Page 41 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

After waiting a second for her to come out, I proceed to her room. She’s huddled under blankets, the afghan I made her pulled up to her chin and a bucket next to her bed.

“I got you sick.” Now I feel horrible.

“I’ll be okay. But I’m glad you’re feeling better.” She shifts. “I already let Tessa know. No one wants me making donuts right now.”

“That’s for sure. You’d get the entire town sick.” I stand beside her bed and brush the hair off of her face. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine.”

“Have you taken anything?” I gather the tissues piled on the nightstand and toss them into the trashcan.

“A few hours ago. It’s probably time for more.” She swings her feet off the bed.

“Unless you’re headed to the bathroom, don’t get up. I’ll get what you need.” My mind is racing. How can I cover chores and take care of Lettie?

“They need you on the ranch. I’ll be fine.”

I get her medicine and grab a bottle of Gatorade out of her fridge. Thankfully, there’s still soup left over, so she won’t have to suffer with my cooking. Then when I get back to her room, I help her sit up in bed and give her the pills. “I don’t have to be anywhere for a few hours. But later, when I go to the ranch, I’ll let Lilith know you’re sick. And I’ll come check on you throughout the day.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Just like you didn’t have to take care of me. I know.” I get her tucked back under the covers and trail my hands on the crocheted blanket. “You still have it.”

Her head bobs. “You made it for me. I’ll never get rid of it.”

I kiss her forehead. “Go back to sleep. I’m going to go wash my stink off after being in bed for so long. Then I’ll come back and check on you.”

After giving a faint smile, she closes her eyes.

Seeing her all curled up, I acknowledge that I never stopped loving Lettie. The connection we have is special. I think we both recognize that.

But when she’s feeling better, we need to talk. I should never have let things between us get so comfortable because I’m not willing to get involved again. Not without knowing the truth. And I can’t tell her that’s why because it’ll make her feel pressured to tell me, and I promised I wouldn’t push for that.

But starting now, the forehead kisses have to stop. And I probably shouldn’t use her thigh as a pillow anymore.

CHAPTER15

LETTIE

It’s hard to distinguish between dreams and reality when I’m waking up every few hours to a cowboy leaning over me. Occasionally, he’s shirtless. The man has held my hair back as I’ve leaned over the toilet and put a straw to my lips, encouraging me to drink fluids.

I’ve been in a complete fog the last three days, but the nausea is finally gone. I push up into a sitting position. The house is quiet, so Archer must be working.

Before climbing out of bed, I take my temperature, then swallow down two pills. My fever hasn’t returned, but this headache makes it hard to keep my eyes open.

When my phone beeps, I squint and check the messages.

Archer:Getting a few things done. I’ll be home in about an hour. Need anything?

Me:I’m okay. Just woke up.

Archer:I’m bringing dinner.

A car door slams outside, and dragging my afghan with me, I walk to the living room. I’ve been lax about checking before opening, but without Archer here, I peek through the curtains. Layla gets out of her car, grocery bags in each hand.

My phone beeps.

Layla:I came to check on you, but please don’t breathe on me. My wedding is in two weeks, and I don’t want to spend one week of that in bed.

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