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Andthatwas a picture-worthy sight. Now that I was alive again, I could finally see how hot he looked. I snapped a few shots and waited for them to develop before shoving them into my bag. I would keep those for later.
But as I watched him again, I realized how therapeutic chopping the wood must be. It seemed way better than sitting inside like a loser.
I checked to be sure my hair was dry before bundling up in Alden’s jacket and some gloves. I walked outside into frigid air and took a moment to look around the land. Off in the distance, I could barely see the main road, and it looked as pristine as Amma’s driveway—it was obvious no one had driven on it, and I couldn’t blame them with all the hills.
It hit me just how lucky I was to have someone with me who knew how to survive. Alden was a blessing, and while it had been rough at first, I knew I couldn’t have done this without him.
“What are you doing out here?” he asked, brow furrowed at the sight of me.
“I want to join in on your therapy session.”
“My what?”
“Your wood chopping. Sure, it’s for survival, but it also looks like a great way to get anger out.”
“Are you angry?”
“I’m feeling emotions. Can I try my hand at it?”
He handed over the axe. I swung it over my head, only for it to stick in the wood, getting me nowhere.
“Huh. Maybe I’m not good at this type of therapy.”
“Here,” he said, taking the axe from me. “Let me show you. You have to angle it for the weakest part of the wood and clench your abs when you swing.” He threw down the axe. “See how I did it?”
“You make it look easy.”
And hot.
“I had to practice. Try again.”
“No, I think one failure is enough.”
“I’d like to see your strength for once.”
“How do you know I’m strong?”
“You’re Stella Summers.” He said it like it was obvious, just like he had when he’d called me the most beautiful woman on the planet.
All of the compliments did more than I wanted to admit. Most of all, it empowered me.
I brought the axe up, but stopped when he walked over. “Hang on,” he said lowly, “your angle is off.”
“Show me again.”
He moved closer, his gloved hands coming over mine to adjust the axe. I gulped, not used to him casually being so close. “There.”
“Help me mimic the swing?” I asked.
I felt his breath on my cheeks as he sighed, but he moved to where he was behind me. “You swing it like this.”
His arms guided mine, and I swore I could feel hiswarmth through our jackets. I barely caught on to what he was showing me because I was too busy feeling him be close to me when weweren’thuddling to stay warm.
“Okay, I think I have it.” My words were soft. My body couldn’t take more of this torture—not when he wouldn’t be touching me at the end of it.
Alden stepped away. “Go for the middle of the wood.”
“Bold of you to assume I can aim.”