Page 56 of Score on You

She shakes her head. “So much more. Everything I imagined can’t compare. You’ve blown my expectations again.”

A contented rumble is my initial response. “Likewise, sweetness. Not that I had any doubts.”

There’s a brief pause where we just admire each other after crossing this line. Her accelerated exhales bathe my lips that are wet from our kiss. I cup her cheek and she turns her lips into my palm. Her mouth drags along my skin.

“Thank you,” she murmurs against my wrist.

“If anyone should be voicing appreciation, it’s me. Somehow, you soothe this unfulfilled want caged inside of me.” I rest her palm flat at the center of my chest. “You give me peace.”

She stares at her hand that’s planted on me. “Just from a kiss?”

“In addition to everything else.” I tug on the jersey that’s caressing her curves. “It’s your effect on me.”

She presses two fingers to her swollen lips. “Is it always like this?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“Don’t pretend you haven’t kissed others.”

“Whatever happened before you doesn’t clog wasted space in my memory.”

Her scoff coasts along the evening wind. “I’m not that naive.”

“Believe me, sweetness.” I press my mouth to her warm cheek. “After seeing you, nobody else matters. Simple as that.”

Callie leans into my touch. “I think you might be my dream come true.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” she confirms.

“That’s good, sweetness.” I kiss her again and murmur against her lips, “I’m certain you’re mine.”

Callie:Hey, troublemaker.

Ridge:uh oh. what’d I do to deserve a change in nickname

Callie:Stacey asked if I was sick. Want to know why? I’m blushing at work and it’s totally your fault. That last kiss before you dropped me off is playing on repeat in my mind. It’s all I can think about. The belly swoops won’t quit. Clearly my cheeks are flushed to the point of notice. I can’t go thirty seconds without my thoughts wandering back to you.

Ridge:that doesn’t sound like a problem

Callie:Yeah, yeah. You love it when I’m thinking about you.

Ridge:it seems only fair. plz don’t stop

Callie:As if I could. I can’t manage to get anything done, but you go about your daywithout an issue. What’re you doing btw? Are you at Roosters?

Ridge:at the gym. Drake is glaring at me

Callie:Why? Are you distracting him too?

Ridge:nah, I’m distracted by you. supposed to be spotting him

Callie:What? Jeez. Don’t let him get hurt.

Ridge:his head is too hard for that

Callie:Are you sweaty from lifting weights?

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