Page 10 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

It’s like he didn’t hear the part where I said I didn’t want to talk about Lettie. Ever.

When he parks outside the mess hall, I slide out.

“Hey.” Dag raises an eyebrow. “Sorry I didn’t say something sooner.”

I shrug and head into the building. It’s probably a good thing I’m moving out to that cabin at the venue. Out there, I can be even more of a recluse when I’m not working.

When I walk into the mess hall, Beau waves me over. “Let’s chat in my office.”

I follow him through the game room and into his house. Thankfully, going to his office doesn’t feel like being called into the principal’s office. That’s only one of many reasons I’m glad I ended up here at Stargazer Springs Ranch.

It feels like one big family, and that’s something I didn’t have growing up. After losing both of my parents in a fire, I was raised by my grandmother, and that was the extent of my family. Now that she’s gone, I have no one. Well, no one related by blood.

If it works out, I’ll continue being a ranch hand out here until I’m incapable of doing what needs to be done and they’re forced to replace me.

He drops into the chair behind his desk and motions for me to sit. “You still good for moving tomorrow?”

“Yes, sir.”

Nodding, he checks his phone. “I really appreciate it. Lilith had two people lined up, but then one of them backed out, and I just don’t feel comfortable with a woman being out there alone at night.” His gaze snaps up, and he gives a small smirk. “I’m not saying you have to keep her company at night. That’s up to you.”

“That’s not my plan, sir.” I don’t have the slightest clue who my soon-to-be neighbor is, but it doesn’t matter. After this morning’s run-in, I’ll be taking a break from relationships for a while. At least until I get my head on straight and stop comparing every woman I meet to Lettie.

He slips his phone in his pocket. “Either way. I appreciate it. I talked to Clint earlier, and he arranged it so that you’re free after two today. We’ll meet up at the new place. I’ll give you the key, and you can meet the other tenant in the duplex. She’s meeting Lilith out there at the same time.”

“I’ll be there.” I keep my answers short, ready to be done talking.

“Great.” He slides a check across the desk. “I started the extra pay in this check. I know it’s not as convenient to live out there. And I’m glad you said yes because I didn’t have a whole lot of other options. Most of the guys are married now. Anderson hasn’t been here that long, and Dallas would just scare the poor girl with his crustiness.”

I give a polite laugh, reminding myself not to act like Dallas. While I might feel like a curmudgeon on the inside, I need everyone else to see the relaxed and easygoing Archer.

“Ava probably has food ready. Go eat.”

I stand and shake his hand. “Thank you.”

Then I head back to the mess hall, hoping Dag is right about the others not knowing about my connection to Lettie. Well, most of the others. There is zero chance that Beau’s son, Garrett, doesn’t know. He’s married to Tessa, and the look on her face when I walked into the donut shop told me that she knows I have a history with Lettie.

In the game room, I stop and pull out my phone. After chatting with Regretful-Raccoon for months, I still only know her username. I have no clue what she looks like or even how old she is, but she’s been a huge contributor in helping me move on from Lettie. But after seeing my ex today, I’m questioning all that progress.

After checking for a new message and not finding anything, I type out a quick note.

Crocheting-Cowboy: Happy Friday. Oops maybe that gives away too much info. Now you know what side of the international dateline I’m on. I hope you have a great day.

She’ll know I’m joking because we’ve made references to time before. But I crave that connection right now. For all I know, I could be messaging a grandma in Madrid or even Tandy—gosh, I hope not—but the image of Lettie persists. And now that makes this all feel more complicated.

* * *

I turninto the venue and take the gravel road that leads around the office and cluster of buildings where events are held. The duplex sits about a quarter mile from the office and is situated in the shade of a massive oak tree. Just far enough away from the events area to offer privacy but close enough that if there are any shenanigans at night, I’ll likely notice. All in all, this seems like a good arrangement.

I park in front of the house a few minutes early, so I walk the perimeter, getting a feel for the layout. There is a porch along the back that matches the one in the front. Nothing separates one side from the other, so hopefully my new neighbor is good with boundaries.

The view is nice. Trees, hills, a couple of bulls in an enclosed pasture.

When I agreed to this, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s nice. Beau described the place, which is definitely bigger than my tiny cabin, and I’m eager to see the inside.

But honestly, where I sleep at night doesn’t make much difference to me.

I stroll back around to the front. The two doors on the front of the duplex look exactly the same.

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