CHAPTER THREE
Drake shifts on the recliner for the sixteenth time in two minutes. I’m not counting on purpose, but the damn leather squeaks with each subtle movement from his ass. The grumbling under his breath is another annoyance entirely. It’s as if he came over just to test my nonexistent patience.
At this point, I’m just waiting for him to make a monumental announcement. Either that or he has to take a shit. After another restless adjustment, he finally opens the floodgates.
“You’re a hypocrite.”
I don’t bother taking my eyes off the game to glare at him. “Try again.”
“Nope, it’s true. You can dish it out, but you can’t swallow your own advice. Look at how the key has slid into a different lock.”
“That’s not a saying.”
Drake scoffs. “It is now.”
My eyes roll at his determination to distract me from hockey. “Don’t pretend you weren’t part of that gang bang.”
He takes a cheap shot at my knee. “Never said I wasn’t. The difference is that if I had a sweet little thing—”
“You better not be referring to Callie as such.” The warning vibrates from my harsh tone.
“What would you prefer?”
“That she doesn’t cross your mind to begin with. Keep her name out of your mouth while you’re at it.”
“Well, shit. Someone ate his caveman cereal this morning.” His chuckle is too amused, grating on my final frayed nerve. “As I was saying, I wouldn’t be sitting here with your grumpy ass if the skate was on the other foot.”
“Now you’re fucking up sentiments on purpose.”
“It’s getting you to respond more than usual.”
I scrub over my face to stave off an incoming migraine. “Want me to kick you out? Could’ve just asked.”
“Add stubbornness to your list of admirable qualities.”
“Don’t question my methods.”
“Straight madness? I wouldn’t dare,” Drake deadpans.
“This is coming from a guy who’s notorious for choosing the wrong girl.”
“Meanwhile, you haven’t even talked to the one you’re legit crazy about. How long has it been?” My so-called friend begins counting on his fingers. “Ten months?”
“Thirteen,” I correct. That doesn’t include the one or two she was in Knox Creek prior to my awareness of her.
Once again, there’s no point in denying that I’ve kept track whenever Calliope Porter is concerned. After catching sight of her that random afternoon on Main Street, I made my interest freakishly obvious. Well, to everyone except her. My plan doesn’t involve scaring her off before I have a chance to explain myself.
Drake’s unintelligible grumbling drags me back to my living room. “Are you holding out for another year?”
“If that’s what it takes.” I’m nothing if not disciplined.
He curses under his breath. “Never took you for one to beat around the bush.”
“That’s your area of expertise. Nah, wait. You tend to miss altogether.”
“Leave me be. I’m still licking my wounds.” But his smirk suggests he’s long since recovered.
“The fact you continue repeating the cycle is an insult to your pride.”
“Good thing I have plenty of it.”
Minnesota scores and I pump my fist before circling back to Drake’s insanity. “You’ve got to be the only single dick who’s desperate to have kids but can’t find a chick to be your baby mama.”
“When she’s ready for me, I’ll find her.”
“Now you’re sounding like Garrett.”
He shrugs and slouches lower against the cushions. “Worked out in his favor. And don’t think it hasn’t escaped my notice that you’re bordering on hypocrite territory again.”
I grunt in response. Maybe I’m jealous. This pest won’t hear me admit it.“The situation is under control. Quit bothering me and worry about yourself.”
“Or you could share this ingenious slow play. Tell me what it is about her that gets to you.”
“Why do you care?”
The silence that follows suggests he’s scrounging for an explanation that will crack me. He should know better. His exhale sounds like a white flag, but my friend isn’t a quitter. “I’ve never seen you give a shit about anything other than hockey and the bar. Maybe Garrett and me on a good day.”
It’s my turn to release a heavy sigh. If I divulge a tiny scrap, he might let me watch the game in peace. “She’s different.”
There’s another pause. “Wow, that’s deep. Did you come up with that on your own?”
“Consider yourself lucky that I’m entertaining your hopeless romantic questioning to begin with.” Because even that crumb is more than I’ve given to Callie.
“C’mon, Crusher. You gotta give me more than that. Why does this specific woman twist you into knots?”
“Are you trying to get your ass kicked?” The urge to lunge at him regardless of his response flexes my muscles.
He pinches the bridge of his nose. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re nosy.”
“For good reason. I might gain insight into my personal problems. We both know I could use the guidance.” The sympathy card does little to penetrate my indifference.
But a ping from my phone earns an immediate reaction. That noise gives me an adrenaline rush similar to when I stole the puck or smashed an opponent into the boards. There’s no doubt in my mind who the text is from. That doesn’t mean my eyes don’t automatically lower to feast on her message.
Callie: Hello, Ridge. How are you? I was wondering if I could still ask you questions even though I’ve already signed the lease. You told me the other day it was all right, but I wanted to double check. Please don’t hesitate to tell me if I’m bothering you. Harper insists I’m not. That doesn’t necessarily mean she’s telling me the truth. I know she’s worried about hurting my feelings. You don’t have to be concerned about that. Unless you want to be. I’m not trying to tell you what to do. I would never do that. Anyway, I just wanted to check. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything important. Not that you would read my text if you were busy. There I go again. I better stop before I really do become a bother.—Callie
Damn, her formal texting is endearing as fuck. She’s properly punctuated and grammatically correct. I get hard imagining her talking to me that eloquently. The strain in my jeans is a reliable companion, popping up whenever thoughts of the bashful brunette arise. It’s safe to say the blood loss to my brain is almost constant at this point—and having adverse effects. Eventually, she might provide me with relief that’s more physical than legible.
The fact she typed an entire paragraph when most don’t bother with a full sentence reveals a notable distinction. Social norms haven’t altered her free style. Callie radiates an innocence that’s good and pure and infectious. That type of flawlessness belongs with an equally honest energy. But fuck that. I’m a corrupt bastard and she’s all mine.
“Holy shit,” Drake blurts. “Are you… smiling?”
The joy gets wiped off my face. Just thinking about Callie initiating contact has a way of smoothing my sharp edges. Regardless of the company I’m currently keeping. “You’re still here?”
“Aww, grumpy bear. I didn’t mean to ruin it. That must be from the one I’m not supposed to think about.”
“Yet that’s precisely what you’re doing.”
He chuckles. “What’s she saying?”
“None of your business.” I read her message again and then send a response.
Me:hey, you. come to me for whatever you need. always. that’s never gonna change
I’m aware that my behavior is intense. Some might believe I’ve already crossed several lines, and I plan to demolish many more. My infatuation isn’t a secret. Callie has me hooked. At her mercy. Wrapped around her pinky tight enough to suffocate. That’s what she does to me. I want to embed myself deep into her life, until she forgets what it’s like to be apart from me.
And I’m willing to bet the feeling is mutual. Even if she doesn’t fully comprehend what that means yet.
The bubble with three dots instantly appears to indicate she’s writing a reply. She’s eager and doesn’t try to hide it. I like that. A lot.
“Damn, you’re totally smiling. You’re really gone for her, huh?”
“Fuck off,” I grumble without looking away from my thread with Callie. But a fast motion on my left forces my attention to where Drake has his phone aimed at me. “What’re you doing?”
“My due diligence and capturing this moment.” His fingers begin flying across his screen. “Garrett is gonna lose his shit over this.”
“You better delete—”
I cut myself off as a new message from her arrives.
Callie:Hi again. Thank you for answering me so promptly. That’s very kind of you. I appreciate having someone else to rely on. Harper has let me ask her everything, but I don’t want to become a pest. I’m looking forward to being your neighbor. Is that okay to admit? I don’t want to be too forward. But where I currently live, nobody is very friendly to me. I have a feeling you’ll give me a warm welcome. Did you know I’m moving in tomorrow? Not that you pay attention to my schedule. I’m silly for even typing that. But maybe the owner told you. Either way, I might see you if you’re home. Will you be? If you’re not, I’ll text you if I have any questions. I appreciate the help. You’re already the best neighbor I’ve ever had.—Callie.
There’s a noticeable warmth traveling through me as her words settle. I’m grinning like a fool and couldn’t care less that Drake is beside me to witness it. Callie is getting attached to me. That’s worth far more than whatever flack this asshole can dish out.
On cue, my friend lets loose a low whistle. “If you’re nuts about her at this stage, what’s going to happen when she’s next door?”
“Destiny will come knocking,” I mumble absently while giving her most recent text a third pass.
Drake hoots and kicks his feet like a toddler on too much sugar. “Oh, that’s rich shit. You better jot that down in your memory book to reminisce at your wedding. Speaking of, when’s the big day?”
I swivel my gaze to him as his meaning registers. “Huh?”
His snickering continues. “Fuck, this is too precious. It’s adorable how distracted you get from a few simple messages. What’s she saying?”
“Haven’t we been over this already?” My sour tone doesn’t diminish his amusement.
If anything, his smile stretches to creepy clown proportions. “Yeah, but I’m enjoying the variety of facial expressions you’re putting on display. It’s highly entertaining to watch your spirits brighten like the Stanley Cup finals arrived early.”
“Well, I’d enjoy it if you got gone and let me be.”
“Sure, sure. I’ll kick rocks soon. First you gotta tell me when your neighbor is arriving.”
“Tomorrow.” And the wait tests every fiber of my restraint. I’m about ready to crawl from my skin as the hours tick down.
“Did you hire professionals or are you handling the heavy lifting yourself?”
“No to both.” My jaw clenches at the reminder.
In return, Drake’s mouth hangs slack. “You’re not helping her?”
“Harper shut me down when I offered. She told me that Callie is particular about her space and who she allows inside of it.”
Which is something I would’ve preferred to hear straight from the source, but she hasn’t revealed those details yet. Not that I can blame the feisty blonde for protecting her friend. My natural instincts where Callie are concerned are territorial. Possessive at best. And we still haven’t talked.
His eyes bulge. “Those two are gonna pack, move, and haul everything on their own?”
“It’s not my preference, trust me.” But I can only push so hard before I meet resistance. “Her studio is small. There shouldn’t be too much stuff. Jake is letting them borrow his truck.” Not sure what’s wrong with using mine, but that’s another grievance to address later.
Once she’s living next to me, I’ll handle her needs. Wants and desires too. Fuck, the potential of her relying on me for simple pleasures heats my blood.
My nosey friend grunts. “You got that asshole to do your dirty work? Quite impressive.”
“The honor belongs to his wife. He’s wrapped around her diamond-encrusted ring finger.”
“Can’t blame the guy. They’re in newlywed bliss. Love like that is mighty fine.”
“Speaking from experience?” My phone chimes to divert my attention away from whatever nonsense he’s going to spew next.
Callie: Hello, Ridge. It’s me. Again. I noticed you read my text, but you didn’t respond. Does that mean—?
Drake’s hand clamps down on my shoulder before I can gorge myself on more of Callie’s sweetness. “Nah, I haven’t gotten lucky in the romance department. But you’re about to be.”
I shake him off me. “There’d be a better chance if you’d let me concentrate on what’s important.”
“Jeez,” he gripes. “You act like I’m an infected ingrown hair on your ass, but she’s blowing up your—”
“She’s different,” I reiterate.
Drake holds up his palms in surrender and rises to stand. “It’s becoming clear that the gift of my presence isn’t appreciated. I’ll leave you two alone. You’ll be very happy texting each other in companionable solitude.”
At long last, something we can agree on.
“See ya later,” I toss to him in parting.
“If you ever peel your eyes off the screen,” his retreating voice calls.
Before the door slams behind him, I’m backtracking to start at the beginning of her latest message.
Callie: Hello, Ridge. It’s me. Again. I noticed you read my text, but you didn’t respond. Does that mean you’re busy or you didn’t like something I said? This is new to me. Could I be more obvious? I just don’t want to upset you or push too far. That’s not my intention. I’m mostly curious about everything. Uncertain too. There’s much for me to learn. Harper says that I’m beginning to express myself openly from behind a screen, but not so much in person. From where I come from… well, that’s a story for a different day. For now, I hope you’re preoccupied instead of not responding on purpose. Am I too demanding? Or maybe impatient. Gosh, those don’t sound good. Both is probably a safe bet. Are those two traits more appealing than needy? That’s something Harper calls herself when… never mind. That’s too personal. We can discuss that at a later date once we’ve known each other longer. If you still want to talk to me. Let me know if I’m bothering you yet. You can be honest with me. I’d prefer that over the alternative.—Callie
My thumbs are poised and ready when I’ve reached the end. I’ve never cared much for texting, but I’ll sit in this spot for hours if it means this girl keeps giving me her words. She has plenty to share and I’m here for it.
Me:never too busy for you, sweetness. had a slight disruption to deal with. that’s taken care of and I’m all yours
Me:the thought of you needy and demanding and impatient for me is what I’ve been waiting for. I like you just the way you are. trust me. don’t hold back. give me the good and bad. whatever’s running through your mind. I’ll ease your troubles
Me:let’s start with you telling me about your day. no skimping on the details.
The three dots on her side bounce in their bubble almost immediately after my text is sent. I don’t fight the grin that’s forming or hesitate to sink deeper into the couch and prepare for the best night I’ve had in years.