Page 126 of Score on You

I pause my evasive measures. “You know these guys?”

“Unfortunately,” he grunts. “Meet my brothers.”

My exhale becomes sputtered relief as the danger evaporates. Courage dares me to glance around the shield of my fiancé’s broad frame. The imposing trio doesn’t look too bothered by Ridge’s frosty and lackluster introduction. One of them is even smiling, like his brother’s abrasive attitude is hilarious.

Once my pulse returns to a semi-normal rate and logic scolds me, I notice the resemblance. My gaze sweeps over their similar traits before skittering away. They return my curiosity, but their attention is more bold and direct. That focus is a bright beam putting me on the spot.

My cheeks heat while I seek shelter behind Ridge. Acting naturally around men is still a challenge. The freedom to speakcasually with them evades me as well. I manage to collect a few words and aim them at the only guy I trust.

“Do they have names?”

Ridge reaches an arm back to embrace me. His steady heartbeat calms mine, always offering support. “Bryson on the left is the oldest. Hudson is stuck in the middle. Literally. And the baby on the right is Soren.”

The youngest brother is still wearing a grin. He wags his eyebrows and steps forward with a palm outstretched in my general direction. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Callie.”

Ridge intercepts the gesture, swatting his hand away. “Don’t touch her.”

“Just being friendly.” Soren winks at me.

A menacing noise thrashes from the wall of muscle in front on me. “That’s the problem.”

“Damn, you’ve always been possessive with your stuff but I’ve never seen that translate to a woman.” He whistles as if a bomb is dropping and the other two nod in agreement.

“Callie is everything to me.” Ridge’s explanation pins their interest on me again.

“You were supposed to warn me if they were going to visit,” I remind him in a rushed whisper.

This isn’t the first impression I’d choose to make. It will certainly leave a lasting mark in the shape of my embarrassment.

He glances at me from over his shoulder. Any traces of frustration are smoothed from his expression. “Trust me, sweetness. I would’ve told you if I’d known.”

“This wasn’t planned?” My voice is a squeak.

“Nope.” Irritation clouds his features when he scowls at the trio again. “These assholes took the liberty of letting themselves in, which means I need to change the lockbox code. Why don’t you tell me what the fuck you’re doing at our house.”

“Just wanted to congratulate you on the engagement,” Hudson drawls.

“Is your phone broken?”

His lips twitch in what I recognize to be amusement. “Would you answer if I called?”

Ridge’s shrug is noncommittal. “Maybe.”

“Liar,” is rumbled from Bryson.

“Haven’t seen you since Christmas and I’m already sick of your shit.”

“Likewise, kid.” The nickname almost makes me laugh.

My fiancé doesn’t approve. “Move your asses.”

Ridge shoves through their barricade as if they’re nothing more than a mirage. His brothers are wise enough to split apart, clearing a path for us into our own home. I dip my chin and allow him to steer me toward the kitchen. Footsteps follow, but my mind is traveling elsewhere.

My face burns as I recall what he did to me on the counter this morning. There were more cherries than my cobbler recipe needed. Ridge gladly gobbled the excess while feasting on me. A distinct whoosh comes from the rear porch entrance to knock me from those memories.

“Finally,” Harper huffs. She slides the glass door behind her and rushes toward us. “How long is a tattoo session? Did you have to wait for Ridge to get his done? You’ve been gone for hours.”

I ignore her remark about the appointment to redefine our scars. “Where did you come from?”

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