Page 84 of Between Secrets and Obsession

Blake snickers at another one of my lame puns, which is cute he plays along. I want to be with a man who I can be myself around and not some version I think he wants. What he sees is what he gets. “Damn, woman. You might be too much formeto handle,” Blake says in a low tone, causing goose bumps to trailover my arms as he pulls me close. My breath hitches because I haven’t reacted to a man like this since Liam kissed me. Part of me feels guilty, like I’m betrayinghim,which is so fucked up. Ugh, I push the thoughts away.

“Ready to lose?” I ask him confidently.

He scoffs playfully. “After I get us some drinks. What would you like?”

“Whatever you’re having. I’m not picky.” I pick up the ax and take a few more practice shots. It’s like darts but with a bigger object, and I can kick anyone’s ass at that game. I do a one-handed toss and miss just as Blake walks up with two beers. Smiling, I walk to the bartop and sit on one of the tall stools.

“I booked the lane for an hour, then thought we could order some food afterward.” He takes a sip of his beer, and I do the same.

“Sounds perfect. Guess that means we should start playing. How do we keep score?” I meet his kind blue eyes that seem to sparkle when he looks my way, and I study his face.

He grabs a pencil and the scorecard that has the instructions on the back. Three rounds, ten throws each. The person with the highest score wins. Sounds easy enough. I drink a gulp of my beer as Blake goes to the playing area. I can’t help but watch the way his biceps flex as he holds the handle, then swings, putting all his strength into it. The blade splits the big red circle…bull’s-eye again.

“Seriously? That was a lucky shot.” My mouth falls open. “You’re gonna make me work for this win, aren’t you?” I rub my palms together and crack my knuckles as if that’ll help me.

His head falls back with a laugh. “You’re the one who started talking smack. I was prepared toletyou win, but now I think I better actually try.”

“I’m competitive by nature. What can I say?” We trade places over and over until we’re on our last and final round. I’m onlyfour points behind Blake, and I’m determined to beat him even if that means I’ll be sore as hell tomorrow. Blake lets go of his final ax and misses, and then it’s my turn. If I can hit the center, I win.

Sucking in a deep breath, I glance over my shoulder at Blake who’s smiling wide. I shoot him a wink, then get into my stance and give it my all. We both watch as it hits the ring worth four points.

“No way!” I shout, then go to Blake. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me against his chest. “Guess we tied.”

“Dammit. Guess we’ll have to have a rematch someday.” I notice how comfortable I am next to him.

“I’d like that, Maddie. Maybe next time, you’ll kick my ass.”

“No, next time Iwillkick your ass. That’s a guarantee,” I quip.

“I’m glad to hear there’ll be a next time,” he says, causing my heart to race, and we break apart.

Charlie returns, and we thank him for all his help before we move to a table so we can eat. The waitress hands us menus. Moments later, she’s setting down two tall beers, and we both order a cheeseburger and fries.

Taking a sip, I can’t help but think about Liam and how he warned me about Blake. From what I’ve seen so far, Blake has been nothing but a gentleman.

“So…” I hesitate, and he notices.

With a popped eyebrow, he smirks. “Yes?”

“Well. I don’t know how to say this so I’m just gonna come on out and ask. What’s the deal between you and Liam?”

Blake chuckles, the light sound zapping right to my heart. “Oh you mean Big Talker Liam? He’s always gloating about catching the bad guys and how he does the job for us. It’s annoying and disrespectful, in my opinion. Meanwhile, he hasno formal training and chooses what jobs he gets.Plus, he’s an asshole who thinks his shit doesn’t stink.”

I nod, unsure how to feel about his words about Liam. “I can see that.”

“What did he say about me?” Blake asks with amusement.

I bite my lower lip, not wanting to contribute to their battle. “He’s overprotective and warned me about you being a heartbreaker.”

His head falls back on his shoulders. “A heartbreaker? That’s hilarious coming from him.”

“Oh, so you’re aware of his reputation as well?” I pop a brow, then take a drink, needing more alcohol in my system if we’re going to have this conversation.

“Who isn’t? Word gets around and everyone knows he’s unable to commit.”

“He’s married now,” I tell him.

His eyes widen, just as shocked as I was when the news broke out. “Since when?”