Page 158 of Take My Name

“Oh God, what’d you do?”

And how in the world did Jessica keep this a secret from me?

Even though she’s Hayes’s agent, we remained friends, which I’m grateful for. It was a bit of a shift after moving here and adjusting my schedule. Although I enjoyed the in-person networking, I can still network virtually and fly there for special conventions or fairs.

But I’m no longer making it my only focus and working toward a better work-life balance.

Warren smiles before leaning in to kiss my cheek. “Merry Christmas, baby.”

He hands it over, a paperback for sure, but when I rip it open, I’m truly shocked.

Even more when I open it to the first page and find a handwritten letter from the author.

Dear Maisie,

I’m so honored to hear this is your favorite book! Considering how much you must read, it feels extra special to me and these characters. Your sweet husband politely begged for a signed copy (like I was going to say no to you of all people), but he mentioned how you two bonded over the open-endedending and how he wondered what happened after, so I typed up a bonus epilogue for you to read. It’s a few years in the future, so hopefully you’ll get some of your questions answered. I struggled to write the second book for years, so I stopped trying, but getting your husband’s kind and personal email re-sparked the joy I felt writing this story in the first place. So I owe you both a huge debt of gratitude because now I feel ready to continue writing the next book and making it even better than before.

All my love, xo

I’m in tears by the time I finish reading her note. There’s an envelope tucked in the back with the bonus epilogue she wrote, but then I notice something else.

“Did you annotate this?” I flip through the pages of highlighted sentences and sticker tabs.

“Yeah, I wanted to read it anyway, so I thought I’d include some of my commentary while I did. I added a tabs key so you know what the colors of each one mean.”

I don’t know whether I should panic that he wrote in a signed edition or be overwhelmed that he read my favorite book and included his thoughts on it.

Maybe both.

But leaning more toward how thoughtful he was for finding a way to reach out to her and getting this copy. I’ll cherish it even more knowing he wanted to read it because he knows how much I loved it.

“This means so much, babe. Thank you. I can’t believe you managed to read this without me knowin’. How long have you had this?”

“Well, I had to one-up you from my birthday surprise.” He grins. “I mostly read it in my office between tasks. Took me a while, but I loved it. Might’ve teared up a few times.”

Chuckling, I pull him in for a kiss and hug him tightly to my chest. “I can’t wait to reread it with your notes. Do you wanna read the bonus together?”

“You have no idea how much restraint it took not to peek at it.”

I laugh and then we settle in next to each other while I unfold the typed pages and read it aloud.

And within minutes, we’re both tearing up again.

“Wow…she killed this. I can’t wait for the full book whenever she releases it.”

“Me too. You’ll probably read it faster than me, but it’ll be fun to read the same thing together.”

“This is truly the best gift I’ve ever received. Thank you again.”

He tips my chin and brushes his lips to mine. “Anythin’ for you, my love.”

I carefully set the book down on the coffee table before straddling his lap and wrapping my arms around his neck.

“So glad you begged me to take your name over nine years ago.”

“I did notbeg…” He clarifies, almost insulted. “I strongly insisted.”

“And I happily agreed.” Smiling against his mouth, I grind against him, feeling him thicken between my thighs.