Page 14 of Score on You

Harper’s grin stretches to mirror mine. “Yet here you are. No dreaming necessary. Just goes to show that nice things can happen to those who deserve it, especially when you catch the eye of a broody bachelor with rental connections.”

My face gets warm at the mention of Ridge, but I don’t allow myself to focus on him. Instead, I create a mental list of things to get for my new home. There isn’t much thanks to the ownerproviding everything except what I chose to put in this room. For whatever reason, this space was left completely untouched. Which makes it glaringly obvious that these are my belongings. The few items I own are in bad shape. I’m grateful to have the dresser and nightstand that I found for free, but the two pieces appear seconds away from disrepair.

It might be wise for me to begin there.

“Is bedroom furniture expensive? Like a matching set?”

“Depends on where you’re shopping,” Harper says. “You have money saved, right?”

“Not enough.” Besides, that stash is for emergencies only.

She rocks on her bare feet. “Take on more shifts at the groomers. You’re closer to Main Street now. The walk is only a few blocks.”

I nod. “Yeah, that’s a smart idea. It shouldn’t take me nearly as long to get there.”

“Or you could ask someone for a ride.”Her thumb points at the shared wall.

“Ridge? Oh, no. I couldn’t impose. He’s too busy.”

As if hearing his name, a telltale chirp draws my gaze downward. A message appears in our thread that I still have open on the screen. I’d already been smiling, but the expression hits comical proportions with his words.

Ridge:how’s it going over there? all settled in?

The relief I feel is equally ridiculous compared to my former distress. I begin typing a respond instead of overanalyzing the reaction.

Me:Hello, Ridge. How’s your evening? It’s very considerate of you to check in on myprogress. We’re done moving my belongings inside. It wasn’t too difficult, but I’m glad to be done. I still have some rearranging to do. That might be a job for tomorrow. Guess what? Harper and I were just discussing the texting pattern between you and me. Have you ever messaged me first? Like after we’ve stopped writing and haven’t started again. I can’t remember. She told me to wait until you did. I suppose that was good advice since you did text me just now. I’ll admit that I had my doubts. It makes me smile to think you must like our conversations. At least I hope you do. You must enjoy them somewhat to continue responding. Not to mention initiating contact. When I was worried about not hearing from you, I got very sad. I believe I’m growing quite attached to you already, just like Harper said I would. Is that okay? I don’t ever want to become a bother, as I’ve mentioned previously. Probably too many times. It’s an ongoing concern if that isn’t obvious. Maybe that’s enough from me for now. I look forward to your reply, Ridge.—Callie

“Is that him? It’s like we summoned him or something.” Harper approaches from over my shoulder and reads what I just sent. “Dude! You’re not supposed to tell him all that.”

My attention leaps off the screen to collide with her logic. “I’m not?”

She shakes her head. “Also, you don’t have to greet him each time or sign your name at the end.”

“Oh.” I frown at my recent reply. “Do I look foolish?”

“Nah, he probably loves it. But you can save yourself time by cutting out the formality. Unless it’s your first message that day or in a new exchange. It’s like I told you when we first started chatting.” Her grin is probably meant to be reassuring.

Confusion swirls into a thick fog. “But that’s just your preference. Plus, you’re my friend. He’s a man. I want to make sure he knows I’m polite.”

“Trust me, babes. He knows.”

The oxygen in my lungs turns to stone and I wheeze. “Did you tell him—?”

Harper eyes widen. “No, no. Your secrets aren’t mine to spill. But I told him just enough to explain that he needs to play a slow game.”

I furrow my brow. “Such as?”

“That he should be careful with you”—she holds up a palm when I try to interrupt—“as in take things slow and be gentle. I wanted him to give you time to adjust. He’s being patient on purpose. When you’re ready for more, he’ll be there. You control the situation.”

That final statement stands out in bold. “I have control?”

“Yes. It’s yours.”

“Wow.” That concept will take some getting used to. “I have so much to learn.”

“Don’t worry too much about it. Most of this is just general dating rules that don’t apply in your case.”

I blanch. “Dating?”

---