“Okay…”
“And also, don’t take this the wrong way.”
My stomach twisted, and my elbows itched. “You’re making me anxious. Show me or tell me something because I think I’m about to burst.”
“You’re angry.”
I shook my head. “No, no. Of course not. I don’t get angry. Upset, maybe.”
And even being upset felt weird. The word felt like an ill-fitted top, not communicating who I wanted to be.
Finn didn’t look convinced at my denial. “Maybe you’re both. You’re allowed to be both. I happen to be an expert at both. We’re here, so I can show you how it’s done.”
I laughed. “We’re here so I can be angry?”
Finn nodded and led me away from his uncle’s place. We passed a few cabins before venturing to the back of one. There were outdoor lanterns lining the pathways, giving us enough light to see where we were stepping. Finn stopped in front of a large stack of logs and a row of axes.
“This is giving me slasher film vibes,” I said while glancing toward the forest only a few feet away. “I don’t do cabin in the woods or axes. I’m the prime candidate for being the first kill. I satisfy a trio of requirements.”
Finn’s forehead wrinkled as he took the bait. “Trio?”
“Black, a woman, likes sex.” I counted on my fingers.
“Oh, I see.” He nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”
I stuffed my hands in my pockets. “Famous last words.”
Finn laughed.
“By the time we’re done here, you’ll be the scariest thing within a fifty-mile radius,” he said.
Now Finn had my undivided attention. I watched as he picked up a small ax and move one log to the chopping block. He lifted the handle in my direction and waved it a bit when I didn’t reach for it.
“You want me to chop wood?” I took the ax, surprised at how it felt heavier than it looked. “Do I look like a wood chopping girl? Have you seen my wrists? Wait…don’t answer that.”
He looked amused when I tugged my sleeves down to cover my weak wrists.
“I have seen your wrists,” Finn confirmed. “But I promise you, this isn’t as hard as it looks. You’re just going to have to scream.”
My eyes widened. “Scream?”
Finn nodded, excitedly. He was getting a kick out of this. I’ve never seen his face this animated. The corners of his mouth looked as great going up as they did going down. My body heated at the warm smile because he saved this one for me. I was sure of it. He made me feel so worthy, even on my dark days.
“Yes, scream, yell, and swing.” He gestured to the log. “Preferably in that direction.”
“I’m confused. You drove me all the way out here to chop wood for your reclusive uncle?”
Finn considered my words. “Yes, and no. Uncle Aaron will appreciate the work, but I brought you here, so no sees you get mad. Around everyone else, you feel like you have to be Miss Sunshine. I’ve seen another side of you. It doesn’t matter what you say or do here. Nothing will change what I think about you—how much I care for you.”
My throat tightened. Damn, did he have to be so straightforward? I was already melting in a lava pit of guilt, then he caked on more rubble.
“Get mad and swing,” he instructed. “I know it sounds silly, but trust me, it works.”
“Finn, I…”
“What happened with your mom?” he interrupted my protest. “Tell me why you can’t read the email.”
My vision was blurry now. “It’s complicated.”
