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“Oh my God! We should’ve cut him when we had the chance!” she squeals after I read her the texts.
I snort at her dramatics. “You and me both.”
“Who are we cutting?” Elle walks into the kitchen with a perched brow.
“My stupid ex-boyfriend. Look what he sent me this morning.”
She looks over my shoulder as I show her the screen and scroll down.
“Wow. Douchebag needs to get the stick out of his ass.” She leans down and grabs a muffin, then stuffs it into her mouth. Maize doesn’t say a word surprisingly.
“Tell me about it. Why did I date him?” I groan, collapsing on top of the counter with my head in my hands.
“You don’t always see someone’s true colors until it’s too late,” she tells me, rubbing my back. “The important thing is that you learned before you got in too deep.”
“And even that was too long. I want that time back.” I growl.
“You very well coulda married the dickwad. Yikes! Thank the Lord ya didn’t,” Maize says.
They both chuckle, and we end up hanging out for the next hour before Elle has to go back to work. She stops in from time to time like most of my family does. The B&B’s a social spot for us to eat and gossip.
After saying goodbye and walking out of the kitchen, I head through the main sitting area and wave at the guests. Most are regulars who come every year, but some are new and just driving through, needing a place to stay for the night. Some love the atmosphere so much that they book a room to stay every few months. Can’t say I blame them, though. The ranch offers horseback riding, four-wheeling adventures, trail walking, and true Southern meals. We host weddings and honeymoons here too.
Diesel
You okay? Grayson said he saw you at the B&B looking like someone kicked your dog.
I snort. We have lots of dogs on the ranch, but none that stay in the house.
Rowan
You two always gossip about me?
Diesel
Only every day of my existence. Don’t you know by now my world revolves around you?
Rowan
Stop being overly sweet.
Diesel
Can’t help it, baby. Charming is my middle name.
Rowan
It’s Christopher, but close enough.
I giggle because our conversation easily puts me in a good mood again.
Diesel
So c’mon, tell me. What’s going on?
I get into my car, then text him back.
Rowan
I woke up to a very nice message from my ex who reminded me that I’m under the gun to pay him back, and that if I don’t soon, he’ll report me for vandalism. I told him I was working on it, but he was being his normal asshole self.
Diesel
Let me take care of him and pay your debt so he goes away for good.
Rowan
No and definitely not! I’m not allowing you to get involved any more than you already have. I’m saving up and will give it to him.
Rowan
But thank you for offering. I do appreciate you wanting to help.
Diesel
Should let me punch his face in again to send him a not-so-nice message in return.
Rowan
Then he’d probably sue you for wrecking his pretty boy face.
Diesel
It’d be worth every penny to smash it in, though. ;)
Rowan
Okay, Cowboy. Hold back before you get arrested for assault. We can’t sneak around when you’re behind bars.
Diesel
You’re right. I’ll just have to be smug in the fact that I have you now, and he doesn’t.
Rowan
Works for me :)
Diesel
Why don’t you come over tonight since you work a short shift, and I’ll show you all the ways I can console you?
Rowan
Hmm…you paint a tempting picture. You think that’s a good idea?
Diesel
Park at the B&B and take a four-wheeler over to the equipment barn, and I’ll pick you up there.
Rowan
Okay, I’ll be done here in two hours and will text you when I’m leaving so you can meet me.
Diesel
I’ll be waiting!
His eagerness always makes me smile. It’ll be the first time visiting his house, and I’m not quite sure what to expect. I know he’s been fixing it up since he basically got kicked out of the cabin he and Riley shared. Once Zoey came to town, and they decided to try to make things work, Diesel moved into one of the ranch hand cabins that needed a lot of work. I know he’s been remodeling it in his spare time, which I’m learning isn’t very much. Probably even less now that he’s spending it with me instead.
Ethan’s working till close tonight and knows how to do the reports and safe, so I don’t worry about it when I decide to dip out early. Claire will arrive at eight, and since we aren’t that busy, I decide to leave a half hour early.
I take the extra time to freshen up and change before heading to Diesel’s. Before I can leave the house, my mother walks in the door and asks where I’m going so late. I hold back any comments on how it’s barely dark outside, and that I’m twenty-three years old.
