Page 95 of Curveball

“I’ve heard other players talk about the adrenaline of the playoffs, but I don’t think I ever understood it until tonight. It’s a high I’ve never imagined possible.”

She aimlessly runs her fingers through my hair. “I’m glad I was there to see it.”

I rub her bare hip. “Me too.” I continue staring into her eyes. “I…umm…got the plans back for the house this week.”

“And?”

“They’re so perfect. Jade is brilliant. I can’t wait to break ground. Collin said he knows people in the permitting office and can probably start within a few weeks. He wants to get the shell up before winter hits.”

“Wow. You’re all in.”

“I am. No place has ever felt more like home.”

I don’t just mean Philly, but I don’t say that.

“What about you, Shortcake? Where do you see yourself infive years?”

She shrugs. “I’m not sure. I really like this town, but…” she swallows hard, “you know why I can’t stay. I imagine Arizona will live here though. That will be nice for you.”

“What makes you say that?”

She rolls her eyes. “They’re in love, Quincy. Real, soulmate, storybook love. She’s going to marry him one day. You must realize that.”

I sigh. I suppose she’s right.

She has a dreamy look on her face. “He loves her like every woman in the world wants to be loved. You should be happy for her. For him too.”

“How does every woman want to be loved?”

Without any hesitation, she answers, “Fully. Wholeheartedly. Without shame. Like nothing and no one else matters.”

I’m contemplating her words when we hear female moans from the other room. I initially wince thinking it’s Arizona until I remember June is in there.

Ripley mouths, “What the hell?”

And then we hear a deep male voice. “Oh fuck, June. That’s so good.”

I smile while trying to contain my laughter. “That’s Dutton.”

Ripley simply shakes her head. “Leave it to my mother to be in town for less than twelve hours and have the hottest man in her age bracket in her bed.”

I pinch my eyebrows together. “Dutton is hot?”

She bites her lip and mock shivers. “Hell yes.”

“I don’t think he dates much. His wife died a long time ago, but he still loves her and is attached.”

She shrugs. “June St. James, everyone. She could make The Pope visit a whore house.”

I chuckle before moving a stray strand of hair from her face. “Are you nervous about your game?”

She shakes her head. “Not really. I’m not a nervous person. I play better when I’m relaxed so I try not to allow myself to get too worked up.”

“I wish I was like that. I make myself crazy.”

“I know you do. You’re having the best season of your career. Try to enjoy it. Just a little bit.”

“I’m enjoying being here with you.”

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