Page 83 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“I’m a dancer, remember? I could run a marathon in heels and a dress. But please don’t make me.” I giggle and realize how nervous I really am. I haven’t been on a date since I moved into the house, hoping Liam would eventually see what was right in front of him. Too bad he never did.

He laughs too. “I knew that. We chatted about it.”

“That’s right.” I grin, remembering our text message convos as he enters the freeway. “So where are we going?”

He glances over at me. “Well, you said you loved adventures, so I thought we’d do something different.”

“Hmm.” I try reading his mind but all he does is smirk.

“You’ll never guess, so don’t even try,” he quips.

I raise an eyebrow. “That sounds like a challenge.”

A soft chuckle escapes him. “So you like challenges?”

“I live for them,” I admit proudly. “I’m not considered the rebellious preacher’s daughter for nothing.”

Blake’s head falls back as he cracks up, and I love the deep, throaty sound he makes. “Then, darling, you’re going to be living your best life tonight,” he says and winks at me.

We continue chatting until he puts on his blinker, and we turn into the parking lot of Ax Me a Question.

My eyes go wide, and my mouth falls open. “Ax throwing?”

“Is this okay?” he asks nervously.

“Hell yes, it’s okay! I’ve been wanting to visit this place since I first heard about it. Trivia and ax throwing. It’s like you know the direct chamber to my heart, but I have to warn you, you’re gonna get youraxkicked,” I tease as we exit the car.

Blake snickers. “You’re punny. Adorable.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” I tell him.

Moving beside me, he places his hand on the small of my back as we walk toward the building. My eyes light up when we enter, and I’m so damn excited I can barely contain it. Beer and wings are on one side, and axes with giant targets are on the other. In the middle of the room is a stage, and tables are placed all around where a pop culture trivia is being played.

Blake leads me over to the main game area where we sign waivers. Then one of the experts named Charlie teaches us the proper way to play. Each group has their own lane and behind is a private bartop to socialize and drink. It reminds me of a bowling alley but with sharp objects and targets.

Charlie explains some of the rules—only one ax can be tossed at a time, spectators need to stay in the lounge area, and having fun is a requirement. “Who’s up first?” he asks, looking back and forth between us.

I step up.

“Okay, so you’re gonna hold the handle with both hands and cross your thumbs like this to keep it steady. Now, you’ll want to point the blade at the bull’s-eye, then lift it all the way over your head and bring it forward with all your weight. When it gets to your forehead, let go, but make sure you’re standing behind the yellow line.”

At first, I take a few practice holds, making sure my grip isn’t too tight, then Charlie exits and I decide to go for it. Doing exactly as he said, I put all my body weight into it, and the ax flies and sticks right in the center.

“I told you!” I tell Blake, laughing. This is one of the coolest places.

Charlie gives me a high five. “You’re a natural. Damn. And in a dress and heels too. You should join the tournament.”

I playfully roll my eyes, and Charlie smiles. I’m almost certain he’s flirting with me right in front of Blake, who looks at him murderously.

“Alright, my turn,” Blake says, giving me a wink and bringing the attention back to him. I leave the playing area and stand at the bartop as Blake throws.

“Lucky shot!” I tell him as it lands in the middle. “You’re so going down,” I taunt.

We thank Charlie, and then he’s on his way to help other players.

“I think he might have a crush on you,” Blake jokes, but I hear the discontent in his tone.

I flip my hair and giggle. “I’d be too much for him toax-tually handle.”