28. Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Itapped my stylus onto the counter as I tried to focus. But it was impossible since tonight was the first real date with Spencer. Not helping things, he didn't tell me what to expect tonight other than that he was going to pick me up at six p.m. and that I shouldn’t wear anything too fancy.
At about ten to six, I heard a car pull into my driveway. I placed my stylus into my phone.
I nearly leaped off of the island barstool, but I didn't want to be needy. So I casually pushed myself off the chair and went to the front door.
He looked good in his jeans and a white T-shirt.
He pulled me close and planted his lips onto mine. It was so easy to wrap my arms around his neck and deepen the kiss. I moaned first from how good it felt.
I always knew Spence could flip a switch, and things were instantly better or worse, but I never thought I had that same switch. But the chemistry was off the charts with us now that we went from friends to lovers.
When we pulled back, he wrapped his arm around my waist. It felt so strong, and it was nice to feel protected.
As we got into his SUV, I asked, "What's the plan for tonight?"
"You'll have to see."
I frowned. I hated stuff like that. It always made me slightly nervous.
But the moment we pulled up to an ax-throwing place, I was relieved. I was so glad it wasn't another dinner out or a cooking date. It was nice since the mountains weren't really open yet, and Spencer hated all things golf-related.
As we got out of the SUV, I noticed Carter's truck was in the parking lot. I stopped dead in my tracks. "Don't tell me we're on another double date with my big brother."
He grabbed my hands and looked me dead in the eyes. "We are, but it won't be nearly as awkward as before. He knows you're here, and we're allowed to have PDA."
It sounded so much better than the first date, but it was still a date with my big brother. It was just weird to feel like I had a bit of a chaperone when I was in my late twenties. This was what I got for dating my brother's best friend and hooking my big brother up with one of my friends.
Karma had a weird sense of humor.
Spence must have sensed my trepidation since he decided to prove his point. He gave me a kiss as he withdrew. "I'm going to do this all damn night. Don't you worry."
We walked into the place. It was pretty quiet except for Siobhan and Carter's voices. It seemed like the guys might have reserved the place just for us, although it was tough to tell since it seemed like there were only two ax-throwing stations available.
It was easy to spot Siobhan and Carter chilling out in front of some high-top tables. There was a charcuterie board, a fruit tray, and a vegetable tray.
Almost immediately, Carter came up and gave his friend a bro hug while me and Siobhan gave our hellos.
I didn’t even have a chance to drop my purse onto a barstool before a staff member came up with a cart full of axes. He gave us the safety spiel and instructions on how to throw axes. Spencer wrapped his arms around my waist, and I just leaned back. Carter was in the same position, but he rested his head on Siobhan's.
It seemed pretty straightforward. The guy held two axes with the wooden end out toward me and Siobhan. We both took them. It was lighter than I expected. I looked at Siobhan to see if she was going to step up first, but she seemed a little timid.
I went to the red line and got into the ready position. Spencer looked over at Carter. "You two are so going down."
It didn't need to be so damn competitive all the time, but that was Carter and Spence. The funny thing was, until Carter met Spence, Carter never had anyone who could keep up and really challenge him. Spence, in many ways, kept Carter from getting a big head.
"No way in hell. Besides, we already talked about this." Carter said as he reached for something out of the cooler. "So we got Moscow mules, lemon drops, and Athletic Beers. Who wants what?"
Siobhan snorted. "Isn't Athletic Beer alcohol-free? What's the point?"
"No DUIs, fewer calories, and no hangovers, best thing for the fellas. Which ones did you get?" Spencer asked with a smile.
I couldn't keep holding the ax, so I tossed it, and it stuck to the border of the target. I was pleased with the effort since I was sure I would miss it all together since the axe was so much larger than a dart.
Spence whooped at the fact that I was on the board.
Carter said, "I brought the IPA and the First Ride since I know you like the dark shit."
Carter was already tossing Spencer a can of beer. I looked toward Carter. "Moscow Mule would be nice."
Carter pulled out two more cans from the cooler. He must have known about Siobhan's order. She tossed the ax at the target, but it didn't sail tried and true; instead, it bounced off the side wall and onto the ground.
She turned around to face Carter with a sheepish look. "Sorry, baby."
Spencer grinned like the Cheshire cat. Her not getting points would definitely help our cause to win. He grabbed an ax and chucked it. Of course, he got the first bullseye. As he came back, he grabbed me and pulled me in for a kiss.
As he pulled back, I said, "Congrats."
Carter sighed. I thought he was complaining about seeing me get kissed, but his hands were in that follow-through position, and there was a new ax sticking next to mine. It was well outside of the bullseye range.
It was so damn refreshing that we could do a real double date where he wasn’t upset that I was getting kissed or that things were going well in front of him and instead wanted to win the damn competition.