Page 103 of Third Time Lucky

‘This smells amazing,’ I say. Once again, avoiding something romantically uncomfortable because I don’t know how to approach it yet. I’m sure it’ll come to me.

‘You’re not wrong,’ he says, rubbing his hands together eagerly. ‘Ready for this?’

I laugh, digging into the barbecue chicken nachos. The flavors explode on my tongue, and I close my eyes in delight. When I open them, he’s watching me intently.

‘Good?’

‘Meh,’ I lie. ‘You could have done it better, I bet.’ That part is not a lie.

‘Flattery, I love it.’ He cuts the burger in half, handing me part while taking his bite. ‘Shit,’ he moans, burger in one hand as he drops his head back like he’s thanking Jesus. ‘Now I gotta add a hot chicken sandwich to my menu.’

‘I’d eat your hot chicken sandwich any day.’

‘Careful with those words, Luce. You might get more than you bargained for,’ he winks as he says it, and my heart twirls.

I like flirty Asher. I like serious Asher. Hell, I liked teenage Asher. I’m in trouble. Really, really good trouble.

‘Is that a promise?’

His gaze darkens slightly, a flicker of something primal dancing in his eyes. ‘It’s a guarantee I’d gladly sign,’ he murmurs, his voice low and husky.

The air crackles with electric tension as we continue to share the meal, our conversation flowing easily and comfortably. The food is exquisite; each bite’s a symphony of flavors, leaving us both satisfied and eager for more.

The sun dips below the horizon as the evening wears on, casting a warm golden glow over our table. The soft flicker of string lights above us adds to the magical ambiance of the moment. It’s almost like the venue knew this would probably become a core memory for both of us, as I suspect it will, just like the bubble dance and drive-in have been.

‘Ready to throw some axes?’ I ask as soon as I start to regret not wearing the leggings.

‘Yes, I am,’ he replies, standing up and brushing off any crumbs from his clothes.

We make our way over to the axe-throwing area, caged in for safety purposes because ‘people be crazy’ according to the waiver we signed as we paid for our time. I don’t disagree.

‘Want to go first?’ he asks.

‘Nope. I’ve got no idea how to throw an axe, so I want to watch you first, so I don’t embarrass myself. I’m trying to impress you.’

He grins – grabbing his axes before taking a stance in front of the target.

‘I’ve been impressed for a while now,’ he says casually. With a flick of his wrist, he sends his axe spinning through the air, embedding it solidly into the wood bullseye with a sharp crack.

‘I like how you worked that in like you’re a freaking pro.Andyou hit the target!? Good Lord,’ I say. ‘Promise me you’re not keeping score because my axe will never land in the red like yours. That I can almost guarantee.’

‘You don’t know until you try it,’ he says, handing me an axe. ‘Just aim for the middle and don’t let go until your hand is almost level with it.’ He’s got a hand on mine as he stands behind me – like every breath-holding romance movie moment I’ve ever seen where a man teaches the love interest how to do something – and swings my hand downward, stopping when it’s in line with the bullseye. ‘Right there.’

Do you hear that? I think my loins have just joined the chat. Crapola, that was hot.

‘Got it,’ I say, as if I’ve actually got anything at this moment.

When he steps away, his gaze lingers, and I love it. I swing the way he showed me a couple of times, then, with a deep breath, I pull my arm back and let it fly, watching as it spins through the air. To my surprise, it lands with a satisfying thunk in the ring just outside the center.

‘See!’ he exclaims – immensely proud of me. ‘You’re a natural.’ He rests his hand on my shoulder while kissing the top of my head.

The urge to pull him to me and taste him is real right now. But I’m a lady, and ladies do not maul men in public – at least this one doesn’t.

‘Dude—’

We turn suddenly to the voice outside the cage. Ash’s jaw drops as he glances my way and then back at him. What on earth is he doing here?

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