Page 11 of The Ex Next Door (Charming, Texas #8)

“Can I talk now?” Declan’s jaw was tight in a way she recognized.

“Is this what you think just because I didn’t want to get married?

You’re right, I didn’t want to get married or talk about getting married or think about getting married.

Yeah, I had no idea what we were going to do, but I loved you, and I would have never cheated on you. I want that on the record.”

She had a difficult time biting back a laugh. “What record?”

“The history record that exists here, between you and me.” He waved one hand in the space between them. “I think it’s only fair.”

“I wouldn’t want to be unfair.” She smirked.

“So, this is on the record now—we didn’t break up because I wanted to be free to be with other women.

Honestly, the relationship we had taught me how to be in a relationship.

It showed me that I know how to be loyal.

I know I can be faithful when I love someone.

” He shook his head. “I have a tough time getting anyone to believe it. But you did, at least for a while.”

“Honestly, Declan, that’s not your job. If you’re being loyal and honest, then the woman should know it. She’ll see it. There’s always going to be a little faith involved. A little leap to take. If your girlfriend doesn’t trust you, yet, it’s probably because she’s still getting to know you.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“Okay.” Amy stood. “So glad we had this chat.”

“Hey. Are you still looking for a job?”

She turned to see him twirling the neck of the bottle of beer between his fingers.

In spite of their discussion, or maybe because of it, the parts of her body not directly connected to her heart kicked alive.

He was such a sight, his tousled dark blond hair and formidable athletic build.

And she was a woman, even if she was a mother first. Of course she found Declan Sheridan attractive.

“Yeah, still on the hunt but for something part-time now. I’m getting my teaching credentials so hopefully I’ll start teaching sometime next fall. It’s going to take a few months.”

He gave her a slow smile, which seemed genuine. “That’s great, Amy.”

“It’s what I always wanted.”

“It’s what you always wanted.”

They spoke simultaneously and she almost called “Jinx” but instead they both laughed.

“We need a cocktail waitress at the bar. It would just be a few nights a week but it might work for your purposes.”

It sounded perfect, actually, because she might not even need childcare.

That would make up for the difference in a lower wage, not to mention the tips.

Mom and Lou could help out more on the weekends, too, when they didn’t work.

She’d wanted a nine-to-five job Monday through Friday for the purposes of working days while Naomi and David were back in school, but practically, working weekends and nights made more sense right now. And it was just temporary.

“Really?”

“You have to share your tips with me, though.” Declan winked. “That’s the setup we have.”

“And I assume you share your tips with the waitresses?”

“Correct.” He mock saluted her.

Oh, this would be good. Declan would earn astounding tips. Everyone tended to like him. Women thought him handsome, but men weren’t threatened by him and considered him a “bro.” Probably because of the sports thing.

“I’ll go and apply tomorrow.”

“I’ll put in a good word for you. Honestly, you’ve pretty much already got the job if I have anything to say about it, which I do.”

A warm rush of excitement rolled through Amy.

She was going to start her journey toward independence.

Soon she’d contribute to the household finances and maybe even make a few new friends in the process.

At least she wouldn’t be stuck inside the house feeling sorry for herself.

It was a new beginning all around. By next summer, maybe she’d be en joying her first summer off from her teaching position.

Her kids would be happy and well adjusted and every moment of pain she’d been through in the past year would be behind her.

“Thanks, Declan. I won’t forget this. You can consider your previous record expunged.”

“I didn’t need it expunged.” He stood. “I just needed it corrected .”

“Then it’s been corrected and amended.” She took a deep breath. “And, if there’s anything that needs to be forgiven —”

“Which, there isn’t.”

“Well, it would be forgiven if there was anything to forgive since certain people were seventeen.”

“Lucky for you and me both, there isn’t.”

Boy, he wasn’t going to let this go. Fine. It was all good. She smiled her thanks, went inside and shut the door, leaning her back against it. After the divorce, after Rob had said those ugly words, I don’t think I love you anymore , Amy thought she’d never crack a smile again, much less laugh.

Now, she chuckled, remembering the expression on Declan’s face as he asked for their mutual history record to be corrected.

It was so long ago she’d honestly forgotten most of it even if her mother hadn’t.

That was okay, she wouldn’t soon forget the first man to break Naomi’s heart, either.

The truth was her own teenage insecurities had fed into the belief Declan wanted someone else besides her, and that was the only reason they’d broken up.

Not that he wasn’t ready to get married, and she was. All that was in the past.

Amy’s old relationship with Declan was gone, replaced with something she would have never imagined.

A sweet and solid brand-new friendship.