Page 57 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

“Go outside and wait for me!” I shout. The fact that he stepped into a burning building shocks me.

On my butt, I scoot down the hall. Getting out would be much easier if I hadn’t messed up my leg. But in spite of the fact that I can’t put weight on it, I’m doing my best to get out of here. Once I’m away from the fire, I can worry about my leg.

Being on the floor helps avoid the smoke. Look at me channeling Layla’s positivity and finding the bright side while trying to escape a burning building.

I’m at the end of the hall when boots appear in front of me.

Archer reaches down. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. Are you hurt?”

“Yes. I’m going as fast as I can.” I motion for him to go. “Just please leave me and get out of here.” This fire must be dredging up so many bad memories, and I don’t want him hurt.

He gets on one knee and is inches from my face. “We get outtogether, or we don’t.” Then he leans down and slides his arms under me.

“You can’t, Hazy. I’m too heavy.”

“Hang on to me.” He lifts, proving me wrong.

I hug his neck, overwhelmed that he’d rush into a burning building for me.

With long strides, he makes his way to the front door and then outside. He keeps walking, taking us farther from the duplex.

The swirling clouds above part, giving me a glimpse of the moon. And I’ve never been so happy to be outside.

“You saved me.” I bury my face in the curve of his neck. He smells like smoke and mud and only a little bit like moonlight. “But you didn’t listen when I told you to leave me.”

He stops when he gets to the back of his truck and nods to the tailgate. “Open that, please.”

I lift the latch, and the tailgate drops open. Archer sets me down, and his gaze sweeps over me. “Did you get burned?” His focus is fixed on my leg, which is bent funny in one spot. “What happened?”

“No burns. But the sound when the lightning hit scared me. I jumped, then fell, and the dresser tipped onto my leg.” Now that I’m safely away from the fire, I’m more aware of the pain. “I can’t stand on it.”

“Definitely broken.” He tosses my purse into the bed of the truck, then steps back. “Help should be here soon.”

He glances at the fire. And pain flickers in his features.

I touch his arm. “Are you okay?”

He gives a shrug. “You’re alive. I’m focusing on that.”

Grasping his shirt, I tug him closer. “You could’ve hurt yourself carrying me like that. And why did you go into a burning building. If you’d have gotten hurt, I never would’ve forgiven myself.”

Moonlight reflects in his eyes, and surprisingly, he smiles. “Lettie, I’m no longer the lanky guy you loved in high school. Did you doubt this incredibly hot man could get you to safety?”

His words bounce around in my head, all of them exploding into realization at once. All those months of chatting, I was talking to Archer. And I sent the picture... to Archer. “It was you.”

“Yep. I’m your crocheting cowboy, Lettie.” His lips meet mine, and his fingers tangle in my hair. Years of pent-up desire have us clinging to each other as we kiss.

Behind me, everything I own is probably being reduced to ash. My bridesmaid dress and his well-fitted suit are going up in flames. The afghan Archer made for me in high school that I’ve treasured so long is gone. But right now as his arms wrap around me, it’s hard to care about those things. Because the only thing not replaceable isn’t a thing at all. He’s my personal hero, and his kiss is making my toes curl, which is actually quite painful on that one leg. But that doesn’t dissuade me from continuing our lip tango.

Sirens draw closer and tires slosh on the muddy ground, but his mouth continues to devour mine. I tighten my grasp on his shirt, wanting him near me forever.

Even footsteps don’t deter Archer.

But when Beau clears his throat, Archer breaks our kiss. He releases me but grasps my hand. Then he turns to face Beau. “Hey.”

Beau’s gaze bounces between Archer, the fire, and my leg. “What happened?”

“There was a roach, and it started flying.” I feel compelled to lighten the mood.

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