CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Callie:Hey, troublemaker.
Ridge:uh oh. what’d I do to deserve a change in nickname
Callie:Stacey asked if I was sick. Want to know why? I’m blushing at work and it’s totally your fault. That last kiss before you dropped me off is playing on repeat in my mind. It’s all I can think about. The belly swoops won’t quit. Clearly my cheeks are flushed to the point of notice. I can’t go thirty seconds without my thoughts wandering back to you.
Ridge:that doesn’t sound like a problem
Callie:Yeah, yeah. You love it when I’m thinking about you.
Ridge:it seems only fair. plz don’t stop
Callie:As if I could. I can’t manage to get anything done, but you go about your day without an issue. What’re you doing btw? Are you at Roosters?
Ridge:at the gym. Drake is glaring at me
Callie:Why? Are you distracting him too?
Ridge:nah, I’m distracted by you. supposed to be spotting him
Callie:What? Jeez. Don’t let him get hurt.
Ridge:his head is too hard for that
Callie:Are you sweaty from lifting weights?
Ridge:not yet, but thinking of you hot and bothered is elevating more than my heartrate
Callie:Oh! That reminds me. Did you get my rent money?
Ridge:not sure how that relates but no
Callie:Well, it’s been bothering me. I have direct deposit set but the payment didn’t seem to go through.
Ridge:weird
Callie:You don’t seem too upset about not getting paid.
Ridge:if you want the truth, I cancelled your payment
Callie:What? Why would you do that?
Ridge:I don’t need your money. I want it even less than that
Callie:But I have to pay you rent.
Ridge:trust me, sweetness. you don’t
Callie:This doesn’t seem legal. I want to be a legitimate tenant. What’s stopping you from evicting me?
Ridge:my honor
Ridge:but more than that, you’re my girlfriend. you’re not going anywhere
Callie:I don’t feel right living at the house for free.
Ridge:you’re doing me a favor. it would sit empty otherwise
Callie:That reminds me of something else I wanted to ask. Why haven’t you rented it out before?
Ridge:I hadn’t met you yet. you’re neighbor material, remember?
Callie:Good grief. How am I supposed to stay frustrated about this situation when you’re flirting with me?
Ridge:easy. you just forgive me and accept free rent
Callie:It’s not that simple. You’re still a troublemaker.
Ridge:so long as I’m yours
Callie:Always XOXO
Ridge:hugs and kisses? damn. you just made my day
Callie:Didn’t I already?
Ridge:love when you get sassy
Ridge:you’ve made my whole life a helluva lot brighter
Callie:Consider yourself forgiven. But why did you buy a duplex if you didn’t plan on renting the other side until meeting me?
Ridge:mostly to give my family a place to stay when they come visit
Ridge:like I told you before, they’re overwhelming
Ridge:it’s in my best interest to provide them with their own space
Callie:Which you’ve now rented to me. For free. Where are you going to put your family when they visit next?
Ridge:they can take my house. I’ll crash on your couch
Callie:There’s no way I’d make you stay on the sofa.
Ridge:You’re gonna let me sleep in your bed?
Callie:Maybe…
Ridge:what can I do to seal the deal?
Callie:Let me pay rent.
Ridge:something else
Callie:Am I allowed to get a dog?
Ridge:why wouldn’t you?
Callie:Not sure if you had a rule against them.
Ridge:we’re a pet friendly establishment
Callie:LOL That’s reassuring. There’s a golden doodle who frequents Pampered Pup and he might need a new home. Walter is such a good boy. He doesn’t shed either, which is a bonus.
Ridge:can’t wait to meet him
Callie:That can be arranged. Like when you pick me up after my shift. Until then, you better get back to lifting weights or Drake will yell at you.
Ridge:I’d like to see him try
Callie: And I’d rather you didn’t risk it.
Ridge:lol later, love