Page 48 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

Layla drapes an arm around my shoulders, which makes me concerned about what she’s planning to say. “My bestie doesn’t have a date for my wedding, and since you are single and things aren’t busy on the ranch, I was thinking that maybe you could be her date. Just friends, you know. Nothing weird. But I’d hate for her to spend the whole evening sitting by herself. That’s no fun.”

I have no words. This must be a bad dream.

Anderson rubs his beard. “Is Archer not going with you?”

As I shake my head, Layla throws out the whole truth. “He can’t go because things are so busy at the ranch right now.”

Anderson winces, then nods. “Sure. I’ll accompany you to the wedding.” He tips his head and fixes his gaze on me. “If that’s what you want.”

I can try turning down this pity date, but Layla will make me wish I hadn’t, so I swallow my pride. “That would be nice.”

“Great. I’ll text you later, and you can send me the details.” He picks up his box.

“Okay.” I smile. “You didn’t get very many donuts this time.”

“Not taking them to the ranch this morning.” He takes a sip of his coffee. “These are for me and my sister. She finally made time in her schedule to see her big brother.”

“What a great brother.” Layla waves.

“I try.” He strides out of the shop.

And Layla slaps my arm. “If things don’t work out with Archer, you should date Anderson. He’s kind of swoony. Not like Nico—”

“Layla, stop. I don’t want to talk about it.” I retreat to the back and prep for tomorrow.

Archer made up an excuse to avoid spending time with me. I’m not sure which part bothers me more—that he couldn’t tell me the truth or that he doesn’t want to spend time with me.

When I get home, I flop on the sofa and pull out my phone. It’s been a while since I messaged Crocheting-Cowboy, and what happened today seems like a good excuse to send another message.

Regretful-Raccoon: Hi! I miss chatting with you. How are things going?

He may not answer for a while, so I push off the couch and pull out cleaning supplies. Keeping busy is my only hope of not sobbing into my pillow. And I’ll do anything to avoid a crying fit. Even clean.

CHAPTER18

ARCHER

I’m out repairing a fence when Anderson rides up. It’s unusual to see him riding horses out this way.

“What’s up?” I look up in acknowledgment, then get back to work.

After getting off the horse, he shoves his hands in his pockets. “I have something to tell you, but it’d be best if you put those pliers down first.”

“I can work and talk. What’s going on?”

“Remember when I said I wouldn’t ask Lettie out?”

Tool hanging by my side, I stare at him. “You didn’t.”

“That’s correct.Ididn’t.But. And this part is important. Her friend, the one with the wedding ring, is getting married. Or something like that because she already has a ring, so I don’t know what that’s about—"

“It’s a celebration. What about it?”

“Anyway, when I was getting donuts this morning on the way to meet up with my sister. She says Hi by the way. I told her about you. And she’s glad I’m making friends.”

“You’re stalling.”

“That lady—”

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