Page 25 of Take My Name

“I keep my books downstairs in the library.”

She spins around, her wide eyes locked on mine. “You really built a library?”

“It’s not full or anythin’, but I put in built-in shelves so that you had room to store all your books. I figured you had so many already and will continue to buy more, so I wanted you to have the properspace.”

She chews on her bottom lip, and I’m tempted to pluck it and ask what she’s thinking.

“I have most of mine in storage at my parents’. My apartments never had enough room and it seemed silly to keep movin’ ’em around.”

“Do you live with your fiancé now?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t wanna go through the hassle of gettin’ ’em shipped up there and takin’ up space. Plus, they’re from when I was in high school and college. Most of the books I read now are from submissions and queries.”

“Hm. Interestin’…” I hide my disappointment.

The Maisie I knew would never be far from her books. Even when she didn’t read them anymore, she always felt comforted with them around her. She’d pull them off her shelves, flip through the pages, and bring them to her nose to inhale the scent. When we’d hang out and she’d read, I’d smile at her expressions when she’d get to a big plot twist or reveal of some kind. I could watch her read for hours.

Every time she finished a book, she’d give me a full summary of everything that happened and if her theories were right or not. I loved that time we spent together, and even if we weren’t talking, being near her was all I needed.

Considering she’d reread her favorites over and over, it’s sad to know she’s no longer near them.

“What is?” she asks, furrowing her brows.

Clearing my throat, I say, “Nothin’. C’mon, this way.”

I walk down the hallway toward the master bedroom and into the en suite.

“Holy shit, this is huge!” She steps into the bathroom, her eyes focused on the deep tub. “I think this is bigger than my first apartment.”

“Had to make it large enough to fit the tub.”

“Do you use it a lot?”

“Only a few times.”

“That’s it?” She gasps, laughing, and the sound of it has me smiling wide. “I’d never leave. You’d have to pry me outta there.”

That was my hope.

She walks around, looking at everything, opening drawers and cabinets as if she’s trying to find something. I silently follow when she goes into the walk-in closet.

“What?” I finally ask, curious about what she’s thinking.

“There’s no sign of another person livin’ here. No extra toothbrush or clothes.”

“No.”

“I’m surprised.”

“Why?”

Her shoulders lift casually, but she averts her gaze as she continues snooping through my things. Not that I mind, so I don’t bother stopping her.

“You’re a catch, Warren. Figured you would’ve had a special someone in your life by now.”

“I’ve never brought anyone here. Besides my family, you’re the only woman who’s been inside my bedroom.”

That grabs her attention, but her hard stare is hard to read. “Never?”