ScrewBall: The Washington Rockets Series, #2

By Jamie Spicer

Courtney was a carefree and spontaneous girl who lived life on her own terms, never one to commit to anything or anyone. But when her best friend Delanie found love through a video app, Courtney met Julio Rodriguez, her friend's beau's teammate. She resolved to not let her guard down, but Julio was like a persistent, love-struck puppy who refused to give up.

Julio Rodriguez was the charming, famous, and drop-dead gorgeous outfielder for the Washington Rockets baseball team. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was searching for his soulmate. A steamy night together and countless flirty texts made Julio believe that Courtney was the one, but she kept denying any feelings for him.

Will Courtney continue to resist love, or will Julio hit a home run with her?

This stand-alone story is a companion to Curveball and promises to deliver a heartwarming and spicy romance that will leave you rooting for the characters until the very end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jamie Spicer
• Release date: Nov 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223655718

Book preview

Chapter One- Mac n’ Cheese, J-Rod, and Mason Jar Wine Glasses

Courtney

ONCE I FINALLY ENTER the paradise of my shower, I take a minute to breathe in the peace. No coworkers bumping into you, no supervisors scolding you for not going fast enough, no frat boys home on break accidentally rubbing the back of their hand against your boobs. Or butt. Or Knees. Yes. Knees. I’ve found during my seven years of dealing with rude and entitled customers, that if there’s a body part, there's a kink.

I scrub my hibiscus-scented shampoo into my scalp, wishing it were an actual massage from an actual masseur. I’ll have to settle for doing this and jilling off. The smell of the bar, where I work, slowly circles the drain along with my body wash. I finish my attempt of erasing the last remnants of the night by brushing my teeth. After pulling on a plain pair of white cotton undies, I choose an old, oversized Pink Floyd t-shirt and pad into the kitchen. There’s something so comforting about getting swaddled up in cotton that is soft from hundreds of washings that also reminds you of the good times.

I search the depths of my worn, chipped white cabinets for the cardboard box of comfort. Following the microwave instructions, I wait the torturous three minutes of hell for my reward; the heavenly taste of the powdery cheese goodness. I mix the orange-gold concoction, making sure all the lumps have smoothed out. Macaroni and cheese are better than any five-star meal, I don’t give a fuck what anyone says. I’d fight anyone that says anything different. I could probably throw them into the Bermuda Triangle of my dirty clothes pile and never see them again.

I grab a mason jar wine glass... yes I said mason jar wine glass because I’m classy as fuck, and fill it to the top with a cheap bottle of red wine. And yes, I said red wine because only savages drink white with mac and cheese.

I plop my ass onto the cloud of my overstuffed, hand-me-down couch to watch Stranger Things. I get my fix of Joe Keery whenever I can. That man is desirable as hell. With my remote in hand, I’m about to press the button that will allow Mr. Keery into my living room, when my cell vibrates.

Hold on Joey, this will only take a minute.

Rodriguez: I’ve missed you today, my Mariposa. Did you miss me? When are you coming back to Washington?

I take a huge gulp of my wine and offer Joey a silent apology for letting another man get between us because this may take more than a minute. If the sex hadn’t been so good between me and J-Rod from our one-night stand, I may have debated who would get my attention.

After our one night of sexual bliss the night of the athletic fundraiser, we have been texting, snapping, and video chatting a lot. I would say that I'm annoyed at it, but to be honest it's kinda fun and different. Who knew video sex and phone sex could be so hot?

ME: WHY DO YOU CALL me Butterfly J-Rod? I am not some pretty bug that you can squash. I was too busy working my ass off dishing out drinks and shitty food to miss anyone. I guess whenever Carl gets his head out of his ass and attempts to make up with Delanie.

Rodriguez: because they are a symbol of hope and transformation and of course like you they are beautiful. You missed me Mariposa, it's ok you play like you don't care about me but I know the truth. I see what's in your heart.

Me: lol. Seriously? I've told you 500 times Rodriguez I don't do love. It's too messy and complicated. My heart is ice. Don't think because you gave me multiple orgasms that I am in love with you cause pfft. Sex: yes. Love: Hell no!

Rodriguez: I'm going to change all of that my little butterfly, you wait and see.

I am down for a chase and loved the sex, but Julio Rodriguez’s insane if he thinks I'd fall for him. I don't love, not romantically. No matter how hot, funny, and sweet Rodriguez is, it would not change.

Chapter Two- Sisters, Chinese Takeout, and Video Phone Chats

Rodriguez

I TOLD YOU, JULIO, momma wants you to come for dinner on Sunday, you better make time, My older sister Xiomara says over the phone. We never get to see you anymore.

I know Zee, I am busy though. It's summer and I have practices and games, I run my hand through my hair and sigh, I know you guys miss me, I'll come Sunday. Are Jesus and Esmerelda going to be there? How are their twins? They are like seven months old right? Geez, I have missed so much time, I know. I'm sorry.

Just be there little brother, Xiomara says before she hangs up the phone.

I'm the youngest of five children, all girls but me. Xiomara (Zee) is the oldest. We aren't as close as me and my sister Esmerelda are, she's only two years older than me, but she met Jesus last year, got married, and was pregnant with twins and our schedules have not coincided with each other. There's Elina and Dayanara who are the second to oldest five minutes apart. That's right twin sisters and twin nephews as well. My father passed away when I was eight and our mother and Zee raised us. Our family is close and I love them dearly. I moved them here from Arizona when I got signed and bought Momma and Zee the house. Zee has never married and has never lived on her own. As we were growing up, she took care of us while momma worked and went to school. She's like my second mother and that is why when she lays guilt trips on me, it eats my soul.

I take a hot shower that helps settle my sore muscles. I put on boxers and pull up a Chinese takeout app. Sweet and sour chicken and egg rolls sound delicious right now. I'm starving after the practice. Also, getting an emotional beat down from my sister makes me mentally exhausted. All I want to do is rest, eat, and talk to Courtney. It's amazing how well we get along, she is full of spite and sass and I love it. It doesn't hurt that she's funny, smart, sexy, and a wildcat in the bedroom either. I've never been overly dominant in the bedroom, but Courtney loves it. I mean we've only had one night together, but it’s fucking amazing! Me taking her by the throat and throwing her against the wall, taking her lips with mine, and ripping her panties off her. She got so wet.

The doorbell rang interrupting my sexy thoughts, and I had to wake my half-hard cock to behave long enough to get my food. I have already paid and left a generous tip for the delivery person, with the request to leave the food at my doorstep. While I don’t intend to be rude, I prefer to avoid interactions with strangers and maintain my privacy. I retrieved the bag of delicious-smelling food from my doorstep and brought it to the kitchen, where I grabbed some hot sauce and a cold beer. After that, I returned to my living room and called Courtney to share the meal over the phone.

Chapter Three- Video Calls, Showers, and Peep Shows

Courtney

MY VIDEO CALL BEGAN ringing right as I came through the door. I push the button to start the call when Rodriguez's smiling face appears on the screen. Gosh, he’s handsome. His short, light brown hair is perfectly styled, and his deep brown eyes were mesmerizing. He had full lips that would make any heart skip a beat, and his smile was breathtaking.

Good evening Mariposa. Did you get off from work? He asks as I strip off my clothes starting with my shoes.

"I did. I'm about to jump in the shower. Do you want