Chapter Thirteen
Warren
Waking up the next morning, I still taste Maisie’s lips on mine.
My cock ached all night because I refused to touch myself when there’s so much uncertainty in the air between us.
I’m not letting myself have too much hope, as much as I want to, but I have to protect my heart after not being able to get over her.
I want to believe she feels the undeniable chemistry between us too, but when she implied that kiss was a rewrite of our last one, I lost faith she’d ever admit it.
But I’m going to use these next three dates to show her why we’re meant to be together. Even if I get crushed at the end, I have to stay all in.
Maisie’s the love of my life, and even if she doesn’t pick me, I’ll always pick her.
“You look like shit,” Colton says, barging into my office without knocking and plopping down in the chair across from my desk.
“Thanks,” I mutter .
“Are you not sleepin’? You have under-eye bags. And some puffiness…” He smacks his cheeks, smirking.
I stare, willing him to vanish into thin air. “Is there somethin’ I can help you with or did you come all this way to rag on me about my face?”
“Well…” He leans back and kicks up his boots. “A source tells me you’re goin’ dancin’ tonight with your ex-wife, who’s actually still your wife, and I wanna know why I didn’t get an invite?”
Standing, I push his filthy boots off my desk. “A source? You mean Bodie.”
Colt’s four years younger than me but an older version of Bodie, who loves getting on my nerves.
“Ricky.”
“Of course.” I shake my head. “I dunno when they’re goin’, but I’m takin’ Maisie around eight.”
“Eight?” He snorts a laugh. “Are the doors open that early?”
Early?
I roll my eyes. “I’m guessin’ we’ll run into you when we’re leavin’ and you’re just gettin’ there.”
“I’ll get there at ten and probably leave at one, unless I find a lady to dance with until closin’ time.” He smirks like I can’t read into what he’s saying.
“Well, it is Ladies’ Night after all, so I’m sure you will.” I grab my phone, checking if Maisie replied to my text. “As long as you show up to work on time.”
He scoffs. “You’re not my boss. How would you know?”
“I’m sure one of our siblings will rat you out in our group chat and then I’ll tell Dad.”
“You wouldn’t. ”
He’s right, but that doesn’t mean I can’t threaten him. It’s my duty as his older brother to keep him in line.
I shrug, pinching my lips together. “Anythin’ else or can I get back to work?”
“Is it true y’all are gettin’ back together?”
Averting his gaze, I look at my laptop screen. “I’m not sure,” I say honestly. “Obviously, I wanna, but it’s not up to me. She’s engaged.”
“But you’re fightin’ for her, right?”
“All damn week, yeah.”
“No, I mean really fightin’ for her. Puttin’ on that thick Langston charm.”
“And what exactly does that entail?” I glance above my screen.
“You gotta throw out the babies, sweethearts, darlings. Kiss her knuckles. Only have eyes for her, and if another woman hits on you, pretend it doesn’t faze you.”
But it wouldn’t faze me.
“Is that so?” I deadpan.
“Girls eat that shit up, I’m tellin’ ya! Then, when you’re dancin’, you whisper sweet nothings in her ear about how you can’t keep your eyes or hands off her sexy body, how you’re desperate for her, and beg .”
An aspirated laugh escapes me. “Beg?”
“Yeah, beg to kiss her or eat her out. Tell her you’ll die if you don’t taste her. Shit like that.”
I stare at him, unblinking.
“If she has a praise kink, holy shit. Tell her how good she takes your big cock. She’ll be putty in your hands.”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I can’t believe I’m getting sex advice from my younger brother .
“And this works for you?” I ask, more curious than anything since I’ve never been in the dating scene and have only slept with my wife.
“Every-fucking-time!” he gloats, and I shake my head at his confidence. “In fact, they love it so much, they end up beggin’ on their knees for me.”
And now I regret asking.
“You seriously sound like a douche.”
“Hey, if they wanna meet Colt Jr., who am I to say no?” He throws his hands up like it’s such a hardship having so many women want him. “But never be pushy about it. The more I tell ’em nothin’ has to happen and we can move slowly, the more they’re beggin’ for it.”
“How in the world haven’t you knocked up a girl by now?”
“I’m horny, not stupid. I wrap it every time, thank you.”
“Glad to hear it,” I say dryly.
“Trust the process. It’s foolproof.”
“I think I’m good…” I drawl. “But thanks.”
He stands. “Alright, well…don’t come cryin’ to me when she realizes you have no game.”
“I can’t wait for the day you’re obsessed with a girl who doesn’t give you the time of day and you’re wonderin’ why your process ain’t workin’ on her.”
“That’ll never happen.”
“Pfft.” I snicker. “Okay.”
“Well, not anytime soon. Maybe when I’m like forty and ready to get married.”
“Forty? Fuckin’ hell.”
“Or fifty.”
“You’re as bad as Bodie, I swear. ”
“Because we didn’t marry the first girls who showed us their tits?”
“Dude.” I scowl. “Fuck off.”
“And look how that turned out?”
“You can leave now.”
“See ya tonight! I’ll come early so you can watch me in case you need to know how it’s done.”
“Please don’t.”
“I gotta say hello to my sister-in-law!”
“You don’t.”
“Maybe I can convince her to upgrade to the better Langston.” He waggles his brows like an asshole.
I point my finger toward the entrance. “Out!”
He leaves, but his laughter can be heard down the hallway.
That little shit. Now I’m even more nervous than I was before.
Checking my phone again, I’m relieved she responded.
Maisie
7:30 works for me.
Warren
Perfect. Make sure to eat enough if you plan on drinking.
Maisie
I will. My parents make such a fuss about dinner, I eat everything on my plate so the chef doesn’t get insulted.
Warren
The chef gets insulted??
Maisie
According to my mother, yes .
I shake my head, seriously wondering how Maisie can stand to be with her parents for two weeks.
Warren
Well if you want me to rescue you, we can have dinner here first.
Maisie
I already told her I’d be here and if I cancel at the last minute, she’ll throw a fit.
Jesus Christ.
Warren
Oh…then you might wanna know I planned on cooking dinner for you Friday night. In case you have to…give notice?
Maisie
Haha, thanks. I’ll let her know.
Warren
And hell, if you want an excuse for tomorrow night, make something up and come over early.
Maisie
What do you have planned?
Warren
You wanna know?
Maisie
As long as it’s not skydiving or scuba diving with alligators…
Warren
Damn, well onto plan C. How about the drive-in movie theatre? Thursdays are ’80s-themed and it’s a double feature.
Maisie
OMG, really? What’s playing?
I grin, knowing she’s going to freak out.
Warren
Back to the Future I and II.
Maisie
YES AND YES!!
Laughing, I reply.
Warren
Thought you’d say that.
I plan to turn the bed of my truck into a cozy place for us to lie together. Even if nothing can happen, I’ll be in heaven being next to her.
Maisie
I’m so excited.
Warren
Me too. I can’t wait. But until then, see you in a few hours.
Maisie
Sounds good
When I see that little blushing-smiley emoji at the end of her text and my heart immediately starts beating harder, I know I’m so fucked.
Maybe Colton’s right and I should lay the charm on thicker.
Why make this easy for her when she’s the one who showed up and agreed to the deal?
Not that I’ve been purposely making it easy, but up until last night when she kissed me, I’ve been respectful of her wishes not to cross those boundaries and act as friends.
However, that kiss was anything but friendly.
Mom
I made some fresh banana bread for you. Come over after work.
Staring at the text, I wonder if it’s some kind of trap.
Knowing my mother and how often she talks to Aunt JoJo, she wants details.
Warren
Okay, thanks. I can’t stay long though.
I need to get home and ready for tonight before Maisie arrives.
Mom
It won’t take long!
So she says.
Once I’ve finished feed inventory and reordering what we need, I do an equipment maintenance check. With the peak summer season approaching, it’s better to get everything stocked and looked over before we get too busy.
We get regular orders of hay and straw bales delivered and it’s all hands on deck to get it put away .
Before leaving for the day, I walk through the stables and check how everyone’s doing. There’s a nice breeze coming through the barn doors, which helps when it’s a cloudless hot day.
“Hey,” Bodie calls, rushing up behind me. “Ready for tonight?”
I scowl at his hand on my shoulder. “I guess.”
“Colt and I will be your wingmen. Ricky too. We’ll make sure y’all have fun.”
“Great,” I deadpan.
Three single party boys third-wheeling my date.
Exactly what I need .
“Don’t worry!” He smacks my shoulder again. “It’ll be fun.”
“Mhm. I already regret lettin’ you talk me into this.”
Before leaving, I peek into a few stalls and make sure the water buckets are full.
“Alright, see ya later,” I tell him and walk to my truck.
When I pull up to the two-story white farmhouse with a wraparound porch and a million plants, I let myself in and inhale the scent of fresh bread.
“Is that my favorite nephew?” Aunt JoJo calls out.
“Are you allowed to say that?” I tease, entering the kitchen.
After her divorce ten years ago, my parents converted their garage to an apartment so she could stay on the property and manage the restaurant. But when she’s not working, she’s usually baking with my mom.
“As long as the three of y’all aren’t in the same room at the same time.” She winks, drying her hands off on her apron to hug me.
“Thanks again for last night,” I tell her. “It was incredible.”
“You’re so welcome, sweetie. Looks like y’all had a great time.”
Oh, we did.
“Hi, honey!” Mom walks in and quickly wraps an arm around me.
I lean down to kiss her cheek. “Hi, Ma. Smells good in here.”
“Glad you think so because I have three loaves for you.”
“Three? I’m one person.”
“Give one to Maisie.” She grins like I can’t tell what she’s doing or that she didn’t get the full breakdown of last night’s dinner from Aunt JoJo.
“ Mom …” I drawl, crossing my arms and leaning against the counter.
“What?” she asks innocently.
“Gettin’ Maisie back is a family effort,” Aunt JoJo defends.
“Oh, so if I can’t convince her, maybe your banana bread will?”
“Exactly!” Mom pinches my cheek like I’m five years old. “I was hesitant at first, but I haven’t seen you this happy in years.”
My heart sinks because while it’s true, if Maisie still wants me to sign those papers, it won’t only be my dreams she crushes. It’ll be my whole family’s too.
“Don’t get your hopes up, please,” I say.
“She’s hopin’ y’all will get back together and give her grandchildren,” Dad blurts, walking in the front door.
Although we have enough staff, Dad prefers to get his hands dirty and work outside than stay in a stuffy office, so he’s covered in dirt and straw. Most likely working in the barn with the boarded horses. They get rotated out to the pastures to graze.
“Garrett! Hush,” Mom scolds but accepts his kiss when he leans in .
“Or just one…” Aunt JoJo adds. “We’re not greedy.”
I huff a laugh, pushing off the counter. “Right. Anyway…I gotta go home and feed my chickens before Maisie comes over.”
“And may I suggest a shower?” Mom grins, setting a bag filled with goodies on the counter in front of me.
I frown. “I planned on it…if I’m ever allowed to go home.”
Even though I didn’t spend much time out of my office today, the barn smell still soaks into my pores and hair.
“Of course, sweetie. What’re tonight’s plans?”
I debate telling her because she’ll come up with her own conclusions, but she’ll bug me about it until I do. “Goin’ line dancin’ at Honky’s.”
“Oh my gosh!” Mom’s eyes brighten. “I haven’t gone dancin’ in forever. Garrett, why don’t you ever take me?”
“Here we go…” he grumbles, washing his hands in the sink. “Fine, you wanna? We can. I’ll get changed.”
“Please be jokin’.” I scowl, shaking my head.
“Honey, you won’t even know we’re there.”
“Highly doubtful,” I say dryly.
“Wait…is Honky’s the one with the big flashy sign in the front?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, maybe not there.” My mom grimaces. “But the other one…with the Bingo Hall attached.”
“The nursin’ home?” Dad gapes.
“Well, that’s on the other side.”
“If you’re goin’, so am I,” Aunt JoJo says. “I won fifty bucks last time!”
Shaking my head, I grab my bag and walk backward out of the kitchen. “Thanks for the bread again. I’m gettin’ outta here before y’all make me late. ”
“Have fun, sweetie!”
“Wait, hold up. I’ll walk ya out,” Dad says, grabbing something from his back pocket.
He rests his arm on my shoulder, then discreetly hands me a small box. “I figure it’s been a while since you’ve needed these and you don’t wanna use expired ones…”
I finally look and realize he gave me a three-pack of condoms.
Jesus fucking Christ.
“Better to be safe than sorry until you’re ready to have a baby, ya know?” Then he pats my chest and walks away.