Page 120 of Score on You

Callie:Mine is too. How convenient.

Ridge:almost like we included an additional day in our vacation to recuperate

Callie:That was smart thinking.

Ridge:I’m more than a bartending jock with an obsessive streak for a certain sexy brunette

Callie:Oh, yes. Your list of strengths is longer than your penis, and that’s really saying something. Most impressive is that you’re mine.

Ridge:definitely my most redeeming quality

Callie:Too modest. Love you, boyfriend.

Ridge:love you, sweetness. dream of me

Callie:Always! xoxo

Rhythmic breathing sends me to the basement to expand my search. I descend the steps leading to the lowest level that Ridge converted into a personal gym. He wasn’t exaggerating about the quality of his facility. The space is impressive, even to someone with zero experience with fitness centers.

I yawn and scrub at my face, trying to ditch the sluggish lag from a deep sleep. That drowsy haze makes this downward trek feel endless. Walter didn’t bother following me at such an early hour. Can’t say I blame him.

After entirely too many stairs, my bare feet slap against the mats when I reach the bottom.What I find inside the mirrored space boosts my energy faster than a bucket of coffee.

Ridge is sprawled on a bench and lifting what looks to be an enormous amount of weight. He’s shirtless, which is always a tasty sight. Chiseled muscles flex and release for my viewing pleasure. Too bad I don’t have my camera.

That disappointment fades as I notice what he has on. A pair of familiar gray sweatpants cover his bottom half. My mouth waters at the sight. It seems this man is on the breakfast menu. Yummy.

On Ridge’s next rep, he spots me lingering in the corner. A grin instantly cracks through the stony concentration. “Good morning, sweetness.”

I wiggle my fingers at him while approaching in a lazy stride. “Hi, you. Why didn’t my roommate boyfriend wake me?”

His lips lift at the term. “My plan was to slip back between the sheets before my roommate girlfriend noticed.”

“As if I wouldn’t feel your absence,” I admit freely.

“You’re just as attached to me, hmm? It was tough leaving your warmth, but there’s a restless energy inside of me that demanded an outlet. I didn’t want to take all that out on you.”

A hot flush spreads through me. “I wouldn’t have minded.”

Rather than take the bait, he drops the heavy barbell on the rack with a softclink. It’s only then that I process he was still holding the weight. Such strength is unfathomable to me.

Ridge sits upright and grabs a towel from the seat. “Love living with you.”

“We already were,” I chide.

“Not officially.”

I cup his scruffy cheek. “Thanks again for letting my mother move in over there.”

She’s adjusting faster than I predicted. It’s only been a week, but her progress is encouraging. Her support system is top-notch, of course. Harper took it upon herself to introduce my mom to several local ladies, and she’s made fast friends with them. They’ve been very accepting and welcoming.

As if listening to my inner musings, Ridge hums his approval. “Thea is right where she’s meant to be. The house would’ve just sat empty otherwise.”

“Oh?”

“Now that I have you in my bed, I want you there forever.” He nuzzles into my touch.

A thought occurs to me. “Why do you sleep in the smaller room? The master is much bigger.”

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