CHAPTER EIGHT
Ridge: hey, sweetness. I made it home safely. just didn’t want you to worry
Callie:Hi, Ridge. It’s actually really funny you sent that. I was just about to text you and ask that same thing. You beat me to it. Maybe we’re mentally connected. How cool would that be? We could hear each other’s thoughts. Although, some of that is meant to be private. It’s probably for the best that we aren’t mind readers. There I go again, rambling away. But I’m glad you managed to cross the driveways without incident.
Ridge:it was a tough journey. mostly b/c I left you behind
Callie: Oh, Ridge. You’re too romantic. I’m smiling very big right now. You could’ve stayed longer. I didn’t tell you to leave.
Ridge:you shouldn’t have to. it was getting late. I didn’t want to take advantage of your time
Callie:As if you could ever do that. But I appreciate you being considerate. To be honest, I’m a bit sleepy.
Ridge:go to bed, sweetness. I’ll text you in the morning
Callie:Oh, wait! I almost forgot. Our picture turned out really well. Too bad we don’t have another copy for you.
Ridge:sounds like that gives us an excuse to take more
Callie:Oh, yay! Photos are great material for my scrapbook. I’m glad you’re willing. I wasn’t sure since you’re not looking at the camera in this shot.
Ridge:that wasn’t an accident. I couldn’t look away from you
Callie:There you go again. Is this flirting? I wouldn’t know. But I feel like you’re flirting with me when you say such nice things to me. It’s similar to the swoop in my belly when I saw how you stared at me in the photo. Is that okay for me to admit?
Ridge:lol. I’m very much flirting with you. don’t ever doubt that. since you’re still in a chatty mood, tell me more about these private thoughts and belly swoops
Callie:I’m not sure that I should…
Ridge:I disagree, but only if you’re willing
Callie:Both of those things happen when I think about you.
Callie:Ridge? Did you fall asleep?
Ridge:still here. just trying to stop myself from coming over there. I bet your blush pairs well with these private thoughts and belly swoops.
Callie:Yes, and I’m blushing right now. LOL
Ridge:probably shouldn’t have told me that
Callie:Why not? Is it bad?
Ridge:nothing you do could ever be bad. you’re a good girl and your sweet words do certain things to me like I’ve told you before.
Callie:I remember. You’d rather show me those things than tell me.
Ridge: that’s right, but you’re not ready
Callie:How do you know?
Ridge:we’ve only had one date
Callie:And these things require more than that?
Ridge:in our case. there’s no rush. time for bed?
Callie:Can I ask another question first?
Ridge:…
Callie:We talked about my family tonight, but I don’t know anything about yours. Where are you from? Do your parents still live there? How’s your relationship with them? Are they still married? Do you have any siblings?
Ridge:That’s more than one
Callie:I got carried away. Do you mind?
Ridge:not at all. you should know by now I want to hear whatever you’re thinking
Ridge:I’m from a town two hours north of here called Nowthen. ever heard of it? probably not. it’s very small
Ridge: I’m pretty fortunate in the family department. my folks are still crazy in love after almost forty years of marriage. they own a house in my hometown but they’re down in Florida during the cold months. we’re close considering the physical distance between us
Ridge: I have three brothers—one older and two younger. whenever they visit next, I’ll try to give you plenty of warning.
Callie:Umm, wow! That might be the most you’ve ever said to me at once. Thanks for sharing some backstory. Your family sounds wonderful. I would love to meet them someday, if that’s okay. It’s not a tradition I’m familiar with, but it seems customary in… standard dating.
Ridge:I’d love that too. my mom will probably get a speeding ticket on her rush down here once she finds out about you. is your curiosity satisfied?
Callie:I suppose. At least until the morning.
Ridge:good. you need your beauty rest. not that it’s possible for you to be more beautiful
Callie:More flattery? You’re going to spoil me.
Ridge:that’s the plan
Callie:One last question for the night.
Ridge:sure about that?
Callie:If you actually answer.
Ridge:I’m incapable of denying you
Callie:I could get used to this flirting.
Ridge:what’s the question, babe?
Callie:What color are your pajamas?
Ridge:lmao you’ll have to find that out on your own. when you’re comfortable sleeping beside me
Callie:Like at a slumber party?
Ridge:sure, sweetness. whatever you wanna call it
Callie:Is that another thing I need to be ready for? Still not sure what that means…
Ridge:yes, and you’ll just know
Callie:How can you be so sure?
Ridge:I’m already at the point of no return. you’re stuck with me, sweetness. whether you’re ready or not, I’m yours