Page 17 of Take My Name

Since my office is located at the stables, that’s where I spend most of my time, although I go back and forth as needed.

“Uh…Warren?” Bodie’s hesitant voice grabs my attention, and when I look at him with the tack in his arms, he’s staring at the doors.

“What is it?”

The spell finally breaks, and he blinks. “It’s…Maisie, I think?”

He hasn’t seen her since he was fourteen, so I’m not surprised he’d be hesitant.

My gaze darts to where he was transfixed a moment ago, and sure enough, there she is, looking like a lost puppy as she scans the area for me.

I’m hunched down on the other side of Priest where he’s cross-tied in the aisle, so she can’t see me, but I can see her.

“What’s she doin’ here?” Bodie murmurs, tossing the saddle blanket over Priest’s back.

I lower my body so she’s no longer in my view. “She showed up at my house last night, but I sent her away.”

He doesn’t need to know the specifics either.

“Does she wanna reconcile?”

Blowing out a stressed breath, I shake my head and keep my voice down. “No, she wants a divorce.”

His eyes widen to saucers, and it’s then I realize how many people don’t realize we’re still married. To be fair, it’s not like I announced it either.

“Warren?” she calls out.

“He’s over here!” the traitorous asshole shouts.

“What the fuck, man?” I hiss, standing to my full height.

He doesn’t respond, but the wicked grin across his face tells me everything I need to know.

He wants to witness this shit show front and center.He’s as much a gossip as Landen.

“What’re you doin’ here?” I bark once we make eye contact.

She licks her lower lip before coming toward me, and it’s then I notice her outfit.

“What the fuck are you wearin’?” My eyes scan down the length of her in a pantsuit and heels. The complete opposite of what you should wear inside a barn.

Her eyes lower to her brown blazer and navy blue dress slacks.

“It’s casual chic,” she says as if I should know what that means.

I snort. “If you say so.”

“Never mind my outfit. We need to talk.” She puts her hands on her hips as if that’ll make her look more intimidating.

“Too bad, I’m workin’.” I make a show of attaching the saddle to Priest’s back and then grab the rest of what I need so I can leave.

“I’m here for two weeks, Warren.” The bite in her tone makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. “Which means I’ll continue showin’ up and buggin’ you until we discuss our divorce.”

“Hard pass.” I continue what I’m doing without making eye contact, but she pushes herself between me and the horse, forcing me to take a step back at her proximity.

“Or you can sign the papers now and I’ll get outta your hair.” She raises a brow, crossing her arms.

Pinching my lips to the side, I pretend to contemplate her offer. “Temptin’, truly…but I’m gonna have to go withno.”