Page 34 of Score on You

Her blush makes a rosy reappearance. “You need to try my tater tot hot dish.”

“I’ll eat whatever you’re willing to feed me,” I freely admit.

“He’s gonna lose his mind once your cherry casserole is on the menu,” Harper intrudes.

Callie crinkles her forehead. “Cherry casserole?”

“Ridge will gobble that cobbler. Even better than casserole. Finger-licking good.” She does the motion for a chef’s kiss.

“I’ll need to find a recipe for that,” Callie mumbles absently.

While my innocent girl jots down a reminder for herself, I shoot a glare at Harper that promises retribution. It would have most grown men shit their pants.

“That sounds like my cue. What’s that, Jerky Jacob?” She cups her ear and begins trotting off in his direction. “I’ll be right there.”

With that nuisance occupied, I’m able to concentrate on the only one who matters. Callie is already looking at me when I catch her stare. She lowers her lashes, but peeks back at me a moment later. I like to think she can’t keep her eyes off me. The compulsion is very fucking mutual.

“Thanks again for the cookies. I’ll treasure these.” Which starts with tucking them under the counter in a secure location.

She peers over the edge. “I can make more.”

“That’s an offer I’ll never refuse. Just like having you in my bar. It means a lot that you stopped by.”

“Really?” Callie’s gaze sweeps over the others who chose Roosters to take a load off, but I don’t acknowledge their existence.

“Yes, really,” I confirm for her instead. “And now I finally get the pleasure of serving you.”

She gasps as if our roles in this scenario just occurred to her. “Oh, my.”

“What’s it gonna be, sweetness? Just name it and I’ll deliver. On the house.”

Callie surveys the variety of options on display. “Um, I’ve never had an alcoholic beverage before.”

Can’t say I’m all that shocked by her response. “Would you like one?”

“Only if you make it for me.” Her lips pinch into a firm line as if she can’t believe those words spilled out.

“Damn,” I grunt and clutch at the area above my heart. “You’re giving me the privilege of creating your first cocktail?”

“We have many firsts to share, right?” The blue in her eyes reflects a sacred vow.

I eagerly dive into those depths, allowing the calm waters to submerge me. “Absolutely. I’ll take as many as you’re willing to give me.”

Callie’s timid smile is a gesture of trust and I clutch those fragile strands close to my chest. “What do you recommend?”

My mind whirls with the base ingredients of a few staple combinations. “I’m gonna let my creativity take the lead, which is a first for me.”

Her expression brightens as I get to work.

I grab the coconut rum that has a reputation for its smooth flavor. Just a small amount gets added to the blend.

She studies my movements like the process is fascinating. That riveted focus doesn’t stray as I flip a shaker in my hand as if this is common practice. The rusty motions gain the attention of an actual flair expert.

“Those are some smooth moves, Crusher Carter.” Garrett saunters over and claps me on the back. “A real crowd pleaser tonight, huh?”

“For a solo audience,” I mutter while dumping a generous amount of pineapple juice in the container. A few other fruity components go in next.

“That’s cute. Not sure why I’m busting my ass running interference for you. What’s the deal with this disgruntled customer saying you booted—?” His question cuts off when he spots Callie sitting in her designated seat. “Oh, hey. Didn’t see you there.”

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