Chapter Sixteen #2
We continue chatting until he puts on his blinker, and we turn into the parking lot of Ax Me a Question.
My eyes go wide, and my mouth falls open. “Ax throwing?”
“Is this okay?” he asks nervously.
“Hell yes, it’s okay! I’ve been wanting to visit this place since I first heard about it. Trivia and ax throwing. It’s like you know the direct chamber to my heart, but I have to warn you, you’re gonna get your ax kicked,” I tease as we exit the car.
Blake snickers. “You’re punny. Adorable.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet,” I tell him.
Moving beside me, he places his hand on the small of my back as we walk toward the building.
My eyes light up when we enter, and I’m so damn excited I can barely contain it.
Beer and wings are on one side, and axes with giant targets are on the other.
In the middle of the room is a stage, and tables are placed all around where a pop culture trivia is being played.
Blake leads me over to the main game area where we sign waivers. Then one of the experts named Charlie teaches us the proper way to play. Each group has their own lane and behind is a private bartop to socialize and drink. It reminds me of a bowling alley but with sharp objects and targets.
Charlie explains some of the rules—only one ax can be tossed at a time, spectators need to stay in the lounge area, and having fun is a requirement. “Who’s up first?” he asks, looking back and forth between us.
I step up.
“Okay, so you’re gonna hold the handle with both hands and cross your thumbs like this to keep it steady.
Now, you’ll want to point the blade at the bull’s-eye, then lift it all the way over your head and bring it forward with all your weight.
When it gets to your forehead, let go, but make sure you’re standing behind the yellow line. ”
At first, I take a few practice holds, making sure my grip isn’t too tight, then Charlie exits and I decide to go for it. Doing exactly as he said, I put all my body weight into it, and the ax flies and sticks right in the center.
“I told you!” I tell Blake, laughing. This is one of the coolest places.
Charlie gives me a high five. “You’re a natural. Damn. And in a dress and heels too. You should join the tournament.”
I playfully roll my eyes, and Charlie smiles. I’m almost certain he’s flirting with me right in front of Blake, who looks at him murderously.
“Alright, my turn,” Blake says, giving me a wink and bringing the attention back to him. I leave the playing area and stand at the bartop as Blake throws.
“Lucky shot!” I tell him as it lands in the middle. “You’re so going down,” I taunt.
We thank Charlie, and then he’s on his way to help other players.
“I think he might have a crush on you,” Blake jokes, but I hear the discontent in his tone.
I flip my hair and giggle. “I’d be too much for him to ax-tually handle.”
Blake snickers at another one of my lame puns, which is cute he plays along.
I want to be with a man who I can be myself around and not some version I think he wants.
What he sees is what he gets. “Damn, woman. You might be too much for me to handle,” Blake says in a low tone, causing goose bumps to trail over my arms as he pulls me close.
My breath hitches because I haven’t reacted to a man like this since Liam kissed me.
Part of me feels guilty, like I’m betraying him, which is so fucked up. Ugh, I push the thoughts away.
“Ready to lose?” I ask him confidently.
He scoffs playfully. “After I get us some drinks. What would you like?”
“Whatever you’re having. I’m not picky.” I pick up the ax and take a few more practice shots.
It’s like darts but with a bigger object, and I can kick anyone’s ass at that game.
I do a one-handed toss and miss just as Blake walks up with two beers.
Smiling, I walk to the bartop and sit on one of the tall stools.
“I booked the lane for an hour, then thought we could order some food afterward.” He takes a sip of his beer, and I do the same.
“Sounds perfect. Guess that means we should start playing. How do we keep score?” I meet his kind blue eyes that seem to sparkle when he looks my way, and I study his face.
He grabs a pencil and the scorecard that has the instructions on the back.
Three rounds, ten throws each. The person with the highest score wins.
Sounds easy enough. I drink a gulp of my beer as Blake goes to the playing area.
I can’t help but watch the way his biceps flex as he holds the handle, then swings, putting all his strength into it.
The blade splits the big red circle…bull’s-eye again.
“Seriously? That was a lucky shot.” My mouth falls open. “You’re gonna make me work for this win, aren’t you?” I rub my palms together and crack my knuckles as if that’ll help me.
His head falls back with a laugh. “You’re the one who started talking smack. I was prepared to let you win, but now I think I better actually try.”
“I’m competitive by nature. What can I say?
” We trade places over and over until we’re on our last and final round.
I’m only four points behind Blake, and I’m determined to beat him even if that means I’ll be sore as hell tomorrow.
Blake lets go of his final ax and misses, and then it’s my turn. If I can hit the center, I win.
Sucking in a deep breath, I glance over my shoulder at Blake who’s smiling wide. I shoot him a wink, then get into my stance and give it my all. We both watch as it hits the ring worth four points.
“No way!” I shout, then go to Blake. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me against his chest. “Guess we tied.”
“Dammit. Guess we’ll have to have a rematch someday.” I notice how comfortable I am next to him.
“I’d like that, Maddie. Maybe next time, you’ll kick my ass.”
“No, next time I will kick your ass. That’s a guarantee,” I quip.
“I’m glad to hear there’ll be a next time,” he says, causing my heart to race, and we break apart.
Charlie returns, and we thank him for all his help before we move to a table so we can eat. The waitress hands us menus. Moments later, she’s setting down two tall beers, and we both order a cheeseburger and fries.
Taking a sip, I can’t help but think about Liam and how he warned me about Blake. From what I’ve seen so far, Blake has been nothing but a gentleman.
“So…” I hesitate, and he notices.
With a popped eyebrow, he smirks. “Yes?”
“Well. I don’t know how to say this so I’m just gonna come on out and ask. What’s the deal between you and Liam?”
Blake chuckles, the light sound zapping right to my heart.
“Oh you mean Big Talker Liam? He’s always gloating about catching the bad guys and how he does the job for us.
It’s annoying and disrespectful, in my opinion.
Meanwhile, he has no formal training and chooses what jobs he gets.Plus, he’s an asshole who thinks his shit doesn’t stink. ”
I nod, unsure how to feel about his words about Liam. “I can see that.”
“What did he say about me?” Blake asks with amusement.
I bite my lower lip, not wanting to contribute to their battle. “He’s overprotective and warned me about you being a heartbreaker.”
His head falls back on his shoulders. “A heartbreaker? That’s hilarious coming from him.”
“Oh, so you’re aware of his reputation as well?” I pop a brow, then take a drink, needing more alcohol in my system if we’re going to have this conversation.
“Who isn’t? Word gets around and everyone knows he’s unable to commit.”
“He’s married now,” I tell him.
His eyes widen, just as shocked as I was when the news broke out. “Since when?”
“Yep. Recently. He met a woman in Vegas, fell madly in love, and got hitched. Surprised us all.” I shrug, happy to see our waitress coming with our food.
She sets the plates down, and I pour some ketchup on my plate, then dig into my fries.
“If it’s any consolation, I’m not a heartbreaker.” He looks genuine. “I just haven’t found a woman who’s right for me, but I haven’t given up.”
I wipe my mouth. “Well, you’re still young. But yeah, I get it. I’ve dated some, but nothing serious.” I leave out the part where the only man I ever wanted was Liam.
While we eat, our conversation is light, and we don’t discuss anything too serious.
I can’t help but notice the way he smiles at me, how a small dimple appears when he chuckles, or how polite he is to every single person he comes into contact with.
Falling for Blake would be easy, and maybe that’s what Liam’s concerned about—me being in love with someone other than him. The thought pisses me off.
Blake is perfect on paper, and hell, in person too, but my heart’s still recovering from the shockwave Liam caused. I’m not sure I could give Blake a fair chance until I’m over it—if I ever will be.
On the way home, I take control of the radio again, and Blake encourages my love for pop music. When we pull into the driveway, I’m laughing at how he knows every single word to a Miley Cyrus song.
As he puts the car in park, I look at him. “Thanks for a great night. That’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”
“Me too.”
I lick my lips, my nerves taking over, and we both get out. Blake places his hand on the small of my back, leading me forward.
“We should go dancing next,” I tell him, excited to learn more about him. Even if I’m torn about dating anyone right now, I’d at least like to try to move on. Or at least have some fun.
“I’m down for the challenge.”
I’m a bundle of nerves as the date comes to an end. I suck in a deep breath, waiting for his next move.
“So I hope you had a fun time,” he continues as we slow and stop on the porch. “I was wondering if I could kiss you good night?”
The fact that he asks instead of doing it has my heart racing. Everything stills, and before I can respond, the door swings open, and Liam’s wearing a grimace, glaring at us.
“Not a fucking chance,” he growls/
I’m so livid I can’t even speak.
“Night’s over.”