Page 8 of Score on You

The thrill of where I am and what this spot signifies diverted my focus off the man who consumes my thoughts. Momentarily, of course. Now my mind is straying back to him. I quickly find myself wondering what he’s doing on his half of the duplex. He’s probably lounging casually in his home, not taking me into consideration at all. Or maybe he’s still outside waiting for my verdict.

That leads me to what the future could hold. Ridge is next door. This house shares a wall with his. It’s intimidating to be in such close proximity to him. But more than that, I’m intrigued about the possibility. The change he will undoubtedly deliver to my dull existence. If I was daring, I could visit him whenever the mood strikes. That gives me pause. There’s not a bold bone in my body. I can’t even find the courage to talk to him. The curiosity might sprout into determination and push me into action. Maybe.

I float from those ponderings to discover that Harper is watching me. “Did you say something?”

Her already shrewd stare narrows into a squint. “You’re just as smitten, huh?”

“That would suggest he’s… interested in me.” I’m still unsure how to comprehend a healthy relationship where both partners are equal. The idea of willingly engaging in one is another task entirely.

Harper clucks her tongue. “Um, duh. Have you seen the way he looks at you?”

“He’s just being polite,” I murmur.

She squawks in a pitchy tone. “That’s the opposite of what he’s doing. The man wants you. Badly.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“Want me to go ask him? He’ll give you the solid proof you’ve been missing, if you know what I mean.” She winks, which only serves to confuse me.

I shut her down with a rapid shake of my head. “No, don’t go over there. Absolutely not. You shouldn’t bother him with such trivial things.” The consequences I visualize are enough to turn my stomach.

“Trust me, a bother is the very last thing you could be to him.”

“I’d rather not test that theory.”

Her forehead creases in a sign of disapproval. “Who else would create this queendom? The king wants you to sit beside him on the throne and rule these lands.”

“You make it sound like a fairytale,” I murmur.

“If the story fits.” She forms her hands into the shape of a heart.

But I can’t allow myself to get swept up in such an unlikely fantasy. “He’s just being a nice guy.”

Harper chokes on seemingly nothing. “There you go again. Excuses, excuses.” She sighs dramatically. “Oh, my sweetly innocent friend. You’re too kind. Ridge Carter is many things, but nice and polite aren’t character traits I would use.”

“I think he’s wonderful.” My breathy voice confirms as much.

“And I think the feeling is more than mutual. He couldn’t suggest this spot fast enough after hearing you’re on the house hunt.”

“Really?

“Haven’t you been listening? Pretty sure he decorated just for you.” She hitches a thumb toward the kitchen. “Aren’t those the jars you wanted from Target?”

“That’s a coincidence.”

“Uh-huh, one along with a dozen others. He said this place has been sitting empty and collecting dust. Neither of those appear to be true.”

I inhale and absorb the calm energy. There’s a noticeable crispness in the air that pairs with new beginnings. “It smells… fresh.”

“And expensive. Only the best for his chosen one.”

“Huh?”

“You’retheneighbor material.”

I heard her toss that title at Ridge earlier, but he didn’t confirm her claim. He didn’t deny it either. Still the doubt lingers. “Says who?”

“Nobody yet. But it’s only a matter of time.” She drums her fingers together in a smooth rhythm.

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