CHAPTER ELEVEN
Callie:Hello, Ridge. Are you next door or did you go back to work? Thanks for driving me home. You didn’t need to do that.
Ridge:I wasn’t about to let you walk in your first ever drunken state
Callie:Walking is my only form of transportation. I don’t know how to drive.
Ridge: well, shit smh had I known that’s how you got to the bar, I would’ve picked you up to begin with
Callie:No way. That would’ve ruined the surprise.
Ridge:nah, sweetness. every moment with you is a surprise
Callie:How do you figure?
Ridge:I never thought I’d find happiness like this. just opening up about my feelings is a foreign concept. you’re a shock to my system
Callie:That sounds like unexpected bliss.
Ridge:yeah, you get it
Callie:I do, and I feel the same.
Ridge:that validation makes me want to reveal stuff you might not be ready to hear
Callie:Will you? Please? I really enjoy your romantic side.
Ridge:only for you, sweetness. you’re the reason I feel like this. each smile you gift me is precious. I cling onto every word like the softly spoken syllables are my sustenance
Ridge: oh, and now I have your cookies to consume as a midnight snack. it’s as if you’ve rebooted me to operate on whatever you’re willing to give me
Ridge:you’ve also turned me into a sap, but I’m not complaining
Ridge: and don’t even get me started about what seeing you perched on that stool in my section of the bar does to me
Callie:The flutters and belly swoops have returned.
Ridge:tell me more
Callie:It’s such a giddy sensation that I’m unfamiliar with. I’m glad you liked the surprises tonight. There’s something I need to tell you, though. I can’t take credit for both. The cookies were my idea. Harper suggested I visit Roosters. To share a bit more honesty, stopping by unannounced is way out of my comfort zone. I had to talk myself into following through with the plan. It almost didn’t happen. But you know what? The unexpected bliss we just talked about was on your face when I walked into the bar. Seeing that was worth the nerves. It radiated from your expression. I can’t properly describe it, but that look stunned me for several moments. You make me feel things I didn’t know existed. Just like whenever I open my scrapbook to see our pictures. It’s the same joy on your face. I think you might like me, Ridge Carter.
Ridge:I more than like you, Calliope Porter.
Callie:Does this mean you’re my… boyfriend?
Ridge:I thought that was obvious
Callie:Not to me. I’m clueless when it comes to dating, remember? The little I’ve learned is from you, Harper, and romance books. That still isn’t much. We haven’t even… held hands yet.
Ridge:would you like that?
Callie:Very much so.
Ridge:consider it done. just like how I’m very much your boyfriend. or if not, I’m still waiting
Callie:For what?
Ridge:for you to claim me as yours
Callie:You’re mine?
Ridge:undeniably
Callie:Does that make me yours?
Ridge:absolutely. if you agree
Callie:Yes, I like the sound of that.
Ridge:then it’s official. no refunds
Callie:That’s another first for me.
Ridge:ditto
Callie:No way. You’ve dated before
Ridge:sure, but nothing serious. this is the first real relationship that counts
Callie:Oh, Ridge. That’s such a great answer.
Callie:And now I’ve decided something else.
Ridge:that sounds like trouble
Callie:Don’t worry. It’s nothing bad. You need a nickname.
Ridge:other than Crusher or Carter?
Callie:Other people call you those. I want this one to be special between us like how you use sweetness for me.
Ridge:what’re you thinking?
Callie:It can’t be too cute since you’re so… masculine. Pookie Bear wouldn’t do you justice.
Ridge:you don’t think so?
Callie:Nope, especially when it could be shortened to Pooh.
Ridge:I dunno. seems fitting
Callie:We can do better. I’ll think on it. Until then, I should probably go to bed. I have the early shift tomorrow.
Ridge:one last question before you doze off
Callie:I’m here for it.
Ridge:how do you take your coffee?