Page 11 of Score on You

“For good reason. I might gain insight into my personal problems. We both know I could use the guidance.” The sympathy card does little to penetrate my indifference.

But a ping from my phone earns an immediate reaction. That noise gives me an adrenaline rush similar to when I stole the puck or smashed an opponent into the boards. There’s no doubt in my mind who the text is from. That doesn’t mean my eyes don’t automatically lower to feast on her message.

Callie:Hello, Ridge. How are you? I was wondering if I could still ask you questions even though I’ve already signed the lease. You told me the other day it was all right, but I wanted to double check. Please don’t hesitate to tell me if I’m bothering you. Harper insists I’m not. That doesn’t necessarily mean she’s telling me the truth. I know she’s worried about hurtingmy feelings. You don’t have to be concerned about that. Unless you want to be. I’m not trying to tell you what to do. I would never do that. Anyway, I just wanted to check. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything important. Not that you would read my text if you were busy. There I go again. I better stop before I really do become a bother.—Callie

Damn, her formal texting is endearing as fuck. She’s properly punctuated and grammatically correct. I get hard imagining her talking to me that eloquently. The strain in my jeans is a reliable companion, popping up whenever thoughts of the bashful brunette arise. It’s safe to say the blood loss to my brain is almost constant at this point—and having adverse effects. Eventually, she might provide me with relief that’s more physical than legible.

The fact she typed an entire paragraph when most don’t bother with a full sentence reveals a notable distinction. Social norms haven’t altered her free style. Callie radiates an innocence that’s good and pure and infectious. That type of flawlessness belongs with an equally honest energy. But fuck that. I’m a corrupt bastard and she’s all mine.

“Holy shit,” Drake blurts. “Are you… smiling?”

The joy gets wiped off my face. Just thinking about Callie initiating contact has a way of smoothing my sharp edges. Regardless of the company I’m currently keeping. “You’re still here?”

“Aww, grumpy bear. I didn’t mean to ruin it. That must be from the one I’m not supposed to think about.”

“Yet that’s precisely what you’re doing.”

He chuckles. “What’s she saying?”

“None of your business.” I read her message again and then send a response.

Me:hey, you. come to me for whatever you need. always. that’s never gonna change

I’m aware that my behavior is intense. Some might believe I’ve already crossed several lines, and I plan to demolish many more. My infatuation isn’t a secret. Callie has me hooked. At her mercy. Wrapped around her pinky tight enough to suffocate. That’s what she does to me. I want to embed myself deep into her life, until she forgets what it’s like to be apart from me.

And I’m willing to bet the feeling is mutual. Even if she doesn’t fully comprehend what that means yet.

The bubble with three dots instantly appears to indicate she’s writing a reply. She’s eager and doesn’t try to hide it. I like that. A lot.

“Damn, you’re totally smiling. You’re really gone for her, huh?”

“Fuck off,” I grumble without looking away from my thread with Callie. But a fast motion on my left forces my attention to where Drake has his phone aimed at me. “What’re you doing?”

“My due diligence and capturing this moment.” His fingers begin flying across his screen. “Garrett is gonna lose his shit over this.”

“You better delete—”

I cut myself off as a new message from her arrives.

Callie:Hi again. Thank you for answering me so promptly. That’s very kind of you. I appreciate having someone else to relyon. Harper has let me ask her everything, but I don’t want to become a pest. I’m looking forward to being your neighbor. Is that okay to admit? I don’t want to be too forward. But where I currently live, nobody is very friendly to me. I have a feeling you’ll give me a warm welcome. Did you know I’m moving in tomorrow? Not that you pay attention to my schedule. I’m silly for even typing that. But maybe the owner told you. Either way, I might see you if you’re home. Will you be? If you’re not, I’ll text you if I have any questions. I appreciate the help. You’re already the best neighbor I’ve ever had.—Callie.

There’s a noticeable warmth traveling through me as her words settle. I’m grinning like a fool and couldn’t care less that Drake is beside me to witness it. Callie is getting attached to me. That’s worth far more than whatever flack this asshole can dish out.

On cue, my friend lets loose a low whistle. “If you’re nuts about her at this stage, what’s going to happen when she’s next door?”

“Destiny will come knocking,” I mumble absently while giving her most recent text a third pass.

Drake hoots and kicks his feet like a toddler on too much sugar. “Oh, that’s rich shit. You better jot that down in your memory book to reminisce at your wedding. Speaking of, when’s the big day?”

I swivel my gaze to him as his meaning registers. “Huh?”

His snickering continues. “Fuck, this is too precious. It’s adorable how distracted you get from a few simple messages. What’s she saying?”

“Haven’t we been over this already?” My sour tone doesn’t diminish his amusement.

If anything, his smile stretches to creepy clown proportions. “Yeah, but I’m enjoying the variety of facial expressions you’re putting on display. It’s highly entertaining to watch your spirits brighten like the Stanley Cup finals arrived early.”

“Well, I’d enjoy it if you got gone and let me be.”

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