Chapter Nine
Hannah
“Wait, what’s the reason you can’t join our team?” I demand an explanation from Hirim. We are at BHI’s latest quarterly gathering, held at a random axe throwing place on Wednesday night. The company organizes these get-togethers for employees every three months, but this time they decided to try something new since they got bored with the usual bowling or escape room.
It seems like we’re meant to form teams of four, pick our weapons from a pile of axes of different sizes, and take turns throwing them at a target. I have a feeling I’ll end up with a random shoulder injury after tonight.
“Sorry,” Hirim says irritably. “I’m already committed to another team, so you’ll need to find someone else for your team.” He walks away, leaving me alone with the happy couple.
“So,” I inquire, shifting my focus to Ruby and Aiden. “Who will join our team? By now, everyone probably already has their teams sorted.”
I hope Aiden won’t propose one of his friends. I’m fond of Aiden, but his friends leave much to be desired .
“Well,” Ruby says, while chewing on her bottom lip. “I know of one person who is available.” Her choice of the word ‘available’ doesn’t register with me until it’s too late.
Aiden calls Jeremy’s attention from across the room, signaling for him to come closer. “Are you still looking for a team to join?” I hear him ask over the noise and my stomach instantly sinks.
Those bastards.
I just know they’ve somehow orchestrated this.
“Nope,” he drawls with a hint of a smile. “Are you looking for a fourth member?”
“If you could join our group, we’d appreciate it,” Aiden says, clapping him on the back.
“No problem,” Jeremy responds as I glare at Ruby, who purposely avoids making eye contact with me.
We are soon interrupted by the instructor, who confirms our teams of four and then guides us through a demonstration of axe-throwing technique and scoring. Once the demonstration is over, teams are assigned a lane and allowed to freely explore a building equipped with weapons and alcohol.
BHI’s workers’ compensation insurance bill must be astronomical, given the guaranteed injuries tonight.
“Do we want to do guys versus girls?” Jeremy proposes the idea to the group after we convene at our assigned lane. It vaguely resembles a bowling alley lane, but without the slippery surface. The back wall has a red and black target, while the walls are made of metal wire fence, likely to protect people in other lanes.
“Let’s do couples,” Aiden suggests. “Ruby and I against you and Hannah.”
If the words were not spoken by Aiden, I probably would have hit whoever suggested that Jeremy and I were a “couple. ”
Is everyone in on the plan to set me up with Jeremy?
“Uhh…” says Jeremy, looking at me, probably trying to understand my reaction to Aiden’s words. “Sure, if everyone agrees?”
I am aware he wants me to address the “couple” comment, but I decide to ignore it to avoid further awkwardness.
From a table filled with different sized weapons, we each take an axe and line up in our aisle to throw it at the target. I don’t understand why BHI thinks this activity will take three hours, but whatever.
I follow the instructor’s demonstration and take my place at the designated line. Taking aim, I throw.
The axe I throw lands a mere three feet from where I stand. Laughter breaks out from behind me, making my cheeks flush.
I mutter, “I fucking hate sports.”
“Here,” Jeremy says, standing beside me. “Let me help.”
Oh god, this is even more humiliating.
After this, I intend to kill Hirim and Ruby. I can’t believe they would interfere in my love life and attempt to set me up with Jeremy.
With a deep breath, I allow Jeremy to guide me in throwing my axe at the target again. Although I don’t hit the target, I successfully throw the axe down the entire aisle this time.
Grumbling “Thanks,” I find my place on the bench as Aiden updates the scoreboard with my disappointing score.
The night carries on in a similar fashion, with me being awful at axe throwing and trying to control my frustration and resentment towards my friends for tricking me. I start to relax a little once they begin serving food and alcohol.
“I see you’re not drinking,” I observe.
“I thought I’d be a designated driver for anyone who needs it tonight,” Jeremy says.
Typical nice guy .
“What’s your plan for getting home?” he asks. The small bench is crowded, even with Ruby sitting on Aiden’s lap, and I am more than aware Ruby and Aiden can hear every word of our conversation.
“Um,” I swallow. “I’m just going to catch the train home or get an Uber.”
“Would you like me to give you a lift?” he asks. “Designated driver here.” He points a finger at his chest, and I can’t help but be drawn to the sight of his muscles, clearly visible beneath his white t-shirt. I can’t stop recalling the sight of those same muscles when he removed his shirt at the beach on Saturday, and I have to avert my gaze to hide my blush.
“Yeah, sure. Whatever.” I try to sound uninterested, but the slight tremor in my voice undoubtedly exposes my true emotions.
Throughout the night, my axe throwing skills fail to improve, and deteriorate even further towards the end, when I inevitably stop trying. Aiden and Ruby win, but Jeremy would be the clear winner based on individual scores.
When the event finishes and everyone starts saying their goodbyes, Jeremy offers me a ride home once again. I hesitantly accept, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude towards him.
As I say goodbye to Ruby and Aiden, I repeat my words to Jeremy. “I really don’t need a ride.” But he insists, saying there’s no need for me to catch the train at night. I don’t mention that it’s something I do often.
We make our way silently to his car in the parking lot. My mind is consumed with thoughts of revenge against Hirim and Ruby for interfering tonight. As we start driving towards my apartment, tensions rise when Jeremy asks for directions. I start rambling about living with Ruby’s old roommate now that she has moved in with Aiden. It takes my mind off my nerves and I begin to relax.
I direct him to the laneway behind my building and plan to thank him once we stop. But as I turn to do so, our lips brush lightly and our breaths mingle. Without hesitation, Jeremy caresses my cheek and brings our faces closer together, sealing our lips in a passionate kiss.
The taste of mint from his gum makes me melt and I can feel myself becoming lost in the moment as our tongues intertwine. Jeremy’s rough hands on my face only intensify the desire coursing through me. But then reality hits me and I pull away from the kiss.
Jeremy, sensing my hesitation, pulls back his hand, looking apologetic. “Sorry,” I mumble, “I probably shouldn’t have had so much to drink tonight.” And without another word, I quickly exit his car and walk away, hoping he won’t realize that I’m completely sober.