Page 124 of Score on You

A furrow dents her brow as she glances up at me. “I’m not great at guessing games. Can you give me a hint?”

“I saw you,” I breathe.

She whirls around until our gazes clash. “What?”

“I was bartending and something told me to look up. My focus went directly to the window. You were there with your hand on the glass. Could’ve sworn you were staring into my soul.”

A lone tear tracks down her cheek. “How is that possible?”

I slide my palm along hers, joining our fingers with a gentle squeeze. “Just one more reason twenty-three is my favorite number.”

She nods. “It’s lucky for us.”

“Unexpected bliss,” I exhale.

Callie grins. “And spontaneous.”

That’s my cue. My heart is thumping loud enough to be heard over incoming traffic. She tracks my smooth descent as I bend down on one knee. Thanks to the late hour, nobody is awake to spoil our private moment.

Callie blinks when I remain on the ground. “What’re you doing?”

I pull the velvet box from my pocket and open the lid. The musgravite solitaire sparkles under the street lamp. “Making you my wife. Well, fiancée first. But that’s only if you agree.”

More tears collect in her eyes as she stares at the grayish-green gemstone. Her awe alone covers the hefty price I paid. “You’re proposing?”

“Trying to,” I tease.

She tucks her wobbly lips between her teeth. “Is this really happening?”

“I got permission from your mom.” Thea couldn’t approve fast enough, practically shoving me out the door to get the job done.

Callie’s brows fling to the overhang. “You did?”

“I sure as shit wasn’t going to ask your dad.”

She laughs, but it’s a choked sound. “Good call, boyfriend.”

I cluck my tongue. “Let’s see about a permanent upgrade, hmm? I’ve been picturing you as my wife since… well, February 23rd of last year. It’s no secret I’m obsessed and clingy and slightly unhinged. But I’ll love you until my last breath. Will you marry me, Calliope Rose?”

Her head is bobbing to the rapid beat of my pulse. “Yes. Yes, yes, yes!”

I slide the platinum band over the knuckle on her left ring finger. My lips peck just above where the rock sits to seal the deal. “Fuck, that’s a beautiful sight.”

She twists her wrist until the lone jewel twinkles. “Was it expensive? I hope you didn’t spend too much.”

It’s endearing as fuck that she thinks I’m referring to the stone. “It’s unique like us, and that’s what matters. Love you so much, fiancée.”

“I love you.” Callie collapses into my waiting arms, smashing her mouth to mine. “Thanks for seeing me when no one else did.”

My grin curls against hers. “Thanks for showing me where to look.”

She inhales long and slow. “It’s the least I could do to score on you.”

“Ready for a rematch?”

“With you at my side?” Callie molds herself to me. The musgravite solitaire gleams when she tries to wiggle impossibly closer. “I’m ready for everything, future husband.”

Walter yanks on his leash, almost dislocating my shoulder in the process. “Jeez, someone is excited to get home.”

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