Page 43 of Score on You

“Nah, I’ve been around.” As in all fifty states before I graduated high school. Traveling sports and the potential of going pro will do that to a kid.

“What’s your favorite place to visit, boyfriend?” Callie pauses to think her question over. “For a… vacation.” The hesitation in her tone makes that last term sound like a mythical concept.

I flick the blinker and switch lanes. “Well, that depends on the type of trip you’re interested in. A beach resort is ideal for relaxing, but the main strip of a popular downtown area will provide a weekend full of debauchery and reckless decisions.”

Her lips twitch. “That’s not what I asked. I want to know your dream destination.”

“Anywhere with you, sweetness. Your choice.”

“As if,” she giggles.

“Test out your power and find out.”

“Power?” Callie shakes her head. “I don’t need that.”

“Regardless, you have it.”

“I wouldn’t know where to start,” she muses.

“It’s something to think about. There’s no hurry.”

Without releasing my hand, she digs out her phone and opens a fresh Google search. “The possibilities are endless.”

A quick glance at her screen reveals millions of results. “We can narrow it down. Would you prefer beautiful scenery from nature or attractions that are mostly indoors?”

Callie hums. “The first option.”

“See? That already eliminates a ton of locations.”

She continues scrolling for another moment. “Would you take a vacation with me?”

“Didn’t we already establish that? Where you go, I’ll follow.” Which would make not inviting me awkward as fuck.

She bites her bottom lip. “Just checking.”

“I love your ambitious spirit. How do you feel about flying?”

Her wide eyes find mine and she goes very still. There’s a frantic urgency in those green depths that suggests she might find the nearest spot to hide. “Like in an airplane?”

My fingers squeeze hers in what’s meant to be reassurance. “I take that as not great. We can make it a road trip.”

She expels a loud breath and relaxes against the seat. “I like the sound of that. Staying on the ground feels safer.”

I exit at the next off ramp and turn right on Kellogg Street. “Whatever makes you comfortable. It’ll be an adventure regardless of how we get there.”

Her lips part as if she’s about to admit her unwavering devotion. Then she does a quick scan of our surroundings as the city envelops us. The thrum of activity spreads far and wide in this area. Traffic is thick on the road. People crowd the sidewalks. Vibrant displays are splashed across store fronts to draw attention. Music blasts from an unknown source.

There’s much to see—other than greenery—and the woman beside me has taken notice.

“Do you care if I take a picture?” She stares meaningfully at the one that’s permanently attached to my dashboard.

Confusion swirls as I pause as a traffic light. “Why would I?”

Callie makes a point to look down at our clasped palms before lifting her brows. “I need both hands, boyfriend.”

“Do you? I thought the latest model was a point and shoot? One finger should do the trick.” And that’s definitely what she said.

“Unlikely. I’m not that talented,” she laughs.

---