Page 6 of Score on You

“Soon. It will be easier when she’s next door,” I mumble.

Her eyebrows damn near leap to the ceiling. “What was that?”

“Nothing.” My scowl could beat Jake’s if agitated further.

“Uh-huh, I get it. You have ulterior motives.”

The clench in my gut is a warning I ignore. “Don’t tell her that.”

Harper smiles. The expression seems to reflect a scheme of her own. “Oh, trust me. Callie won’t mind.”

I let my mouth drop open as Harper turns into the driveway of our apparent destination. “This can’t be right.”

She points to the address displayed on her phone in Google Maps, which matches the numbers above the garage. “Welcome home, babes.”

“That’s a tad presumptuous.” But my eyes don’t stray from the stunning sight just beyond her windshield.

“As if you’re going to turn down this fortress.” Her thumb stabs at the two-story duplex.

I admire the structure that’s beginning to resemble a castle. It looks like two separate buildings that are essentially glued together. An entire house could be mine. “It’s too big for just me. I have nothing to fill it with.”

“Are you complaining about excess personal space? I’m sure you could find a roommate—”

“No,” I blurt. The pressure squeezing at my throat makes it difficult to swallow. “I’m not interested in living with anyone else.”

Memories rise in a wave to crash against the barriers I’ve tried to build. Darkness swims at the edge of my vision as I attempt to silence the past. There’s an echo of a voice I’ll never escape. I force myself to inhale slowly, but my chest is rising and falling too fast.

Harper’s hand covers mine that I didn’t realize is clenched into a tight fist. “You’re okay, Cals. No need to explain yourself.”

I gulp and offer a slow nod. “Thanks.”

She tips her head toward the rental. The afternoon sunshine glitters in her hair, spinning the strands into pure gold. “Should we inspect the inside? Or are the impeccable flowerbeds and wraparound porch enough to convince you?”

My focus roams over the dark brown window trim that pops against the beige siding. The contrast appeals to me, feeding my curiosity to explore. “We should probably take a quick peek at the very least.”

Harper is quick to hop out and I follow her lead. Before I take a step, a figure appears on the cobbled path that leads to the house attached to mine.Mine? Now who’s being presumptuous?But that thought becomes dust as my full concentration is commanded by the man watching me.

My heartrate spikes when Ridge widens his stance and crosses his muscular arms, taking on the appearance of an immovable force. A plain white shirt stretches across his broad chest. The colorful tattoos inked into his skin are more vibrant compared to when I’ve seen him at Roosters. He’s larger than the males I’ve learned to fear, but I’m not afraid of him. I don’t have the urge to cower or become invisible in his presence. Only that strange fluttery sensation swirls in my belly. It’s becoming obvious this giddy feeling is connected to him.

A breathy sigh escapes me. His lips twitch in what some might assume is a grin, but I know better. Ridge Carter doesn’t do smiles of any variety.

“Well, look who it is.” Harper wiggles her fingers at him. “I believe she’s who you were referring to as neighbor material. Do you approve?”

My gaze whips to her. “Huh?”

“Apparently”—she draws out the word while flipping her messy braid behind her shoulder—“there’s a very short list of who this grump will share a wall with. I’m almost positive you’re the one and only allowed to fill that role.”

“Hush,” I mumble.

Harper bumps me with her hip. “Don’t be shy, babes. Just accept it.”

Ridge doesn’t respond, at least not verbally. There’s an audible rumble rolling off him that could be considered an agreement.

I shiver despite the warm spring weather. As my cheeks heat into a rising flush, I steal another glance at the guy in question. The hat he’s wearing shades his face, but the shadows can’t snuff the molten fire in his eyes. Those green flames burn brighter the longer I’m caught in his unwavering focus.

Harper hooks her arm through mine. “Let’s ditch this staring contest before I get turned on by secondhand smolder.”

The suggestion in her words burns my face hotter, and I dip my chin to hide the evidence. “Quit it.”

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