Page 71 of Take My Name

Warren’s gazedrops to my chest as he finishes his glass of wine, not even trying to be subtle. I figured he’d like it, but his reaction to seeing me for the first time was better than I imagined it’d be.

And truthfully, it felt nice to have him openly show his fondness of it. Even after years of being together, he always expressed how beautiful he thought I looked.

Meanwhile, I’ve been actively trying not to stare at his arms. The very ones Yani squeezed before I realized she wasn’t interested in him. He has the sleeves rolled to his elbows and the shirt is tight enough to make his biceps pop through the fabric if he’s not careful.

God, he looks delectable in all black.

Even his tie. He could wrap it around my wrists and then?—

Oh.

Where did that thought come from?

Nope, not going there.

I’m ovulating. That’s the only explanation why my body’s reacting to him.

And he’s familiar.

Of course my body recognizes his touch, as subtle as it is, but it doesn’t mean I want to jump into bed with him.

We can be friends without it turning intimate.

Yeah, divorced besties.

That’s definitely a thing.

Besides trying to keep my hormones in check, dinner with Warren has been magical. The romantic setting, the delicious food and wine, the amazing conversation about my favorite book—it’s been one of the most fun nights I’ve had in a while.

Warren makes it easy to talk about anything because he listens intently and wants to know everything I’m thinking about it. I’ve missed that.

It dawns on me that Hayes doesn’t know my favorite book nor has he ever asked me. For being in publishing, we don’t talk much about books besides his or the authors’ I’m representing.

“Oh my goodness, look at y’all!” JoJo gushes, walking toward us.

Warren stands and pulls her in for a hug. “That was a delicious meal.”

“Yes, it was so good,” I gush. “You’re gonna have to roll me out on a stretcher after all that food.”

“So glad y’all liked it.” She smiles wide, wrapping me in a hug next before I can get to my feet. “You look so beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“I hope y’all don’t mind…” JoJo says, looking up to no good. “But I made something super special for dessert.”

Yani returns and places two white round dishes on the table. Then she sets down two spoons and grins before leaving.

“Is that crème brûlée?” Warren asks.

“It is. I don’t make it often because it takes over six hours, but I wanted y’all to have some.”

“It smells incredible,” I say, leaning over to inhale it.

“I also have some strawberries comin’. And maybe one more thing,” she quickly adds. “Enjoy.”

She winks at Warren, and I can’t help wondering what else she’s up to.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had this,” I admit, grabbing one of the spoons and scooping a small amount.