Page 59 of Take My Name

“There’s endless options in New York, so you never get sick of it.”

Warren puts half the cheesecake into a container, snaps the lid on it, then places it in front of Bellamy.

“Here. You and your anti-marriage views can go now.”

Bellamy picks up the container, hops off the chair, and beams. “Thanks! You’re the bestbig brother ever.”

“Mhm.” He shakes his head but blows out a breath when she finally leaves. “And now it’s your turn.”

“Huh?”

I shift and find a fork an inch from my face.

“Try it.”

My gaze falls to the cheesecake and I lick my lips before parting them. The salted caramel drizzle hits my tongue and I moan at how good it tastes.

“Wow…” I bob my head. “That’s good. Really good.”

“Yeah?” He takes a bite for himself. “Mmm.”

“How many times have you made this?” I ask, stealing the fork so I can have more.

“Probably a dozen times or more. Took me a while to perfect it.”

“Well, it was well worth it because this is the best cheesecake I’ve ever tasted, and I’ve had a lot.” I smile, stealing another bite.

“You’re supposed to be sharin’ that,” he taunts, stepping closer.

I grab another forkful and put it in front of his lips, but when he opens his mouth, I shove it into mine instead.

“Too slow!” I laugh, swallowing it down.

“Maisie Gracelyn!” His fingers dig into my sides, causing me to laugh harder as he tickles me. I jump out of his reach and run around the counter, but he’s quick to catch me.

“Where do you think you’re goin’?” He wraps his arms around me, pressing his chest to my back, and for a moment, we’re teenagers again. Having tickle fights, laughing and teasing each other, like we’ve done dozens of times before.

Warren buries his face in my neck and inhales. “I love that you smell like me.”

His warm breath against my cool skin causes an electric current to shoot down my spine and my heart beats wildly out ofcontrol. I wouldn’t be surprised if he can feel it against my pulse point.

“You had limited options in the shower,” I manage to say.

He chuckles against my cheek. “Sorry ’bout that. You’re the first woman to use it. I’ll make sure to have a better selection next time.”

Next time?

I want to ask what he means by that, but instead, I step out of his hold and face him.

“It’s gettin’ late. I should get home before my parents scold me for stayin’ out too late again.” I roll my eyes so he doesn’t think I’m leaving because I want to.

Rather, Ineedto.

The more time I spend with him, the more I’m having conflicting feelings. I need to walk away before my head gets confused even more.

“Sure.” He rounds the counter. “Do you wanna take some of this home? I can put it in a container.”

“That’d be great.” I smile. “I’m gonna grab my bag while you do that.”