Page 29 of Score on You

Ridge:that’s the plan

Callie:One last question for the night.

Ridge:sure about that?

Callie:If you actually answer.

Ridge:I’m incapable of denying you

Callie:I could get used to this flirting.

Ridge:what’s the question, babe?

Callie:What color are your pajamas?

Ridge:lmao you’ll have to find that out on your own. when you’re comfortable sleeping beside me

Callie:Like at a slumber party?

Ridge:sure, sweetness. whatever you wanna call it

Callie:Is that another thing I need to be ready for? Still not sure what that means…

Ridge:yes, and you’ll just know

Callie:How can you be so sure?

Ridge:I’m already at the point of no return. you’re stuck with me,sweetness. whether you’re ready or not, I’m yours

Like a predictable routine, the chime from the front door sensor sets off a chain reaction. A chorus of yips and howls erupts in the large breed room. In response, the small dogs begin barking. That gets the few held in the grooming area to join the hype squad.The collaborative effort creates a deafening symphony to greet whoever just entered Pampered Pooch.

The excitement surrounding me automatically stretches my lips into a wide smile. Just another day in paradise.

“Callie,” my boss yells across the room. “You’ve got visitors.”

I offer a quick nod in response. There’s no chance of her hearing me over this noise.

Stacey disappears from view, returning to her position at the counter. I don’t manage the desk for obvious reasons. On the rare occasion someone asks for me, I’ll venture from the safe haven of the dog rooms. It’s safer back here.

A fluffy mutt spins circles around me as I pad across the rubber mats. I step into the lobby and shut the soundproofdivider to leave the chaos behind. My eardrums are thankful for the reprieve.

A loud squeak shatters the brief quiet. “Hi, Callie!”

I brace myself as Sydney crashes into my legs. “Hey, you. What’s up?”

“Chicken butt,” Harper’s daughter giggles.

“Very funny.” I look over at my friend. “This is a nice surprise.”

“We were in the neighborhood.” She laughs. “Get it? Small town. We’re always close by.”

“And I’m glad for that.”

Sydney tugs on my shirt and beams up at me. “Can we eat lunch? My tummy is super fussy. I gotta feed the grumbles.”

“Ah, yes,” Harper chimes in. “There was a slight ulterior motive of sneaking you off for a quick break.”

“Um…” I glance at Stacey to gauge her reaction. She’s already nodding, and then makes a shooing motion toward the street. “Looks like I’m free.”

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