Page 58 of Score on You

Ridge:it’s in my best interest to provide them with their own space

Callie:Which you’ve now rented to me. For free. Where are you going to put your family when they visit next?

Ridge:they can take my house. I’ll crash on your couch

Callie:There’s no way I’d make you stay on the sofa.

Ridge:You’re gonna let me sleep in your bed?

Callie:Maybe…

Ridge:what can I do to seal the deal?

Callie:Let me pay rent.

Ridge:something else

Callie:Am I allowed to get a dog?

Ridge:why wouldn’t you?

Callie:Not sure if you had a rule against them.

Ridge:we’re a pet friendly establishment

Callie:LOL That’s reassuring. There’s a golden doodle who frequents Pampered Pup and he might need a new home. Walter is such a good boy. He doesn’t shed either, which is a bonus.

Ridge:can’t wait to meet him

Callie:That can be arranged. Like when you pick me up after my shift. Until then, you better get back to lifting weights or Drake will yell at you.

Ridge:I’d like to see him try

Callie:And I’d rather you didn’t risk it.

Ridge:lol later, love

The shade from the overhang offers a generous reprieve from the mid-morning sun. This spring has been unseasonably warm, and the late April heat is no exception. That’s just one reason this outdoor feature has become a haven for me.

A gentle breeze shakes through the nearby trees. That gust frees stray hairs from my ponytail. Before I can blink, those strands glue themselves to the balm slathered on my mouth. I barely notice the sticky tendrils. The reminder of why I applied the goop so thick steals the spotlight.

Tingles spread across my flushed cheeks while the memories flood in.It’s been almost two weeks since my first kiss. I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve lost count of how many we’ve exchanged since.What’s for certain is that my lips are chapped from our frequent—and spirited—affections.

My throat is suddenly dry, and I reach for my glass. Chilled lemonade soothes the ache that seems constant as of late. Thatrelief lasts for three seconds at most. The distant hum reminds me of who’s right around the corner.

I’m caught in a daze when a recognizable car pulls into my driveway. A blinding reflection streaks off the blue paint to knock me from the stupor. Harper appears from behind the wheel. Her arrival suggests that’s it’s already ten o’clock. The chair creaks as I shift slightly, but make no move to stand.

My friend quirks a brow as she approaches. “Well, hello to you too.”

“Hey, what can I say? It’s a lazy Tuesday,” I explain.

“Mhmm, it looks that way. We should rhyme in the bay.” She climbs the stairs and sits down beside me. “Enjoying the scenery? You look preoccupied.”

“No more than usual.” I can sense her rapt focus boring a hole into my avoidance. It’s necessary for my attention to remain firmly planted straight ahead. One glance at my flushed expression is all it’ll take for her to read my salacious musings.

“The artist in her element. What’s captured your attention?” Her chin points to the camera in my lap.

That’s when the distinct buzz grows louder to interrupt our conversation. Harper whips her head toward the sound. Ridge comes into view from the side of my house, pushing the lawnmower. I shamelessly admire his naked upper half. Inked skin gleams with a layer of perspiration. Defined muscles ripple and flex from the effort of steering the motorized tool. Green flames smolder into mutual attraction as he meets my stare. Meanwhile, a screech spills from my bestie. She flails like a rag doll and tosses an arm over her face.

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