Page 34 of How We Loved

“Fuck yeah, it would. I don’t want any guys looking at you, especially while I’m not there. You’re mine and no one else’s.”

I blush at the way he says I’m his. It feels so sexy, hearing him say so.

He sighs, and I know it means he has to go. “Hey, sorry, but I need to get to work.”

“It’s okay. Have a good night.”

“You too. I’ll call you when I get off.”

“ ’Kay, bye!”

We hang up, and I try to figure out what I’m going to wear. With this short of notice, I know my pickings are slim, so I search on my phone to see if I can get some ideas before I head to the store.

My phone rings with Natalie calling.

I swipe to answer with a cheery, “Hey, girl!”

“Hello! Are you busy?” she asks.

“Just trying to decide what to wear tomorrow. What’s up?”

“Good. Come shopping with me to fill Dalton’s new place. He doesn’t have a single thing, so I’m going to need help getting everything I can on this first trip. While we’re there, we can get you a costume as well.”

“Hell yes!” I exclaim. “Sounds like a blast. Want me to come pick you up?”

“Great! Yeah, I’ll be ready when you get here.”

“See you soon!”

I hang up, even more excited now to go shopping and have true girl time. I lean down to give Ming a hug goodbye, and then she jumps off my bed and follows me to the door. I say goodbye again, then head out the door.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Maya

I drive through the entrance to Spencer Ranch for the first time ever. It feels so surreal, doing so, and I can’t help but laugh at how far all of us have come. Me being thankful to have her friendship doesn’t even begin to explain it.

The long gravel road leads me around a bend, and I look around, seeing firsthand just how massive this place really is. Of course, I’ve driven around it all my life, but being inside it for the first time kind of opens my eyes to what really goes on here.

I make one more turn and am greeted by their quaint country home with a front porch and all. Seeing the rocking chairs, just waiting for someone to rock their day away, makes me smile.

All of our homes are pretty much mansions with elaborate entryways and front yards. I love how quiet and picture-perfect her place is, almost like it’s out of an old-time novel.

I put the car in park, and before I can turn it off, she opens her front door and walks out to greet me.

“Hello!” she says.

“This place is amazing!” I state, not trying to hide my surprise as I turn around and take the ranch from this perspective.

She lets out a sharp laugh. “You think? I guess it’s just home to me.”

“It’s huge!” I look around some more.

“When we have more time, I can give you the entire tour. Including what Dalton set on fire.”

I grab her arm with my eyes open wide to display my absolute shock. “I still can’t believe he did that.”

“Ha! Me neither.” She inhales a breath and lets it out slowly. “I’m sure glad he did though.” She shakes her body slightly, like she’s shaking off everything they just went through, and looks at me to change the subject. “Thank you for coming with me.”

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