Page 37 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

Eyes squinted, he stares at me. “Food is in the mess hall. I’ll go get it.”

“No.” My hands are still pressed against his bare chest. “I made you breakfast. And if you’ll get back in bed, I’ll grab it.”

“I like scrambled eggs.”

“Light and fluffy. Yes. I know how you like your eggs. And I made sausage.”

“Patties or links?” He sits down on the bed. “Links means you love me.”

The joke we used to make twists a knot around my heart, and the smug grin on his face says he knows what I made.

“Promise me you’ll stay right here while I get the food.” I tuck the blankets around him.

He crosses his heart, then tosses the covers back again.

“Don’t get up!”

Head cocked, he smirks. “Should I pee here?”

I point to the bathroom. “Don’t leave the house, okay?”

He blows me a kiss. “Yes, ma’am.”

The fever seems to have wiped out his filter. And it’s kind of nice engaging in the same old banter. I’ve missed it, but I hate seeing him sick.

Once I’m convinced he’s not going to end up face-first on the floor, I run back to my side, load our plates onto a tray, and grab my phone. I need to call Lilith because everyone on the ranch is probably wondering why Archer didn’t show up for breakfast.

But there’s a text popup on my screen.

Lilith:We’re worried about Archer. Mason had the flu, and now Kent and Poppy are sick. So is Parker. Archer didn’t show up at breakfast. Could you check on him?

As I’m reading, another text pops up.

Lilith:If you aren’t there, don’t worry about it. Ava will drive over to check on Archer.

Me:I’m here. He’s sick. Mason is great at sharing apparently.

Lilith:Poor guy. Does he need anything?

Me:Right now, we’re good. But I’ll let you know. He’s worried about getting chores done.

Lilith:Beau said to keep his germs at home. He has it handled.

Me:Thanks. I’ll tell Archer.

When I get back to his room, Archer is sitting up in bed. The man still doesn’t have a shirt on, and I’m enjoying the view.

“Here you go. Light and fluffy scrambled eggs with sausage links.” I set the tray on his lap.

“Thanks.” He rubs his face before picking up his fork. “I think I caught Mason’s bug. When did you get here?”

“A bit ago.”

He taps the bed next to him. “You can sit here. Or if you’d rather not get what I have, you can eat in the kitchen. My feelings won’t be hurt.”

I climb onto the bed and sit beside him without bothering to explain that it’s a bit too late to avoid catching his bug. But since he doesn’t seem to remember the kiss, I’m not going to bring it up.

“Lilith messaged me, asking if I’d check on you. They were worried when you didn’t show up for breakfast.”

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