexpot. When did that happen? She’s never been petite, but now it’s just sexy curves for miles. I can’t fathom how many guys must chase after her.

I turn to Arizona. “Are Mom and Dad here?”

Her face falls, and she subtly shakes her head. “They’re working. Mom said she’d try to make it in time.”

I let out a long breath. “Their son might get drafted to play pro ball, and they can’t take a few hours off? Typical. I should have known.”

She scrunches her nose. “Sorry, Q. Forget them. Half the town is coming. Everyone is excited for you. I’m just praying that you get drafted by a team close to home so I can watch you play.”

I’m filled with warmth for my amazing sister. She’s the only reason I’m doing this here instead of at school with my teammates.

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