There are plenty of nice restaurants in town but if you were looking for fancy, the Ivey was the way to go. The Italian bistro was gorgeous with dark oak-panelled walls, secluded booths, blood-red linen tablecloths. And candlelight. Lots and lots of candlelight.

I have no idea how Warner managed to snag a reservation but when I asked him all he did was smile at me and say he had "Connections".

Did I mention he was wearing a suit? He looks spectacular in a suit. The crisp black jacket stretched across his wide shoulders, and he decided to forgo a tie, so I had the most delicious view of his strong throat peeking from the open-top button of his white dress shirt.

The waiter leads us to our booth, and Warner waits for me to slide in before sliding in opposite me. I was so glad he wasn't a weird sit same-side of the booth guy.

"Can I ask you something?" he hedges, after the waiter recites the specials and pours us two glasses of sparkling water.

"Sure."

"How come...."

I freeze thinking he was going to bring up the topic of eating disorders. He recognizes my discomfort because he hurries on almost apologetically. "How come Abby said God would forgive you if you had sex?"

I reach for my water glass and take a very, very long sip. Not the most brilliant stalling tactic but it's the only one I can think of. I knew this would come up eventually. If anything, I am surprised it didn't come up sooner. But that doesn't mean I was looking forward to it. I also thought I could put the topic off for a while longer.

"Well. Um. The thing is..." I inhale, then continue with rapid-fire speed. "I'mavirgin."

A wrinkle appears on his forehead. "What?"

I repeat myself, slowly this time, with actual pauses between each word. "I'm a virgin." Then I hold my breath and await his reaction. I know how guys like Warner are, so I sit back and await the bad reaction. I had no faith in men, so I figured it was always best to expect the worst from them. I wouldn't be surprised if he left before our date even started.

Warner blinks and then his face shifts into something I would imagine resembles someone winning the lottery. Or a kid on Christmas who got the exact gift they wanted.

"Stop smiling like that" I grunt. I was expecting him to be scared off not smile. His smile only widened after I told him to stop.

"You know I like when you boss me around."

"Aren't you put off?" I ask and curse myself for showing my insecurity. Although at least I managed to wipe the smile off his face because he frowns.

"Put off? This is the best news I have heard in a while. I have had many thoughts about being between those pretty thighs of yours and knowing that I will get to be the first brings me more joy than you know" he grins mischievously at me and I almost choke on my water.

"I never said I would be allowing you between my pretty thighs" I take a big sip of my water, but nothing is quenching my thirst.

"Remember that comment when you are begging for me to-"

I cough loudly because I see the waiter coming back over. Feeling grateful for him interrupting this conversation. Warner just gives me a knowing smile and I push my glasses up my nose, a nervous habit I used to have.

I change the topic to the only thing I can think of "So who is your favourite Kardashian?"

I should stop talking but I continue rambling "I guess the proper question is to ask who your favourite Kardashian or Jenner is ...since technically Kylie and Kendall aren't Kardashians but when you hear the word Kardashian you think of them." I am rambling so much that I want to kick myself. Why is he letting me talk so much? He just keeps smiling at me, I highly doubt Warner Brooks watches Keeping up with the Kardashians let alone has a favourite one. I want to shrivel up and disappear.

"Well, I think for the majority of the seasons Khloe was my favourite. She is definitely the funniest one, but I must admit in the recent seasons Kim is kind of growing on me. Not only is she a mom of four and in law school but she is also running multiple businesses? Pretty impressive if you ask me."

My mouth gapes open. I was not expecting him to know anything I was just rambling. I didn't think it was possible to like him more than I did but here he was proving me wrong.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Don't tell me Kendall is your favourite she's so boring."

I let out a snort and cover my mouth. This place is too fancy to be snort laughing. "No Kendall is not my favourite don't worry. I am just shocked you know so much."

"Tracey and I watch a lot of reality tv together. At first, she used to force me but now I'm invested. Don't tell her I said that though, I like when she bribes me with snacks so I'll watch."

"I won't tell her. But I want an invite to one of these reality tv marathons."

"We would be honoured to have you." his leg brushes mine under the table and a stupidly huge grin takes over my face.

I'm surprised by the complete lack of awkward silences as the night goes on. There are always at least a few when I am around guys, but Warner and I don't seem to have that problem. I guess we have known each other our whole lives so it's not like we are strangers. The only time we stop talking is when the waiter takes our orders, and then again when he delivers the check.

Warner didn't even allow me to look at the bill. He simply tucked a wad of cash in the leather case the waiter dropped off, then slides out of the booth and holds out his hand. I take it, wobbling slightly on my heels as he helps me to my feet.

I feel weak-kneed and giddy. I can't stop smiling, but I'm gratified to see that he's sporting the same goofy grin.

He laces our fingers together and proceeds to keep them like that all the way to the car, where he reluctantly let's go so he can open the door for me. The moment he's in the driver's seat, he places his hand on my upper thigh our fingers intertwining again, and he drives one-handed the entire way back to our hometown.

It was weird to think about how different our relationship is now from the last time we went back here. He had to drag me into his car the first time and now I was leaning into him and his touch not wanting the night to end.

It's not until he walks me to the door of my mom's house that his easy-going demeanour falters. "So how did I do?" he asks gruffly.

I laugh. "You want a detailed performance review of our date?"

He tugs on the collar of his shirt, more nervous than I've ever seen him. "Kind of. I haven't been on a date in...fuck, ages. And I never thought I would get one with you."

My surprised gaze flies to his. "Really?"

"I mean, I've hung out with girls. But an actual date? Picking her up and having dinner and then walking her to her door?" The most adorable red splotches colour his cheeks. "Ah yeah, I don't have much experience with this."

I was glad that for once he was the inexperienced one, blushing. Even though I myself had never been on a proper date. But I was not going to let him know that.

God, I wanted to throw my arms around him and squeeze all the cuteness out of him. Instead, I pretend to mull it over. "Hmmm, I guess I would rate this date a seven out of ten?" I flash an impish smile.

"Seven?" he blusters crossing his arms.

"Yeah, it would've been a higher rating but there was no goodnight kiss."

I barely get the words out before his mouth captures mine in a blistering kiss.

An exquisite rush of sensation washes over me. His lips belong on mine. Heat floods my core as his large hands cup my cheeks, thumbs stroking my jaw as he kisses me with a shocking contrast of tenderness and hunger. His tongue slicks over mine, one sweet stroke, then another, before he eases his mouth away.

"How about now?" he says, his breath tickling my lips.

"Seven point five?" I tease.

His thumb softly grazes my bottom lip. My pulse accelerates as his mouth brushes over mine again. The slightest amount of contact, like a feather tickling my lips. He slides both hands down my bare arms, leaving goosebumps in their wake, then rests them on my hip, casual almost, except there is nothing casual about the way his touch makes me feel.

"You're lucky my ego is as big as it is. I will make sure the second date gets at least an 8."

"You've got some big dreams."

"Goodnight Jules" he presses his lips to mine lightly.

"Goodnight Warner" I press a gentler kiss to his and he steps back and walks towards his car.

I don't want to enter my house. If Warner wanted me to get better, he was dropping me off at the worst place possible. My mother thrived off my eating disorder and encouraged it even. I ignored those thoughts and grabbed the door handle and opened it with one hand, my suitcase in the other. I knew Warner wouldn't pull out of the driveway until he knew I was inside and safe, so I reluctantly stepped in and closed the door behind me.

Luckily the lights were off, and she wasn't home.

_____

Being back at home was weird, I had so much freedom at University, and I took it for granted. I was woken up at 630 am by my mom, not to greet me and say hello but to drag me to her hot yoga class this morning.

The last thing I wanted to do was sweat in a room full of 40-year-old mom's all with their own personal stick up their ass. I would much rather go on a run than listen to Deborah complain that her husband won't bone her anymore.

The only positive of living with my mom was that it was very easy to eat healthily. The fridge was full of fruit, vegetables, and juices. My mom's new thing was being vegan and bringing it up every five seconds. She managed to slip it into almost every conversation at our yoga class. I didn't have the heart to tell her that the protein powder she was drinking wasn't vegan, nor were the eggs in the fridge.

After my shower, I checked my phone for the third time this morning. No texts from Warner since he texted me goodnight last night. Being in my childhood bedroom was driving me crazy. I supposed most people were excited about the winter break, normal people had tons of friends waiting for them in their hometowns. I had one real friend in high school, Maggie. We stayed in touch over text and social media, but I was scared to message her to meet up.

After debating for about 20 minutes, I finally pressed send on my phone.

I threw my phone across the room as soon as I sent the text. I don't know why I was so scared; we had been so close in high school. She stuck with me through all the bullying. It was the voice in the back of my head that gave me doubts. It told me she hated being stuck with the biggest loser in our school and when we separated, she was glad to be rid of me.

My phone dinged and I raced across the room to grab it.

Not Maggie responding but Warner. I felt my face heat up at the pretty thighs comment.

He did know I had my license, right? Maybe he didn't trust my driving skills. Then again, I have hit multiple parked cars, so his fear is understandable.

I smiled to myself knowing that even if I was stuck with my mom, I still had Warner. It was dangerous feeling this way, but I couldn't stop myself... I was getting attached.

_____

After spending the rest of the day running errands and studying for exams, I got ready for dinner. I managed to pick up my contact prescription, so I didn't have to wear my ugly glasses tonight.

However, none of my clothes seemed to fit right when I tried them all on. I tried on a dress I thought would look nice, but I looked like a praying mantis. After trying on ten different outfits, I face timed Abby for advice. Then after ten more outfits, I finally found something I liked. She seemed like she wanted to say something when my clothes were loose, but I ended our call before she could.

I couldn't do another conversation like the one I had with Warner.

I told Warner to message me when he arrived but at 5:59 pm there was a knock at the front door. That man would be the death of me.

"I told you to text me, not come to the door!" I said in greeting trying to push him out of the doorway so we could avoid the reason I wanted him to stay in the car.

"Warner is that you? Juliet told me you were coming to pick her up" My mom sauntered over in a dress I never wanted to see my mom in. It left little to the imagination.

"And this is why" I mumbled so only Warner could hear.

"Don't be silly Juliet, a true gentleman picks his date up at the door" He spoke loudly enough for my mom to hear.

Traitor.

"Yes, you are quite the gentleman" My mom basically purred at him.

I tugged at his hand, and he seemed to get the point because he finally backed out of the doorway. "I will have Juliet home at a reasonable time Mrs. Matthews

"I trust you will Warner and it's Ms. Matthews" My mom smiled at him, and I swallowed the bile rising in my throat.

I never knew my dad but after being stuck with my mom I understood why he might have left us. He still paid child support though and it helped pay for my school so he could stay away if it meant my tuition was paid.

We shut the door behind us, and I finally took a breath. I get a good look at Warner and my heart somersaults so hard it's embarrassing. He is stood grinning at me, those green eyes looking at me like I was the most amusing thing in the world.

"Was your mom just flirting with me?" He asks opening the passenger door for me and I step into his car breathing in my favourite scent.

"I'm horrified but yes I think so."

Warner gets into the car and turns on the heat. I was thankful because I was freezing, since December started the weather was chillier and I was always shivering. Even with my stupid puffer jacket on.

He put his hand on my thigh as he drove off and then tilted it upwards like he was waiting for something. After a few seconds of being a clueless idiot, I laced my fingers with his realizing what he wanted.

"I was beginning to feel rejected. Thought I would have to drive back and take your mom to my house instead" He jokes.

I immediately snatch my hand out of his. "Ew, Warner it is way too soon for that joke. I am still trying to get the memory of her flirting out of my head."

"I'm sorry I had to" he smiles at me but when I don't put my hand back in his he actually looked sad, so I reluctantly put my hand back.

My phone pings making me jump.

I grinned like an idiot at my phone. She didn't secretly hate me!

"Who is making you grin like that?" Warner asks glancing over at me. I didn't realize how long I was smiling at the text.

"Why are you jealous?" I teased.

"Nothing makes me happier than seeing you smile. But if it's a guy making you smile like that then yes" He was joking around but I didn't miss the way his fingers flexed and the way he tried to slyly look at the name on my phone.

"It's not a guy so reel it in. It's Maggie" I put my phone in my pocket. I would answer later. I doubted he remembered my friend.

"Maggie. I always liked Maggie." Warner mused.

"You did? Maybe I should be jealous?" I joked as we pulled up into the drive that led to Warner's parents' house. I forgot how huge this place was.

It was so big there was a gate to get in. Once we were past the gate a Victorian-style manor stood in front of us. My entire house could fit on his 1st floor.

I thought back to the last time I was here, and my chest started to feel heavy. The pool chair and everyone laughing at me. Warner parked, got out and opened the passenger door for me. One look at me and he sighed like he knew what I was thinking about. "Those assholes are never going to hurt you again."

We stepped out hand in hand and we walked to the front door. As soon as he opened it, I smelt the most mouth-watering smells. We walked to the kitchen where a feast was laid out. It looked like Tracey had cooked for a village not just the four of us. That's assuming that Warner's dad was joining us which was unlikely.

But it seemed I wasn't the only guest because by the fridge stood next to Tracey, I was shocked to see Warner's friend Kenji from when we were younger. He was trying to swipe a bite of the food and Tracey was hitting his hand away.

He and Warner were inseparable back in the day. And prior to Warner becoming cool and leaving me in the dust the three of us would hang out. Warner's house was where our childhood escapades happened the most. Which was due to the fact that his family was insanely rich and that meant he had the biggest backyard with its own treehouse.

He wasn't the ten-year-old boy I knew anymore though. Kenji looked like a man, a handsome one at that with his smooth dark complexion and he even had managed to grow some stubble on his face. He was built and probably towered over me now, whereas back when I knew him, we were the same height and I weighed more than him.

"Kenji?" I gave him the once over.

It took him a few seconds to recognize me but once he did, I was pulled into a bone-crushing hug. I hadn't seen Kenji in years I had no idea that he and Warner had stayed in touch after elementary school.

He didn't let go of me, just leaned his head back so he could look at me "Warner told me you were coming but I didn't believe it."

"I know I said the same thing when he told me they were together. Stop hogging Juliet I want a hug too!" Tracey chimed in and Kenji reluctantly let go of me so Tracey could give me another bone-crushing hug.

Warner told her we were together? I smiled into her shoulder at the thought. When I turned back to look at Warner, he said nothing, just smiled at us.

Tracey let go of me "I hope you guys are hungry. I know Warner and Kenji eat like starved cavemen, so I made extra."

I forced a smile at the thought and looked anywhere but at Warner. Before I knew it Kenji had wrapped me into another hug.

"Sorry I am just so glad you are here. Well more specifically here with Warner. Having to watch him pine over you for so many years, I was beginning to pity him." Kenji murmured the last part so Warner couldn't hear.

"Okay, Kenji. You're going to break her."

Kenji let go and walked over to the dining room but before I could follow Warner wrapped me in a gentle hug. "I am glad you are here too. More than you know" he whispers into my hair.

We walk to the dining room hand in hand, I look at the vast amounts of food at the table and immediately become nervous. After sitting down next to Warner and getting a closer look I noticed that a lot of my favourite foods were on the table.

Well, Jiggly Juliet's favourite food. All of the stuff I used to beg Tracey to cook when I would stay here. Kenji and Warner filled their plates, I couldn't just not eat anything and risk hurting Tracey's feelings.