Page 31 of Battle of the Exes

I wink. “Thanks. Looks like I’m gonna need it.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ivy

Ispot Beau standing by his truck, his Stetson tipped back lazily on his head. He’s holding a pastry bag in his hand.

Rusty’s head is sticking out the back window, his tongue lolling in the breeze.

Beau senses my approach and looks up, his expression different than the last time I saw him. That showdown at the bookstore was something else. If I’d had a derringer on my hip, he’d be a goner. I’m sort of relieved I didn’t kill him. Now, he seems pensive and serious.

He waits for me, petting Rusty’s head. He looks rugged—older in a good way—like a man who’s been through things and wears it well.

“Hey, Rusty.” I offer my hand, which he lickshappily.

“Traitor,” Beau says.

I pop open his passenger door, tossing my bag inside. “Let’s check out the venue.”

He looks at me funny, then glances at my feet. “Good, you’re wearing hiking boots.”

“Huh?”

“I figured we’d walk, take the backwoods to the rec center. Nice day to hit the trail.”

“I—”

“I think we can walk together without sparking World War Three.”

It comes off as a challenge. Or at least I take it that way. The rec center wasn’t here the last time I was but I don’t care if it’s all uphill. If he is up for it, so am I.

And yet I can’t brush off the growing feeling that I’m being manipulated. Like Beau is once again pulling strings I can’t see.

But I made a promise to my sister. I’ll do anything to save the shop. Anything to help Rue. Even if it means hiking with my ex.

I pause and nod. Rusty hops out and I shut the door.

“Where to?”

Beau’s tone is steady. “Follow me.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Beau

If I’m not mistaken, I’m witnessing the first crack in Ivy’s icy façade. She’s engaging, more agreeable.

Maybe it’s Rusty trotting alongside us, or maybe it’s the jaw-dropping views. Clouds gather in the west, casting otherworldly shadows across the valley.

By the softened look on Ivy’s face, I can tell the trail is reminding her of all she left behind in Silver Pine. We walk in silence for a while, past Moose Meadow, glorious with budding wildflowers.

“Why did Jasper follow you after you left your old firm?” Ivy asks, breaking the quiet.

“They dropped him like a hot potato.”

“Why? He’s a cash cow.”

I shake my head. “It was kept hush-hush. He got into trouble. If it had gone public, it would’ve sparked amedia storm . . . for hitting on a married woman at a charity event.”

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