Page 90 of Scoring Zone
There’s been no new snow since this morning, but a few highways are closed due to large snowdrifts and dangerous ice. Hopefully, I can fly out tomorrow. As long as the weather holds, everything should be clear.
The mindless physical activity gave me a chance to register the relief of the criminal charges being dropped. The threat of jail no longer looms over me, and the weight of anticipation has disappeared. I’ve been granted a reset on my dream life to appreciate every precious minute with the love of my life.
Austin and I play phone tag for a couple of hours. Finally, we’re able to talk around dinnertime.
Austin can’t stop smiling, but I can’t place his background. “I have a surprise. It’s a good one, but don’t book a flight until you talk to me.”
“What, you need extra time to pull this off?” I tease and he turns pink.
“Something like that. I gotta go.”
“Call me when you go to sleep so we can stay on the phone all night.”
“I can’t wait to see you.” His blue eyes crinkle with happiness.
“Don’t get your hopes up. They have to get all the stranded people to their destinations before I can book a flight. It could be another day,” I say softly, not wanting to disappoint him.
“Right. All positive thoughts.” He snorts. “Do I sound like Benz?”
“Almost.” I laugh. “I love you.”
“I love you more.”
I’ve worn a path in the carpet from pacing. I’m not worried, but I’m far from stress free. He promised me a good surprise, but it doesn’t make sense in a snowstorm.
Suddenly, I hear a horn beeping repeatedly. Out the picture window, I see a van pulling into my parents’ dark driveway. I smirk, thinking it has the wrong house, when the door slides open and Austin pops out, followed by Liska, Drake, Lucky, Benz, Griff, King, and Kenney.
“How?” I fling the door open and run out in my socks.
“Hi, Sunshine.” Austin picks me up, and I wrap my legs around his waist.
“Six out of ten,” Lucky declares, and we all turn to him. “The classic run and jump got off to a slow start with a small leap, but you finished strong with the leg wrap.” He grins as if he makes perfect sense.
I hook my legs tighter and take Austin’s mouth.
“No—” Benz starts.
“Back off, they’re allowed kissy-face,” King cuts Benz off.
“What are you all doing here?” I allow Austin to carry me back to the house since I don’t have shoes on.
“You said rich people could fly, so I thought of the team jet and called Mr. Dimon. He’s at the airport waiting for us, so hustle and get your crap. I’m taking you home.” Austin pecks my lips and sets me on my feet. “Go.” He smacks my ass.
“But why is everyone here?” I call over my shoulder as I run up the stairs.
My bag is packed, so I’m back in seconds.
“We weren’t going to miss Operation Retrieve Sunshine,” Drake drawls in his Swedish accent.
“He’smySunshine,” Austin growls fiercely, as if they’ve already had this disagreement.
“But why? You were going to see me soon.” I’m confused.
“We did this wrong.” Benz throws his head back and groans.
“We weren’t doing a choreographed dance,” King admonishes him.
Lucky holds his hands up and wiggles his fingers. “Congrats on not being a criminal.”
