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I smiled, appreciating her insight and the potential for boosting our social media presence.

“That sounds perfect,” I said, standing up and stretching out my stiff muscles. I glanced down at my outfit—sweatpants and an old crew neck, my go-to for comfort since arriving. “Do I need to change?” I asked, suddenly even more envious of Tawnie’s stylish outfit.

Tawnie chuckled, shaking her head. “Most people are probably at the bar or heading back to their rooms to get ready for the bar. We’ll be fine outside. Plus, who cares?”

Her easy smile was contagious, and I found myself relaxing a bit more.

Tawnie stood from the chair across from me, signaling she was ready to head out. Together, we left my room and made our way down the hall.

“I thought we could start in the kitchen. The food here is a bit more unique than at the other ranches,” Tawnie explained as we walked toward the elevator.

“How so?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“Well, we have a two-star Michelin chef from New York working at this location. He’s brought in a lot of new dishes that keep our guests coming back specifically for him. He’s known for his off-the-wall ideas and flavor combinations.”

A chef from New York? A two-star Michelin chef? Oh, hell no.

I swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the lump forming in my throat at the thought of who the chef might be. There weren’t many who fit that description, and I happened to know one who had recently left the city…over three months ago.

“What’s his name?” I asked as the elevator arrived, the doors opening to welcome us in.

“Axel Stevenson. Do you know him?”

Yup. Of course.

Did I know Axel? Very well, actually—better than most, considering he had been my longest relationship. Not only was he my ex, but he was also the first man I ever told I loved. We hadn’t been together long, but something about him had always drawn me in. He was rugged, blunt, and a bit mysterious.

I internally groaned, thinking about all the similarities between Colton and Axel.

“Kinda,” I mumbled, my gaze fixed on the elevator doors, refusing to drop.

There was a part of me that wanted to run and avoid seeing him altogether, but what would that do besides make things potentially worse and force me to actively avoid him during my time on the ranch.

Shit. Shit. I looked down at my outfit again. I was about to see Axel in my damn sweats. I wouldn’t let myself panic, I’d stay calm and collected, especially on the outside.

The thought of being in the same room as him put up my guard and brought out a side of me that felt defensive.

“Oh…” Tawnie said, spinning to face me. When I looked up at her, my expression must have given me away because she slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh!” she exclaimed, her voice muffled by her hand.

“Mm-hmm,” I hummed, grinning slightly.

Axel was a great guy, but toward the end of our time together, he had expressed frustration that I wasn’t being open, that I’d been closed off to him and the relationship. He said he wanted me to be happier, to not be so “jagged,” but I couldn’t change myself for him. I wouldn’t change for anyone.

If he didn’t like that, I told him he could find someone timid and classy somewhere else.

I told him I loved him, but clearly, my words hadn’t been enough. He broke it off, left the city, and apparently took a job in Wyoming at Stone Ranch.

“We can totally go someplace else. We don’t need to go to the kitchen. It’s the end of dinner service, and I thought it would be the perfect time,” Tawnie offered, her voice tentative.

I waved her off. “It’s okay, Tawnie. I don’t mind seeing him.”

That wasn’t a total lie. It might be nice to see Axel again.

The energy in the elevator shifted. Tawnie’s usually positive and sunny demeanor had faded, replaced by a sense of dread that hung in the air. I took a deep breath, considering whether to change the subject. I hadn’t planned on bringing it up now, but to ease Tawnie’s discomfort, I introduced the idea I’d been mulling over.

“So, I’ve been thinking,” I began, drawing Tawnie’s attention. She turned, her full focus on me. “I know you said you like working for Colton, but he and I talked. If you’re interested, I’d love for you to shadow me and take over as the social media manager for all three ranches.”

Tawnie’s eyes widened, her expression a mix of surprise and horror like a deer caught in headlights.