Page 117 of Score on You

“Like a party? Fucking awesome. I love big groups of people. While you’re doing that, I’ll compile a list of the laws you’re breaking. In addition to the two I already mentioned, this is private property and you’re trespassing. The cops are good friends of mine, which makes them your enemy.”

“All I hear are more empty threats,” he snarls.

Clearly, nobody ever taught him not to poke the bear. I stroll at a leisurely pace to where he’s loitering in the street. “This can go two ways, old man. I can kick your ass before letting you leave town, or you can get the fuck out on your own with some of your dignity still intact. Either way, if I ever see your face again, you’ll regret it.”

“Fucking prick,” he sneers.

“That’s not very nice. I was trying to be considerate by giving you a choice, not that you deserve it. Now I’ll just do what I want.” I pretend to lunge at him. It’s more posturing than anything.

The fake intimidation tactic does the trick.He tucks tail and dashes into the dark, which fills me with more joy than I thought he was capable of providing.

I wave at his retreating form. “Tootle-fucking-oo.”

Vanilla carries on the breeze like a reward for my valiant efforts. That welcome scent has me retracing my steps until I’m hovering over the threshold. I grip onto the doorframe, stopping myself from imposing. These two have tolerated more than their fair share of masculine energy for one evening.

Before I can take my leave, Callie rushes forward and climbs me like a tree. Her legs cinch my middle while she peppers my face with kisses. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Althea is more demure in her appreciation. Her smile is small, but present. A sure sign she’s going to be okay. That alone is worth the senseless sniveling I just endured.

I band an arm under Callie’s ass to brace her weight against me. “No gratitude necessary. It’s an honor to protect you, sweetness.”

She huffs. “Um, you’re our hero. The dragon is slayed.”

“Didn’t we decide this isn’t a fairytale?”

“It feels pretty dreamy,” she breathes.

“Mhmm.” My agreement is pressed against her lips. “I should go.”

Callie arches away to study my expression. “Why?”

“I’m sure you want to decompress after… that.” My free hand points to where her dad was last seen.

She shakes her head. “Don’t leave. What if he isn’t really gone?”

He’ll meet my fist, but I don’t reveal that. “Would it make you feel better if I camp in the yard?”

“No, stay in here.” She rocks her hips into my lower abdomen as if that will persuade me.

If I’m being honest, temptation clouds my judgment. But I refuse to overstep. “Your mom would probably be more comfortable if I left.”

“Let’s ask her.” Callie releases her hold on me, sliding down my front before pivoting to face her mother.

“Althea has been through enough,” I rumble.

The older woman straightens in her spot on the couch. “Call me Thea, and please, take a seat.”

Callie:Hey, boyfriend. Just thinking of you, like always. Missing you too. How’s the couch?

Ridge:lonely af

Callie:Thanks for staying over. We really appreciate it. Do you want me to send Walter down there to cuddle with you?

Ridge:we both know he’s not gonna leave your side

Callie:Who said he was coming to visit you by himself? I want to join the cuddle session.

Ridge:nah, keep your mom company. she needs you

---