Page 37 of Score on You

Ridge:nah, sweetness. every moment with you is a surprise

Callie:How do you figure?

Ridge:I never thought I’d find happiness like this. just opening up about my feelings is a foreignconcept. you’re a shock to my system

Callie:That sounds like unexpected bliss.

Ridge:yeah, you get it

Callie:I do, and I feel the same.

Ridge:that validation makes me want to reveal stuff you might not be ready to hear

Callie:Will you? Please? I really enjoy your romantic side.

Ridge:only for you, sweetness. you’re the reason I feel like this. each smile you gift me is precious. I cling onto every word like the softly spoken syllables are my sustenance

Ridge:oh, and now I have your cookies to consume as a midnight snack. it’s as if you’ve rebooted me to operate on whatever you’re willing to give me

Ridge:you’ve also turned me into a sap, but I’m not complaining

Ridge:and don’t even get me started about what seeing you perched on that stool in my section of the bar does to me

Callie:The flutters and belly swoops have returned.

Ridge:tell me more

Callie:It’s such a giddy sensation that I’m unfamiliar with. I’m glad you liked the surprises tonight. There’s something I need to tell you, though. I can’t take credit for both. The cookies were my idea. Harper suggested I visit Roosters. To share a bit more honesty, stopping by unannounced is way out of my comfort zone. I had to talk myself into following through with the plan. It almost didn’t happen. But you know what? The unexpected bliss we just talked about was on your face when I walked into the bar. Seeing that was worth the nerves. It radiated from your expression. I can’t properly describe it, but that look stunned me for several moments. You make me feel things I didn’t know existed. Just like whenever I open my scrapbook to see our pictures. It’s the same joy on yourface. I think you might like me, Ridge Carter.

Ridge:I more than like you, Calliope Porter.

Callie:Does this mean you’re my… boyfriend?

Ridge:I thought that was obvious

Callie:Not to me. I’m clueless when it comes to dating, remember? The little I’ve learned is from you, Harper, and romance books. That still isn’t much. We haven’t even… held hands yet.

Ridge:would you like that?

Callie:Very much so.

Ridge:consider it done. just like how I’m very much your boyfriend. or if not, I’m still waiting

Callie:For what?

Ridge:for you to claim me as yours

Callie:You’re mine?

Ridge:undeniably

Callie:Does that make me yours?

Ridge:absolutely. if you agree

Callie:Yes, I like the sound of that.

Ridge:then it’s official. no refunds

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