Page 74 of Score on You

Warmth stings my cheeks as his messages flood in. The tingling in my lower belly reveals where this topic has strayed. I’m no longer naïve in regard to his innuendos. Our conversations often trail in this direction, especially lately. That doesn’t mean I’m going to make it easy for him.

Me:This all happens in your gym? Wow. I’m impressed. Do you allow other guests inside?

Ridge:just you

Me:Really? I assume Garrett and Drake would take advantage of your top-notch facility and personal training

Ridge:not funny

Ridge:it’s bad enough when they drag me to their sorry excuse for a gym

Me:LOL

Ridge:only you get this deal, sweetness

Me:It’s definitely something to consider. I should probably be more physically active. Health and wellness is important.

Ridge:just let me know when you’re ready to start

Me:I’ll check my schedule, boyfriend.

I giggle to myself, which draws the attention of the pup dozing in my lap. He nuzzles into my arm and whines. His interaction is the ideal transition.

Me:You just left, but I think Walter misses you.

Ridge:just Walter?

Me:You already know I do.

Ridge:doesn’t hurt to hear it

Me:I miss you so very much!

Ridge:I miss you always

Me:Maybe there’s a way to fix that.

Ridge:what’re you suggesting?

I gnaw on my lip while courage tries to evade me. My fingers hover over the necessary letters to type the message. Nerves tumble across the width of my stomach to distract me. This is a major leap. It would be considered scandalous where I was raised. Probably worse. But the past doesn’t matter. That was the old me, and I’ve evolved.

In just a few short months, my confidence has grown faster than weeds after a downpour. It’s thanks to this man. There’s an easy way to show him how far I’ve come. My progress is his to claim.

Me:Would you like to have a slumber party?

My thumb presses send before regret can steal my guts. I squeal and force my gaze to the ceiling. Anticipation tickles me. This is going to shift our relationship into the fast lane.

But seconds tick by without the telltale chime of his response. My eyes lower to the screen to see nothing has changed in our thread. The beats that follow feel dipped in molasses. Still nothing. A sinking sensation weighs down my stomach.

I was too forward. He doesn’t want me to initiate. This was a terrible idea. But those ugly thoughts don’t match our dynamic.

The abrupt bang on my front door is a strike of thunder that rocks the entire foundation. A yelp rips from me and I whirl to face the disruption. Walter doesn’t hesitate to run straight for the action. His paws slide on the wood while he prepares to greet whoever waits on the other side. My stride is far more cautious. I creep forward on shaking legs. The phone in my grip complains with a creak.

Sweat slicks my palm when I grip the knob. That gives me pause before I pry the door open a sliver. Ridge is visible through that narrow gap. Relief instantly floods me, and I straighten to grant him entry. But he doesn’t move. Instead, he remains locked in position with his arms braced on the frame.

I take a moment to assess his disheveled appearance. Paired with his silence and unannounced arrival, this behavior is slightly concerning. “Hey, you. Is everything… okay?”

The green in his eyes swirls with an emotion I’m too inexperienced to name. When he takes me in, standing on the opposite side of the threshold, I feel that fiery stare lick along my bare legs. He clenches his jaw, but doesn’t respond otherwise.

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