Page 22 of Take My Name
“You’re all grown up!” I beam.
In one word, Posey’s adorable. She’s petite, with long blonde hair and a baby face. Although I’m certain she gets highlights to lighten her hair because it wasn’t always this blonde.
Either way, she looks amazing.
“Yep…but in my case, twenty-seven and still single.”
I snort when she pouts.
“No one’s put a ring on your finger yet?”
As soon as the words come out of my mouth, Warren tenses next to me.
Shit.
“Nope, not even close. Every time I go out with my friends, the only eligible bachelors we meet are forty-year-old men who ‘aren’t ready to settle down yet.’” Her eye twitches as her fingers do air quotes.
“That’s unfortunate. Maybe you need to branch out of your small town.”
“You’re probably right, but I’m booked and busy.” She casually lifts her shoulders. “I’ve tried datin’ apps a couple times, but they’re worse than the men I meet in real life.”
I wince, remembering the one time I tried a dating app before I met Hayes.
“Gonna show her around?” Warren asks, getting impatient. “I still have work to finish.”
“Relax, grumpy pants.” Posey scrunches her nose at his growly tone, but she takes my hand and drags me away while Warren stays by the horses.
“Batman, no!” Posey scolds one of the goats chewing on a boot.
“Batman?” I muse.
“Yep, and Robin’s here somewhere. They’re troublemakers.”
Posey shows me her soap-making area and gives me a brief summary of the process. It’s quite fascinating and honestly sounds fun.
“If you ever move back, I could always use the help…” Posey singsongs. “I need like four extra hands at this point.”
I’m not sure what she knows about why I’m here or that I’m engaged, but I don’t want to be the one to burst her bubble.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Walking around, I pet some of the goats, but then I’m hit with déjà vu. Warren used to take me to street fairs and farmer’s markets where they had petting zoos. It’s probably why he knew I’d want to see their goats. Although my parents’ house is on a good chunk of land, we never had any farm animals, and that’s why I loved coming here. There was always something fun to do.
Before we say goodbye, I give her another hug.
“It was so good seein’ you. Thanks for showin’ me around. Looks awesome.”
“Thank you! And it was so amazin’ to see you too. Don’t become a stranger.”
“I won’t,” I say sincerely.
“Oh wait, Warren…” Posey grabs his attention before he climbs on his horse. “Did you show her the house?”
Warren tenses, shaking his head firmly.
“What house?” I ask.
“Warren built it after you moved away. It took him years to finish, but it’s gorgeous. The large wraparound deck is my favorite, but there’s a huge library room on the lower level, a ginormous tub henevershares, a fireplace in the living room and big kitchen. Oh, and?—”
