Page 24 of Score on You

“Ridge?”

A hot surge floods my veins, and an involuntary groan is forced from me. The potency is more intoxicating than scoring a goal to win the game with two seconds left on the clock. It’s safe to say I’m not immune to her uttering my name. I probably never will be.

The control she wields over me might be cause for concern, but I willingly hand over the reins. She gets all of me.

Other than my undivided concentration to conversation, seeing as she has to clear her throat for me to notice the silence is mine to end.

Once again, I’m rendered useless just from a simple mention. Fuck, I need to get a grip.

“Yes, sweetness?”

“Are you okay?” She scoots her fingers toward where mine are planted.

I wonder if she realizes the subtle movement puts her within touching distance. Or how easy it would be for me to engulf her palm with mine. Shit, there I go again.

“Couldn’t be better. Why do you ask?”

Callie tortures her bottom lip with a gnawing bite. “You look… bothered.”

I smooth my features. “Really?”

Her squint digs beneath the exterior. “Please don’t concern yourself with what happened before we met.”

“Might as well ask me to quit breathing.”

“You couldn’t have changed the outcome regardless,” she urges.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t wish things were different.”

Her smile lacks its usual sparkle. “In my father’s eyes, his actions were justified.”

“And I’ll gladly rearrange his face to extend my gratitude. Maybe then he’ll see clearly.”

The thoughtful tilt of her head suggests she isn’t completely opposed to the idea. Progress. “Did Harper tell you about where I came from?”

“No, I never asked.”

“Oh.” Her wounded expression is a blade sinking into my gut.

“Hey.” My thumb nudges hers. The slight contact has the desired effect, earning me a gasp. “Don’t think that means I’m not interested. I just wanted to hear the story from you.”

Relief washes her expression of the defeat pinching between her brows. “Oh, okay. That makes me feel better.”

I’m riveted to the glow returning to her complexion. “Is your background difficult to talk about?”

“Not really. It’s probably harder for you to hear than it is for me to share.”

“Shit,” I grind out. The history burned into her skin nearly tossed me over the edge. Whatever she’s about to reveal is likely to put me in a tailspin.

“We don’t need to discuss it.” Her meek tone prods at the protective instincts she’s established in me.

“It’s part of you, sweetness. That means I want to know.”

“Have you heard of Billmoore?”

The name rattles around, but doesn’t connect. “Is it nearby?”

“About two hours south. Some say Knox Creek is in the middle of nowhere, but they clearly don’t know how isolated a place can be.” Callie laughs, but the sound lacks humor. “Billmoore is a secluded community that’s built on particular… beliefs. The compound is spread across hundreds of acres and includes numerous families.”

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