CHAPTER TWELVE
There’s a noticeable bounce in my stride this morning. That extra pep seems to get more springy with each passing day. It’s no secret as to why.
The ongoing chat I have with Ridge is open on my screen. My boyfriend—cue an internal squeal—makes it a point to text me the moment he wakes up. Usually the context is romantic and flirty. As of late, a boldness is coming across from him. His most recent message had me blushing hard enough to spike a fever. I’m still recovering from what he typed. That unbalance hasn’t allowed me to form a worthy response.
Besides, the clock reminds me there isn’t time to waste for fantasizing. My shift starts in thirty minutes and to walk there takes me at least twenty.
I step out onto the porch, allowing the door to shut behind me. The keypad whirs to announce the deadbolt is locked. That secure confirmation sets me off down the stairs into the pleasant mid-March weather.
My forward motion screeches to a standstill when I see who’s parked in the driveway.
Ridge sits behind the wheel of his idling truck. The black paint glimmers from the sun. I shield my eyes from a particularly bright streak that threatens to blind me.
Meanwhile, he isn’t shy about letting his gaze devour me. His upper half leans out the window to get an unrestricted view. Green flames engulf his stare to burn the distance separating us. That hungry perusal licks along my skin, leaving heat behind. I tremble but my knees remain locked to keep me rooted on the spot.
Ridge tosses me a crooked smirk. “Hey, sweetness.”
“Hi… boyfriend.” My face bursts into a blaze and I duck my chin too late to hide the evidence.
Ridge releases a low groan that sounds like approval. “I was right.”
The embarrassment is chased off by that gravely tone. Our eyes meet and hold once I’m brave enough to peek. “About what?”
“You look sexier than a fantasy come true.”
He’s referring to that last text that had me burning up. A squirm shifts my hips, a sudden warmth gathered there. It’s a sensation I was unfamiliar with until meeting Ridge. I now understand the thrum located in my lower belly is desire.
The awareness reignites my blush. “Oh. That.”
He chuckles at my obvious shyness but doesn’t tease me. “Need a ride?”
“I have to work.”
“Yeah, I’ll drop you off.”
My lips part. “You want to drive me?”
“Just one of my many boyfriend duties.” Ridge studies my unmoving stance. “Unless that would make you uncomfortable.”
My legs quake and then I’m moving to accept his invitation. Maybe I should consider how quickly he’s integrating himself into my routine. But that’s my choice. I’m glad he’s often nearby. My newfound independence isn’t at risk. If I asked him to back off, I know he would. Immediately. There’s not a chance he’d refuse me.
He suddenly leaps into action. Before I can process his intentions, he’s jumped out and rushed to the passenger side. The door is swung open for me as I arrive.
“What service,” I gush.
“Only the best.” His arm hovers in midair as if he wants to provide additional assistance.
My skin tingles at the anticipation of contact. It’s easy to imagine the comfort a simple touch would deliver. If I falter long enough, he might hoist me inside. Would he? The air crackles as I delay stepping onto the running board.
As it turns out, Ridge is too much of a gentleman. He’s probably worried about my reaction. I try not to let my disappointment show when he respects my personal space.
“Thank you,” I murmur as I get buckled into the seat.
He hovers for a moment, like he’s fighting an internal battle. In the end, he tucks his chin and moves away. “You’re welcome.”
After shutting me in, he retraces his steps to the driver’s side. I occupy myself by inspecting the truck’s interior. The beige leather is supple and soft. There’s no litter on the rubber mats. It’s almost as if the vehicle is fresh off the lot. Other than the distinctive scent. A woodsy spice hangs in the small space and I pull in a deep breath. That’s unique to Ridge.
There’s also a faint smell of freshly brewed coffee. That’s when I notice two covered cups in the center console.
In a fluid motion, Ridge returns to his spot behind the wheel. “Ready to go?”
“Yep, but what’s this?” I point to the beverages.
He passes me the one with a pink lid. “A caffeine boost for you. Hazelnut with skim milk and whipped cream.”
“Thanks so much.” My fingers curl around the protective sleeve as I sniff the rich aroma. “Just the way I like it.”
“That’s what I was going for.” His gaze is riveted on me while I take a cautious sip. “And there’s something else.”
Before I can ask, he reaches into the backseat. I gape at the present he deposits on my lap. It’s a stunning display of shiny green and sparkly blue embellishments. Shock spreads through me at the unexpected sight.
He took the time to actually put the gift in decorative packaging rather than tossing an unwrapped object at me like an afterthought. Not that I’d make a fuss about presentation. The second option is common practice where I come from. As if I should be grateful that I crossed his mind at all regardless of the item. That’s how my mother would react to any offering from my father. It’s pathetic when I look back on those memories. She deserves so much better.
My watery gaze focuses on a curled ribbon. A loud crinkle warns me that I’m squeezing too hard. This pretty box just proves that Ridge spent additional effort on me. Like usual.
“Are you okay?” He asks after several minutes have passed and I’m still caught in a stupor.
My nod is disjointed. “This is just… really special.”
“Open it,” he urges.
I peel away the taped seal, trying not to rip anything. This will make a stunning background for a scrapbook page. My astonishment gets the best of me once the label is visible. The remaining paper is torn off without concern.
“Oh. My. Gosh.” I suck in a sharp breath. “This is the latest model. Are you for real?”
“Appears that way.” He flexes his biceps.
My gaze is instantly drawn to him. Another plain shirt stretches across his broad frame. The white fabric does little to conceal his bulk and brawn. His forearms are exposed thanks to the sleeves pushed to his elbows.Ropey veins and colorful tattoos are a distracting combination.
He’s close enough to touch but I don’t dare. Not after he didn’t make a move earlier. I take the safe route and inhale him again. The crisp pine and masculine energy are addictive. My mouth waters as if I can taste him. Warm fuzzies skip in my stomach as I get lost in a daze.
“Callie?”
“Huh?”
A raspy chuckle enters the scene, beckoning my imagination to wade deeper. “Do you want to take a picture?”
“Yes,” I mumble absently. His beauty should be captured and plastered on the wall. But only for me to see. He’s mine now.
Ridge’s amusement rumbles from his chest. “Might want to take the camera out of the box then.”
I blink back to reality. “Oh! Right.”
He points at the Instax Mini. “Now you have one for regular use and can save the other for extra special occasions.”
“You don’t have to buy me things.” Yet I’m undoing the cardboard flap.
“That’s hilarious. I plan to buy you anything your heart desires.”
“What if my heart just wants you to like me?” My breath catches. How did I get so bold?
The lingering hunger is his stare suggests he wants to eat me for breakfast. “You’re selling yourself short, sweetness. I already more than like you, remember?”
“It’s impossible to forget.” The texts from last night play on repeat. “That’s why you’re my boyfriend.”
“Until I get upgraded.” He winks and something clenches inside of me.
Heat blooms in my cheeks. “We just started dating.”
“I’m a patient man,” he reminds.
“But once I’m ready?” For what, I’m still unsure.
“You’ll discover just how obsessive you’ve made me. I’ll be insatiable.” The certainty in his voice is a caress along my most sensitive flesh.
I gasp when my nipples pebble into hardened points. The friction against my bra sparks that unfamiliar heat between my legs. When I press my thighs together, the needy sensation expands. It’s all I can do to trap a moan.
A knowing glint flickers in Ridge’s unwavering stare. He must notice a change in me. Questions flood my mind and I’m desperate to ask for details. But he’s determined to make me wait. I’ll figure out this secret sooner or later. Based on my body’s signals, there’s a new phase approaching.
Rather than extend this awkward tension, I fixate on the camera in my grip. “I can’t believe you did this. Thank you. Again. So many presents and the sun is barely over the horizon. It’s very thoughtful.”
He hangs an arm over the steering wheel, which brings us closer. “That’s a fitting sentiment, since I’m always thinking of you.”
“Holy moly.” I fan my face. “You say the nicest things.”
“Trust me, sweetness. This isn’t my standard setting. There’s plenty of dirt and filth up here too.” He taps his temple. “But that’s reserved for another day. Should we capture the moment before you’re late to work?”
“Yes!” I fumble while putting in the batteries and film. This model is significantly lighter than the antique my mother gave me. The compact build allows me to effortlessly point the lens at the optimal angle. I pause before I press the shutter, peeking over at Ridge. “Are you going to look at the camera?”
“Nope.” His breath fans the flames on my cheek.
I allow my eyelids to slide shut as a smile stretches my lips. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Love me.”
“What?” I twist toward him just as my finger slips and snaps the shot.
“That’s gonna be the best yet.” He snatches the exposure as it gets spit out.
“What?” I repeat as his earlier words whirl in a spiral until I’m lightheaded.
“Candids can’t be replicated,” he explains.
A crease forms between my brows. “You said that for shock value?”
“Nah, but your expression will be priceless.”
“You should have this one,” I insist when he tries to hand over the image.
“Are you sure? It’ll fit with your collection.”
“That just gives us an excuse to take more, right?” I jostle the Instax in my hold.
“I won’t argue with that.” He slides the developing photo into a crack on the dash.
“That doesn’t fit with your minimalist vibe.” A cringe tightens my features while I motion to the spotless interior.
“Sweetness,” he chides. “There’s nothing minimalist about me. I’ve just been waiting for you to fill in the gaps.”
And there go the belly swoops. “Um, wow. You might be perfect, boyfriend.”
“Far from it,” he chuckles. “But for you? I’m giving it all I’ve got.”
I rest a palm flat on the somersaults wreaking havoc in my stomach. “It’s working.”
“Good. Which reminds me, the pups are waiting for you. I don’t want you to be late.” Ridge reverses out of my driveway and begins the short trip to Main Street.
My shift at Pampered Pooch hasn’t crossed my mind. “Smooth transition.”
“What can I say? I’m not just hard edges and cheesy lines.” He knocks on the divider that separates our seats.
“No,” I breathe. “You’re much more.”
A comfortable silence settles between us as the tires bump along the pavement. It doesn’t escape my immediate notice that our hands are inches apart. As if listening to my inner dialogue, Ridge glances at where we’re almost touching. My heart begins to race while I consider eliminating the space. I can be brave.
But before I can make the move, his palm shifts to cover mine. The touch is tentative. A test to my untried limits he’s often referencing. The slight contact still shoots a rocket off in my chest and it takes saintly effort to sit still.
Ridge probably catches the struggle twitching across my expression. “Is this okay?”
My pulse is galloping to the point that I hear hoof beats. “Very much so.”
With permission granted, he clasps our hands together. A riot of giddy bumblebees take flight in my belly when he threads my fingers between his. Uncertainty begins to assault me. My skin is clammy. Oh, gosh. He’s going to think I’m a sweaty mess. And I’m probably too stiff.
After a long exhale, I sag into the leather. Ridge gives me a gentle squeeze that I feel straight to my toes. I rub my thumb along his in response. All too soon, he’s pulling over at the curb in front of my job. I sit for several moments while debating with myself. Releasing his grip isn’t on my preferred tasks to complete this century. It’s not as if I can stay glued to his side all day, though. The appropriate solution is to get my butt into the doggie daycare.
Ridge’s deep timbre puts a halt to the hasty retreat I was about to make. “Hey, sweetness?”
“Yeah, boyfriend?” I toss at him in return.
His mouth quirks and I could just about melt. “Do you have plans this weekend?”
I pretend to think it over, but my calendar is empty. “Not that I’m aware of.”
His gaze travels from mine to where our fingers are still interlaced. “Want to go somewhere with me? I have a specific place in mind.”
“Is it a surprise?”
He nods. “And a date if you agree.”
“As if I’d deny you.”
A glint sparks in his eyes. “Probably shouldn’t admit that.”
I trace over his knuckle with my nail. “Why not?”
“Your modesty might be in jeopardy.”
A laugh bubbles from me. The sound is freeing. “I’m willing to risk it.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” There’s a teasing note in his tone.
Our bodies tilt inward as if drawn together by a magnetic force. It gives me the courage to taunt him in return. “Do your worst, boyfriend.”
An audible gulp bobs his Adam’s apple. The air separating us turns static. His palm seems to heat against mine like a brand is forming. I welcome the burn and refuse to shy away. He searches my gaze as if seeking further permission. Whatever he wants, I’ll likely agree. But then he straightens to douse the flames.
“Well, would you look at that? I was right again.” He nods at our most recent picture that’s completely developed.
Our eyes are locked on each other rather than focusing straight ahead. It’s like we’re looking at what truly matters.
“Unexpected bliss,” I sigh.
“Yeah, sweetness.” Ridge’s attention on me feels bottomless in this instant and all those that will follow. “That’s us.”