Page 45 of Score on You

“Nah, don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Thank goodness.” Her relief swirls along with the early evening breeze before she closes the window.

A bright flash in my periphery makes me blink. “Whatcha doin’ over there, sweetness?”

“Saved the best for last.”

“A picture of me?”

“You look very mysterious while driving us on this seemingly endless journey.” Her arm flails toward the windshield.

“Is someone getting impatient?” Not that I can blame her. We’ve been on the road for over an hour.

“More like morbidly curious.” She tucks her new prized possession away. “That’s enough photos for now. I’ll take more once we get to where we’re going. And on that note, are you planning to reveal this secret location?”

“You’re about to find out,” I say as the Xcel Energy Center comes into view. My empty hand seeks to reclaim hers. “We’re here.”

“Where?”

I point at the domed fortress on our left. “This is where the Minnesota Trojans play.”

Callie gasps. “That’s the hockey team you were on.”

“Yep, and I still have access to the rear lot. Free parking this close to the arena is a golden goose.”

“Sounds like a fairytale,” she muses.

“That’s what I’m going for.” I pull into a spot in the center row.

“Your choice in attire makes more sense now.” She glances at my matching hat and shirt before frowning at her outfit that doesn’t have a stitch of gold or green. “Is there a souvenir store where I can buy a jersey or other clothes? Then I’ll look like I belong.”

A jealous wave crashes over me to give our surroundings a green hue. My hand slips from hers and I shift into park. Then I grip the steering wheel hard enough to make the leather creak. “You want to wear another man’s name across your back?”

Callie frowns. “Why would I do that?”

“The jerseys in the pro shop are from the team’s current roster.” I kill the ignition with more force than necessary. “You’ll be supporting whoever you choose.”

A disgruntled squeak escapes her. “I’ll just get a generic option.”

“Or you could wear this.”

She watches me pull a wrapped bundle from the backseat. “Another gift?”

“Consider it mutually beneficial.”

Her fingers lift the tissue covering to reveal a familiar color pattern along with the Trojans’ logo. “You got me a jersey?”

“It’s somewhat of a retro throwback,” I joke.

Callie holds up the oversized garment. After flipping it over, she traces the letters of my last name boldly displayed for all to see. Imagining that caress against my bare flesh is an erotic visual. Her gentle touch lowers to fondle the twenty-three that monopolizes the center, which only adds to the temptation.

“This is yours,” she says softly.

Just like you are, I nearly groan. Rather than allow my obsessive side loose, I settle for a gruff, “Sure is.”

“I love it. Did you know twenty-three is my favorite number?”

“That’s very convenient.” And just one more reason we belong together.

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