Page 4 of Take My Name

When we step in, the stream falls over us under the rainfall showerhead. We wash one another from head to toe, slowly massaging shampoo in each other’s hair and rinsing off. Neither of us can stop smiling at our secret engagement and sneaking in here, but it’s equally exciting and romantic to get this time with her before she leaves.

“What size ring are you?”

“Six, I think.”

“I’m gonna get you the biggest and most beautiful ring I can afford.”

“You don’t have to spend a fortune. I’ll be happy with anythin’ you pick out.”

“There ain’t no way your parents are gonna be happy with something small.”

“Who cares what they think?”

“Uh…me. They’re already gonna be pissed I didn’t ask for their blessin’ first.”

“That’s an outdated tradition. They’ll be happy as long as I am.”

The expression on my face causes her to roll her eyes in disagreement. As much as I love her, she’s blind to the way her parents look at me. Her father owns an investment firm where he grows and flips Southern businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and more. Her mother is from old money, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s why they got married in the first place. Rich families wanting to stay rich and all that. They’re well-known and prestigious around here, but they’ve always given me the impression they don’t want their only daughter to marry a rancher.

It’s why I’m certain they encouraged Maisie to go to college seven hundred miles away.

I never had plans for college because working on my family’s horse ranch and resort is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Although we have a full staff for the ranch and resort, I’m certain my siblings will follow suit and stay here too. I love it here. Even if it’s hard work, it’s the only kind I know.

And I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Although my parents are respected by the community for their successful luxury camping resort, they’re not valued in the same light. We stay booked and busy year-round, minus a couple winter months over the holidays where it slows down, but they do well for themselves. Most of my checks go into my savings since I still live at home, so if I have to prove I’m worthy of marrying their daughter, I will by making sure she has the ring she deserves.

I already know her mother will want full control of the wedding planning.

Assuming they don’t ship Maisie overseas or some shit to get her away from me.

“Either way, when you come back for Thanksgiving, I’m gettin’ down on one knee and proposin’ with a ring.”

She wraps her arms around my waist, peering up. “I don’t think you’re supposed to tell me ahead of time.”

“We’re already engaged. This’ll be theformalengagement, where I propose with clothes on.”

Laughter echoes through the shower as her shoulders shake. “I much prefer you being naked.”

I kiss the tip of her nose, sliding my palm down to smack her ass. “Good, because I’m about to fuck you against the wall until you lose your voice from screamin’ my name.”

“Warren!” she squeals.

“That’s the one.” I wink. “You agreein’ to be my wife unleashed a new side to me, baby. And if this is the last night I get with you for three months, we’re makin’ it a memorable one.”

“We don’t have condoms.”

Although we don’t always use them and she’s on birth control, we’ve been extra careful since she’s in school, but I can’t help the smile that takes over my face at the thought of her pregnant with my baby.

“Not-uh.” She shakes her head at my devious grin, pointing a warning finger toward me. “No knockin’ me up before we get married. Or before I graduate.”

I chuckle, grabbing her wrist and repositioning her until her back presses against my chest. Then I plant her palms on the wall farthest from the showerhead.

“I’ll pull out and paint your ass with my cum. How’s that?”

“Fuck,” she groans, arching her back until my cock slides between her crack.

“Spread your legs for me, Maze,” I demand in her ear and she does until her feet are next to mine. “And keep your palms there until I say otherwise. Don’t wanna have to explain a sex injury to our parents.”