Page 44 of Score on You

“I disagree.” But I release her from my hold.

A grateful smile gets sent my way. “You can reclaim your grip in just a moment.”

The window lowers and a breezy gust whips at her hair. “Whoa.”

“It would’ve been worse on the interstate,” I chuckle.

Callie attempts to tuck wayward strands behind her ears. “I’ll be quick.”

“You can’t rush beauty.”

Her eyes roll in my direction before she returns her focus to the passing street view. “You humor me.”

A rumble rolls off my chest. “I hope I do more than that.”

She visibly shivers. “Much more.”

Heat travels through me faster than the speed limit. If I wasn’t driving, I’d be fighting my restraint against kissing her. “How ‘bout that picture?”

That snaps her from the stupor. “If you’d quit distracting me.”

“You make it too easy.”

“What can I say? I like it when you flirt with me.” Her blush teases me while she captures an image of the sleek architecture.

The hum from the film being exported is drowned out by the wind. Not that I’d notice. My chest is too preoccupied swelling with pride as Callie takes another picture. She’s no longer concerned about limiting herself and that plucks a triumphant string within me.

A thought occurs to me while she aims the lens at a mirrored structure. “Why don’t you use your phone to take pictures? The camera is much better than an Instax.”

She twists her lips, but nods. “Technology is strange. I’m still getting used to having a handheld device that grants me access to just about everything. Call me old-fashioned, but there’s something about holding an actual camera in my grip. I don’t have to be a photographer to understand the significance. Plus, it spits out pictures instantly! Way cooler than just staring at them on a screen.”

There’s no stopping a smile from forming at her enthusiastic explanation. “I get that.”

Shock steals her voice for several seconds. “Really?”

“Yep. Plenty of stuff is just fine the way it is. Not everything should be updated or replaced just because a new version is simpler or supposedly ‘better.’ I won’t abandon a good thing that’s proven itself. Such as the local company who made my pads and equipment even when I was pressured to use a big manufacturer. I did several ads for their business to put them on the map.” My chest puffs up a bit at the reminder.

“Exactly.” Her eyes sparkle as she gazes at me. “You totally get it.”

“Does that mean I get you?”

“Yes?”

“The uncertainty doesn’t bode well for me.”

Callie giggles and focuses on a skyscraper stretching for the clouds. “Would it be better if I said that I’m not uncertain about you?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely,” I blurt. “Very much so.”

“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.” Her tone is barely a whisper, but she might as well have screamed the declaration.

Now I’m the one struggling to respond. The need surging through my system is too demanding. “Damn, sweetness. That’s how you bring a man to his knees.”

Her posture stiffens in visible alarm. “But you’re driving.”

“Figuratively speaking,” I amend. At least until she’s ready for me to properly worship her.

The redness that blooms in her cheeks suggests she can hear my plans for our future. “Silly me. I was concerned for your health.”

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