Page 27 of Score on You

I gawk at the relic. “Where did you find that? Memory Lane?”

Her brow furrows at my mention of the antique store in town. “It was a gift from my mom. To be honest, it’s difficult to find film that fits. A package of ten exposures is expensive. I only use it for special occasions.”

“Damn, you know how to compliment me.”

I’m transfixed as she creeps forward. Each step closer whips my pulse to a full gallop. My arm lifts in invitation and she only hesitates for a measured inhale before pressing herself into my side. I fight the urge to tighten my grasp while she melts against me.

“Smile,” Callie prompts.

I don’t bother glancing at the lens, not when she fills my entire field of vision. She’s all I see, and I hope that comes across as her finger pushes the shutter button. The whir from the camera churning out the image cracks our pose. She snatches the picture that’s spit out.

“It takes a few minutes to develop.” There’s a tremble in her fingers when she sets the shot face-down on the table.

I chuckle and am almost startled by the raspy notes. “You’re hilarious.”

“Am I?”

“Haven’t laughed in what feels like ages.”

Callie beams at me, bright enough to bathe my face in warmth. “Thanks for making my first date memorable.”

“Your first? Never been on a date before?”

She looks scandalized by the idea. “Of course not.”

The story she shared earlier loops back to remind me how impossible that would’ve been in her previous situation. My chest swells from the claimed honor belonging to me. “Well, this is just the beginning. I have a good feeling this is the first of many things for us.”

“Really?” She twists her lips. “You’ve probably experienced everything already.”

“Not what truly matters. Those I’ve saved for you.”

Callie gasps, searching the honesty in my gaze for any cracks of deceit. “Promise?”

“Yeah, sweetness. I promise.”

Ridge: hey, sweetness. I made it home safely. just didn’t want you to worry

Callie:Hi, Ridge. It’s actually really funny you sent that. I was just about to text you and ask that same thing. You beat me to it. Maybe we’re mentally connected. How cool would that be? We could hear each other’s thoughts. Although, some of that is meant to be private. It’s probably for the best that we aren’t mind readers. There I go again, rambling away. But I’m glad you managed to cross the driveways without incident.

Ridge:it was a tough journey. mostly b/c I left you behind

Callie:Oh, Ridge. You’re too romantic. I’m smiling very big right now. You could’ve stayed longer. I didn’t tell you to leave.

Ridge:you shouldn’t have to. it was getting late. I didn’t want to take advantage of your time

Callie:As if you could ever do that. But I appreciate you being considerate. To be honest, I’m a bit sleepy.

Ridge:go to bed, sweetness. I’ll text you in the morning

Callie:Oh, wait! I almost forgot. Our picture turned out really well. Too bad we don’t have another copy for you.

Ridge:sounds like that gives us an excuse to take more

Callie:Oh, yay! Photos are great material for my scrapbook. I’m glad you’re willing. I wasn’t sure since you’re not looking at the camera in this shot.

Ridge:that wasn’t an accident. I couldn’t look away from you

Callie:There you go again. Is this flirting? I wouldn’t know. But I feel like you’re flirting with me when you say such nice things to me. It’s similar to the swoop in my belly when I saw how you stared at me in the photo. Is that okay for me to admit?

---