Page 82 of Score on You

Callie:My goodness! You’re very chatty, which you seem to reserve for me. I’m the only one who gets this talkative version of you. That means a lot. It’s comforting to know that you’re just as attached as me. My belly swoops are very active right now. I love how you get me going with a few simple words. My blush is probably going to concern Stacey soon. Maybe she’ll let me take my break early.

Ridge:what’re you gonna do on your break

Callie:Think of you. Obviously. That’s all I do these days. I’m not complaining. You keep mybrain occupied. It helps my shifts go faster. Soon enough we’ll be together again. Gosh, I sound obsessed. Maybe I am. If you’re not careful, I’ll get addicted to you. But let’s be honest. I am already.

Ridge:don’t threaten me with a good time

Callie:Well, it’s a done deal. You’ve already intoxicated me. I’ll never get you out of my system. Does that make me sound deranged? If it does, I’ll handle the consequences. We’re stuck with each other, right?

Ridge:better be

Callie:I certainly plan to keep you around. You’re the only one who makes my… kitty purr. Along with everything else. Not sure what I’d do without you at this point.

Ridge:lol you’ll never have to find out

Ridge:can’t type pussy?

Callie:No way! Especially not at work. It feels wrong. I’m sweatingjust thinking about talking like that. Stacey is really going to think I have a fever at this rate.

Ridge:why? pussy is another name for cat

Callie:Oh, please. That’s not the definition you’re using and we both know it.

Ridge:it turns me on when you’re sassy

Callie:You’re going to get me in trouble, boyfriend. I almost bumped into the wall.

Ridge:smh watch the corners

Callie:Those sharp edges are dangerous. Pretty sure one just tried to leap out at me.

Ridge:no more sexting you for, sweetness. I’ll change the subject

Callie:TYSM. My concentration would appreciate it.

Ridge:how’s Walter?

Callie:He’s got a case of the zoomies, like always. Glitzy ishere to play. They get along well. Sydney is very happy we have a dog. We made plans to take the pups on a walk later. I couldn’t say no if I tried. Her enthusiasm is infectious.

Ridge:glad to hear it. still okay taking him to the park tomorrow?

Callie:Absolutely. I’m looking forward to getting to know your friends better too.

Ridge:don’t get too excited or I’ll be jealous and uninvite them

Callie:I wouldn’t dream of it, Mr. Territorial.

The wood bench creaks beneath my weight while I wait for Garrett and Drake to pass another round of judgment. Somehow, I got stuck in the middle. Our seating arrangement is most definitely on purpose. These two instigators tag-team me at every opportunity. A family-friendly picnic in the park isn’t safe from their heckling.

“Not sure what’s got your thong in a twist, Crusher. This is tradition.” Garrett’s fresh attempt to get a rise out of me falls flat.

“Yeah, quit your bitching,” Drake adds.

As if I’ve stooped to their level and given them a crumb to feast on. Instead, the goading rolls off my hunched form. I’ve been ignoring their presence for the better half of an hour. That hasn’t stopped them from swarming like bloodthirsty insects since we arrived.

But it’s nothing I can’t easily swat away. Especially when Callie is within sight. She sits on a blanket beside Grace, Harper, and Sydney. Her smile brightens the sunny afternoon while shelistens to whatever nonsense is being served from the peanut gallery. Glitzy and Walter race circles around the group to provide a secondary distraction.

My focus remains straight ahead while the cluckers flanking me decide what shit to spew next.

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