Page 36 of Take My Name

“You’re sure about this? It could, and probably will, backfire on you.”

“What other choice do I have? Let her walk away with my heart while she gives hers to someone else?”

“You think one week is gonna make a difference?”

“It’s my last resort to remind her how in love we used to be. I’ll be respectful of herrelationship”—I nearly choke on the word—“if it’s clear there’s nothin’ left between us. But if there’s even a sliver of a chance she’s indecisive about the divorce, then I’m not lettin’ her walk away again.”

“Do you know who her fiancé is?” He cracks his knuckles. “Could we take him?”

I snort out a laugh. “Just that his name is Hayes.”

“Hayes? Sounds like a tool.”

“He’s probably some guy who works in a stuffy office and has never gotten his hands dirty.”

“Most likely,” he agrees.

Silas works with his fiancée’s dad as a contractor and mostly works on new construction homes throughout the state, so he’s as familiar with hard work and getting dirty as I am.

“So what’re you plannin’ for your seven days?”

When our food arrives a few minutes later, I’m still telling him my ideas and ask him for any other ones. I’ll have to work during the weekdays, but in the evenings, she’ll be all mine.

“You know I love ya.” He pulls me in for a hug when we stand. “Good luck. Keep me updated.”

“Thanks, and I will.”

“And hey, if it works out, we can go on double dates.” He smirks, and I laugh.

“Give Aundrea my love.” I pat his back as we walk outside.

He proposed last year and they’ll tie the knot this fall.

“I will.”

We go our separate ways, and I get into my truck. My heart rate spikes when I check my phone and find a new message from Maisie. After I texted her this morning to meet at my house this evening, I’ve been anxious as hell, which is why I word vomited all over Silas.

But I’m looking forward to seeing her without the hostility looming between us.

Maisie

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

Warren

Not unless you wanna give me a show.

Maisie

What the fuck does that mean?

I bark out a laugh because getting under her skin the way she’s been under mine is a thrill I haven’t felt in years.

We text back and forth a few times and when I tell her she’ll have to prove me wrong she’s not wound up with a stick up her ass, I set my phone down and drive home.

“You’ve gotta be kiddin’ me.” Maisie’s head lifts to the ladder that leads to the zip line.

“You scared of heights now?” I ask because she wasn’t before.