Page 33 of Take My Name

“Well, it was great?—”

“Whatever happened with you and Warren?” she asks, cutting me off.

“Just went our separate ways when I got a job in New York.”

I’m not giving the gossip queen any juicy details to share with everyone else.

“Oh, what a shame. You two were theitcouple in high school. If I’d bet money on anyone makin’it last, it would’ve been y’all. I’d never seen a more protective and in love man than Warren when it came to you.”

She would know considering she tried to seduce him and he shot her down.

“Mhm.” I force a pained smile. “So sorry to run, but I gotta?—”

“Oh no, of course! It was so good seein’ ya. Send my best to your family.” She smothers me in another unwanted hug. “Bye-bye.”

“Bye,” I punch out, rushing up the steps, and swing open the door.

After finding appropriate shoes for the ranch, I go to one of the boutiques to find a couple sundresses and other casual outfits. I needed something nicer to wear to the baby shower anyway, so it was a good excuse to shop.

Luckily, I don’t run into any more people from high school and make it home with plenty of time to get ready before I have to meet Warren. Considering it’s Saturday, I’m surprised he didn’t utilize the full day of torturing me.

But now that makes me wonder if he saved it for the evening on purpose. That usually implies something more romantic.

Grabbing my phone from the bed, I shoot him a message.

Maisie

I’m assuming no heels means no skirts or dresses too, right?

Warren

Not unless you wanna give me a show.

I grind my teeth.

Maisie

What the fuck does that even mean?

Warren

It means wear comfortable pants, Maze.

If I wasn’t already having a crisis about what clothes I need, I’d scold him for using that nickname again. I don’t hate it, but it means something more to him than it does to me.

Maisie

Can’t you just tell me what we’re doing?

Warren

Reminding you of your roots and where you came from.

Well, that could be anything coming from him.

Maisie

You said you weren’t going to murder me.