Page 64 of Witchy Woman

The emotion in his voice is validating and terrifying all at once. I did all this because I care about him, because I want him to feel seen and appreciated.

That doesn’t mean I’m ready for the gratitude for doing it right.

“Well, we won’t get to enjoy it if we spend all night kissing in the car and miss our reservation. So come on!”

I hop—quite literally—out of the truck and make my way toward the front door of the bar. Ash catches up quickly, lacing his fingers with mine and squeezing.

I’m so fucking gone for him.

The bar itself is rustic, and almost reminds me of his home in a way. It’s not a log cabin, but the walls are wood paneling. The lighting is dark, moody, except for the axe throwing lanes which are well lit. It’s very Ash.

“Good evening, may I help you?” A man of small stature asks from his podium next to the front door.

“Yes, reservation under Laura Hollis,” I say. “For seven thirty.”

He types on his tablet, searching away as Ash’s body wraps around mine from behind. It’s like the man can’t stand to not touch me for longer than a few seconds.

“Gotcha. Your table is this way,” the man says, gesturing for us to follow him to a dark red leather booth. “You reserved a private lane for throwing, so it’s yours for the next hour. Your waiter will be by shortly to get your drinks and dinner order.”

Instead of sliding into the booth across from me, Ash scoots in close on my side. “Want to see who gets a better score out of ten throws?”

My competitive side flares to life despite knowing Ash literally works with axes every fucking day. “Bet.”

“Terms?”

“Depends.” I lean back to meet his gaze. “What do you want if you win?”

“You. Naked in my bed for forty-eight hours.”

My body involuntarily trembles at the thought. “Agreed. And if I win, you have to go shopping with me, let me pick out somethings for you, and then take me home and keep me naked in your bed for twenty-four hours instead of forty-eight.”

His eyes fill with desire. “Bet.”

The wood is smooth,soft as I lift the axe above my head. I calm and center myself to make the perfect bullseye.

Despite Ash’s unending shit-talking, I’m only a few points behind. Enough that I need a bullseye, but that’s doable.

I can beat him.

“Don’t fuck it up,” Ash says right as I’m about to throw.

I stop myself at the last second, glaring at him. “That’s a cheap trick.”

“All’s fair in love and war.”

I nod, purely because I know I would do the exact same thing to secure my victory. And that I may have done exactly that when I adjusted my cleavage while he was throwing earlier.

I take a deep breath, closing my eyes. I got this. I let the axe fly and don’t open my eyes until I hear the satisfyingthwackof the axe imbedding itself in the wall.

Bullseye.

“You win, Goldilocks,” he purrs in my ear. Electric sparks zoom down my arms as he strokes my skin. “Guess we’re going shopping.”

“Don’t worry, that won’t be happening tonight.” I turn to face him. “Now, let’s eat some dinner and get going to part two of the evening.”

“Your wish is my command.”

Chapter 30