Page 28 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

“Next time?” This time, her smile is genuine.

“Hope so.” I take a deep breath before baring my soul. “I’ve missed you. I’m not ready for more than being friends. Might never be. But we’ve both changed. What’s it hurt to get reacquainted?”

“I like that idea.” She takes a bite of her pie. “This is amazing.”

“Ava. I bet she’ll give you the recipe. I can take you over there one day when you have time.”

“Maybe.”

Her noncommittal answer reminds me that she doesn’t know the ranch as family like I do. I may be one of the quiet ones, but here I never feel like an outsider. And Lettie isn’t used to having a family like that.

“For the time being, don’t answer your door. If people want to visit, they can come through my place. That work?”

“It only works if you’re home.” She waves her fork toward the door. “Your side has a bolt remember.”

Since the bug incident, I haven’t cared if my side is bolted. “I don’t keep it locked. But you better keep your side locked.”

“Okay.” She carries her empty plate to the sink. “Thanks, Archer.”

Conscious of the time, I stand. “I’d suggest we play for a bit, but you need to sleep, and I need a shower.”

She nods. “I do need to sleep. But thank you for this.”

“If you need me, just knock. Or come in.”

“I will. Good night.”

“Sweet dreams.” I swing the door closed but don’t lock it.

I want her to be able to get in if she needs me.

* * *

A week later,Lettie knocks as soon as I’m out of the shower.

I shout, “Come in!” as I dig through my laundry basket, trying to find a clean shirt. Typically, I get stuff put away as soon as I get home, but yesterday and today were extra busy on the ranch. And I can just as easily grab a shirt out of a basket as out of a drawer.

And it’s oddly comforting to have one person I don’t hide from.

The door opens, but she’s silent.

“What’s up?” I whip around and freeze.

Her jaw is set, and rage flares in her dark eyes. “My mom stopped by the donut shop today. She was showing my picture around. Thankfully, I’ve spent so much time hiding that not many people would recognize me. Layla and Tessa didn’t give even a hint that they knew me.”

“I’m sorry.” Falling into old habits, I open my arms, and she’s in them in a second. “She’s going to a lot of trouble to get you to move back home. What’s her game?”

Lettie huffs out an angry laugh. “Because she always has an angle. I wish I had a clue. I almost went out to face her, but then she started going on about how she suspected I’d run off with a cowboy and was worried about me.”

I rub her back. “Let me guess. She was showing my picture around too.”

“I never meant for this to happen, Archer. I didn’t.”

I step back and cradle her face. “I know. None of this is your fault. Your mom is doing the crazy stuff she always does. And we’ll figure it out. Like always. I’m just glad you aren’t still hiding from me. This way, I can protect you.”

She shakes her head. “You don’t have to do that. It’s not fair. None of this is fair to you.”

I’ve given up hating Lettie and wallowing in the hurt of the last few years. She’s important to me. But until I know what went wrong in our relationship, I can’t open the door to that again. I will, however, do whatever necessary to keep her safe.

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