Page 86 of I Can't Help It

Why is he—

“How about you, Ava?” Wyatt asks, looking at me expectantly. “Wanna do some axe-throwing?”

“Yeah, I’ll try it out.”

* * *

I don’t think axe-throwing was a good idea. Wyatt has been giving me pointers about my stance and throwing technique, but Luke looks like he’s ready to use his best friend as a target instead of the designated wooden boards.

It’s almost like he’s jealous.

Which would be ridiculous.

Wyatt is just being friendly. That’s what Wyatt does.

And it’s not like I have any leftover feelings for him either.

Luke is the one I want. He knows that.

So, why is he acting jealous when there’s nothing to worry about?

“Your form is good,” Wyatt comments, taking a step back, “throw whenever you’re ready.”

I do throw the axe, but I’m too distracted to care if I did a good job or not. I want Luke to stop being moody!

“Heck yes!” Wyatt exclaims, holding his hand up for a high five. “You were so close to the bullseye.”

Whoopee.

I smack my hand against his. “Thanks, Wy.”

“No prob.” His eyes smile like they always do as he takes another sip of his latte. “Luke, you’re up!”

Luke gets in position, his forearms flexing as he lifts the axe over his head, and I tell myself that it’s not okay to drool. Then, he throws his axe at the wooden board. It lands a few inches from the bullseye. Wayyyyy closer than mine did.

“Nice, dude.” Wyatt extends his fist toward Luke. “I guess I was wrong about that aim of yours.”

Luke fist-bumps him, but there isn’t any enthusiasm behind the action. “I guess so.”

“My turn,” Wyatt says, picking up his axe. “Do I look like a lumberjack with my beard and flannel?”

“Lumberjacks are brawnier.”

Wyatt immediately scowls at the sound of Trista’s voice as she comes into view with Maren and Carter trailing behind her. “I wasn’t asking you, Morris.”

Maren sighs at Wyatt’s quick retort. “Let’s be nice, guys. Okay?”

But they don’t seem to hear her, because they start arguing about lumberjacks and paper towel brands.

Meanwhile, Carter gasps and runs over to Luke. “LUKE! You’re here!”

“Hey, buddy!” Luke scoops him up with a laugh and ruffles his light brown hair. “Are you being good?”

“Uh…” Carter trails off, glancing back at Maren. “Yeah?”

She motions helplessly to Wyatt and Trista. “I’ve been scolding those two more than him, if that tells you anything.”

Luke gives her an understanding look. “Sounds about right.”

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