Page 42 of Score on You

His gaze travels from mine to where our fingers are still interlaced. “Want to go somewhere with me? I have a specific place in mind.”

“Is it a surprise?”

He nods. “And a date if you agree.”

“As if I’d deny you.”

A glint sparks in his eyes. “Probably shouldn’t admit that.”

I trace over his knuckle with my nail. “Why not?”

“Your modesty might be in jeopardy.”

A laugh bubbles from me. The sound is freeing. “I’m willing to risk it.”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” There’s a teasing note in his tone.

Our bodies tilt inward as if drawn together by a magnetic force. It gives me the courage to taunt him in return. “Do your worst, boyfriend.”

An audible gulp bobs his Adam’s apple. The air separating us turns static. His palm seems to heat against mine like a brand is forming. I welcome the burn and refuse to shy away. He searches my gaze as if seeking further permission. Whatever he wants, I’ll likely agree. But then he straightens to douse the flames.

“Well, would you look at that? I was right again.” He nods at our most recent picture that’s completely developed.

Our eyes are locked on each other rather than focusing straight ahead. It’s like we’re looking at what truly matters.

“Unexpected bliss,” I sigh.

“Yeah, sweetness.” Ridge’s attention on me feels bottomless in this instant and all those that will follow. “That’s us.”

My thumb taps on the steering wheel as the freeway curves toward our secret location. That rapid beat mirrors the thunder in my chest. For whatever reason, this date feels like a turning point. There’s only one direction I’ll allow.

Callie is beside me in the passenger seat. It’s easy to consider that as her rightful spot as we move forward. I could sense a shift in our dynamic when we were in a similar position the other day. Just like then, her hand is clutched protectively in mine. The comfort from such casual contact is a natural high.

A constant buzz thrums through me whenever we’re connected. Callie releases a long exhale as if the static charge surges in her veins too. That content sound confirms that she welcomes my touch. If pressed, I’d be willing to assume she wanted to initiate contact the moment I picked her up. I sure as shit did, and here we sit. Interwoven.

My relationship with Callie is progressing faster—and better—than I dared to anticipate. We’re transitioning into a morephysical stage and it excites me. Warmth rushes under my skin and I shift against the cool leather. Arousal is always on tap whenever Callie is nearby or I’m thinking about her, which means my body is constantly on alert. The steady thump from tires on pavement anchors me before I get carried away.

Callie has been noticeably quiet since blocks of buildings replaced rolling fields. I take the opportunity to glance over at her. A grin automatically crooks my lips as if I’m the smiling sort. Only this girl can get the expression to rise from me. Not that many would be immune to her in this situation.

Her round eyes and unblinking stare are adorable. She presses her right hand flat against the window. A foggy imprint appears from the pressure.

Then just as suddenly, her body sways toward mine as if reeled in by our linked fingers. The liberty of touching her freely is heady. I’ve been granted permission and I’m taking advantage. She accepts me. Once again, I’m fortunate enough to cradle her delicate trust in my grip. Quite fucking literally. I trace along her inner wrist with my thumb as the smog grows thicker in the sky.

“Do you know where we are?”

“Far from home,” she breathes.

“This is the capital of Minnesota.” I point straight ahead to where we’re going.

“St. Paul.” She peeks over at me. “Our basic education didn’t skip geography.”

“Have you ever seen a big city?”

“No.” There’s wonder in her voice as her attention returns to the urban landscape.

“There are far larger than this. Minneapolis is just down the road.”

“Incredible.” Her fingers curl against the glass as if she can touch the skyscrapers. “I’m sure this is nothing new for you.”

---