CHAPTER EIGHT
SOREN
Axe-throwing for a first date may not be traditional, but I figured it might make conversation easier if we’re focused on an activity. Hatchet Crazy opened seven months ago and has a lot of town buzz because of its mix of fun and food.
“This place is amazing.” Diana looks around the rustic bar and grill in awe. It’s not the fanciest place to take a woman, but I’m relieved that doesn’t seem to matter to her. “Have you been here before?”
“My siblings and I will meet up every once in a while when we’re feeling extra competitive. My brother Beckett is a beast with an axe, which shouldn’t surprise me since he’s a firefighter.”
We take a seat at a wooden high-top table in front of an empty axe-throwing lane. For a Saturday night, it’s not as packed as usual due to our early arrival, so we don’t have to wait for one to become free.
“Really?” Diana glances up from the laminated menu in her hands. They serve basic burgers and fries with a few local specialty items, like Miss Patty’s Rose Lemonades, which are usually only available in the fall at Apple Fest. “Do firemen require the use of axes a lot on the job?”
“According to Beckett, you’d be surprised,” I drawl. Our family hears all sorts of crazy stories from him about the calls he gets on duty. “But enough about my brother. I want to learn about you.”
Diana blushes and waits for our waitress to write down our drinks and food order before leaning forward.
“There’s not much to tell.” She shrugs. “I’ve always loved animals, so vet med seemed like the natural path to take.
I used to work at a super busy clinic in Everton.
My boss pushed for long, strenuous hours, though.
Which is why when my aunt suggested applying for the vet tech position here, I leapt at the opportunity. ”
I nod, grateful for her Aunt Linda’s suggestion. If it weren’t for her, we never would have met. “That’s the job, but what about outside the nine to five?”
“Like, have I ever been married?” she asks with a raised brow. “The answer is no, and I’ve never gotten close either. I wasn’t kidding about Dr. Marshall. I barely had time to relax on the couch and catch up on my favorite TV shows. My work-life balance was shit, so dating fell by the wayside.”
“I get it,” I say. “Dating hasn’t been a priority for me either. Granted, my job is fairly flexible since I’m fortunate enough to work at our family’s lodge, but Sara Beth’s well-being has been my focus for the last decade.”
“As it should be.” Our food arrives—the Quadruple Slider Sampler for her, a buffalo burger for me—and Diana hums in delight at the tempting aromas wafting from the steaming baskets. “You’re a good dad, and this looks damn delicious.”
Our conversation continues in spurts as we dig into dinner, and I try to ignore the sounds of approval coming from across the table.
The uncomfortable bulge in my jeans proves how unsuccessful I am.
Damn… How can one woman make eating mini-cheeseburgers sound so sexy?