Page 10 of Score on You

I scrub over my face to stave off an incoming migraine. “Want me to kick you out? Could’ve just asked.”

“Add stubbornness to your list of admirable qualities.”

“Don’t question my methods.”

“Straight madness? I wouldn’t dare,” Drake deadpans.

“This is coming from a guy who’s notorious for choosing the wrong girl.”

“Meanwhile, you haven’t even talked to the one you’re legit crazy about. How long has it been?” My so-called friend begins counting on his fingers. “Ten months?”

“Thirteen,” I correct. That doesn’t include the one or two she was in Knox Creek prior to my awareness of her.

Once again, there’s no point in denying that I’ve kept track whenever Calliope Porter is concerned. After catching sight of her that random afternoon on Main Street, I made my interest freakishly obvious. Well, to everyone except her. My plan doesn’t involve scaring her off before I have a chance to explain myself.

Drake’s unintelligible grumbling drags me back to my living room. “Are you holding out for another year?”

“If that’s what it takes.” I’m nothing if not disciplined.

He curses under his breath. “Never took you for one to beat around the bush.”

“That’s your area of expertise. Nah, wait. You tend to miss altogether.”

“Leave me be. I’m still licking my wounds.” But his smirk suggests he’s long since recovered.

“The fact you continue repeating the cycle is an insult to your pride.”

“Good thing I have plenty of it.”

Minnesota scores and I pump my fist before circling back to Drake’s insanity. “You’ve got to be the only single dick who’s desperate to have kids but can’t find a chick to be your baby mama.”

“When she’s ready for me, I’ll find her.”

“Now you’re sounding like Garrett.”

He shrugs and slouches lower against the cushions. “Worked out in his favor. And don’t think it hasn’t escaped my notice that you’re bordering on hypocrite territory again.”

I grunt in response. Maybe I’m jealous. This pest won’t hear me admit it.“The situation is under control. Quit bothering me and worry about yourself.”

“Or you could share this ingenious slow play. Tell me what it is about her that gets to you.”

“Why do you care?”

The silence that follows suggests he’s scrounging for an explanation that will crack me. He should know better. His exhale sounds like a white flag, but my friend isn’t a quitter. “I’ve never seen you give a shit about anything other than hockey and the bar. Maybe Garrett and me on a good day.”

It’s my turn to release a heavy sigh. If I divulge a tiny scrap, he might let me watch the game in peace. “She’s different.”

There’s another pause. “Wow, that’s deep. Did you come up with that on your own?”

“Consider yourself lucky that I’m entertaining your hopeless romantic questioning to begin with.” Because even that crumb is more than I’ve given to Callie.

“C’mon, Crusher. You gotta give me more than that. Why does this specific woman twist you into knots?”

“Are you trying to get your ass kicked?” The urge to lunge at him regardless of his response flexes my muscles.

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re nosy.”

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