Page 71 of Score on You

“As if that’s possible.” My glare becomes lethal as he retreats toward the door. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

The dumbass glances around, searching for who’s hidden behind me. “No?”

I sidestep to get my point across. “Apologize to the lady. Make her believe it. Otherwise, I’ll be forced to have you beg for her forgiveness.”

His posture deflates in surrender. He has the courtesy to look Callie in the eye. “I’m sorry, okay? My temper got the best of me. It wasn’t my intention to make you cry. Daisy Mae got injured, but accidents happen. I shouldn’t have blamed you. Please accept my apology.”

My scoff reveals how I feel about his flimsy attempt, but it’s not my decision. I glance over my shoulder. The sight of her tear-stained face reignites my rage to a chaotic boil. A deep breath is my attempt to calm the storm. Vanilla fills my lungs and gives me pause. Her scent provides comfort, as well as an important reminder. This is about her. If she gives me free rein, I’ll gladly punch her assailant in the throat.

“Do you think that was sincere, sweetness?”

Her glassy stare doesn’t move from mine. She blinks, but doesn’t react otherwise. It’s obvious she’s uncomfortable voicing her opinion until the customer is removed from the situation.

“I hope you’ve learned a valuable lesson. If not, we’ll be chatting again soon. You’re free to leave.”

He pauses before crossing the threshold. “No hard feelings, Crusher?”

“That’s entirely up to you.” I shoo him away like the exterminated pest he is.

Once the scum skitters off to a dark corner where he belongs, I turn to Callie and nearly double over from the pain lingering on her features. The tremble in her bottom lip is a knife to my gut and awakens the demand for retaliation. But he’s already gone. More than that, she deserves my full attention.

In a swift maneuver, I hop over the counter and pull her flush against me. “I’ve got you, love.”

Callie collapses into my embrace with a sob. “He was very mean.”

My palm traces the length of her spine. “Should I beat him bloody?”

Her fingers curl into the front of my shirt. “No, don’t leave me.”

“Never.” Which reminds me. “Why were you alone? Where’s Stacey?”

“She went home early. The only pups left are overnight stays. That man picked up his dog early.”

Anger burns and threatens to rise, but the fuse is smothered from her warmth against me. “He won’t bother you again. I’ll make sure of it.”

Callie sniffles while peeking up at me. “I feel silly for being this upset.”

“Don’t even.” I cradle her cheek in my hand. “If anyone is ridiculous in this scenario, it’s that’s douche canoe with an ego problem.”

“I suppose,” she huffs. “Thanks for coming to my rescue.”

The arm I have around her waist tightens instinctively. “I’ll always come for you, sweetness. I just wish I had sooner.” My nose presses into her hair for a fresh hit of vanilla. “And you don’t need to thank me. Defending you is part of my duty as your… boyfriend.”

“If the roles are ever reversed, you can rely on me to save you.”

My forehead touches hers and our gazes lock. “I look forward to it.”

The cogs in her brain might as well be visible as she mulls something over. “Why did you call me your future wife?”

“That’s how I refer to you in my mind. Might as well make it public knowledge.” I rest her palm flat over the purposeful brand on my chest. “You’re permanent to me.”

“Maybe I should get a tattoo,” she breathes.

My thumb absently rubs along the scar on her forearm. “Of what?”

“As if you have to ask.” The blue in her unwavering gaze heats to smoldering levels.

I melt into her faster than liquid lust. Our mouths glide together in a practiced motion. The last drops of aggression evaporate as she opens for me. Chemistry sizzles from the slippery friction of our tongues. That crackle strokes my flesh and I groan against her lips.

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