I suck in a shaky breath. Oh,that’swhy it’s spinning—I’ve stopped breathing.
“You’re used to using lighter weapons. I’m guessing you’re relying on muscle memory that you’d use for them as you try to throw the axe,” Wes says. “But there’s a bit more when it comesto a heavier weapon like this. As you throw the axe, shift your weight forward, to follow the weapon. Also, you need to let it go a little later than you would a knife. This needs more momentum and it takes greater force to spin. Got it?”
He lifts my arm with the axe and I relax, giving him dominion over my body. I swallow hard as he moves my arm in the arch needed, while he presses the right side of his hip into mine to get my hips to turn with the motion.
“Good, now roll that weight on your back leg forward, keeping your stomach tight,” Wes murmurs into my ear. “Yes, that’s right, Blair. Just like that. You’re doing good, baby girl.”
I shiver at the praise, bewildered at how easily it makes me want to melt.
Santi jogs back over with his three axes and the two I’d thrown. He tosses mine at my feet and comes to stand beside us, eyeing the way Wes is holding me.
“How do I get you to do that for me, Wes?” he asks with a mischievous smile.
“Here, Santi,I’llhold you,” Ledger offers, his tone dry, as he gets to his feet.
Santi spins around with a laugh. “I want to be held nice and tight, Ledger. Don’t hold back.”
Ledger snorts his amusement. “You know what? Never mind.”
He bends down to reach into the cooler for another soda. Just as he pulls one out, his phone rings. Ignoring him, I turn my attention back to the axe in my hand.
“Okay, let me see if I got it this time,” I tell Wes.
He steps back to give me space. I practice the motion before attempting to throw again. When the axe does go flying, it slams into the tree, just above the ‘X’ Ledger etched into it where Santi and I have been aiming.
“Woohoo!” Santi cheers.
I pump a victory fist in the air and whirl around to give Wes a wide grin. To my surprise, he leans down and kisses me. I freeze for a second, not used to the open display of affection, but then I’m kissing him back.
“Wait, she gets cuddlesandkisses?! What the hell? Where are mine?” Santi demands.
I break the kiss with a laugh and turn to him. “Do you want a kiss for?—”
“I absolutely fucking do!” He stomps over, grabs my face and kisses me harder and more passionately than Wes had. When he lifts his head I’m feeling a bit dazed. His smile turns dreamy.
“Alright, we’ll be right there,” Ledger says to the person on the other line, bringing me back into the moment. “Santi, Wes, the fire department needs our help. A few trees have fallen in the way of the fire station and they’re worried that if they get a call for help tonight they won’t be able to get out. Let’s load up and head out.”
I perk up with interest. “Oh, I didn’t realize you took calls like this.”
“We have the equipment to help,” Ledger explains. “So we do what we can.”
“Should I go get Rhett?” Wes asks.
I don’t miss how Santi glances up at the house with a frown before grabbing the bucket of water and tossing it over the fire in the pit. Ledger shakes his head and lets out a sigh.
“He’ll be a liability with how wasted he is. I don’t want him near any tools right now,” he replies, grimly.
“I’ll tell him we’re leaving,” I offer. “I need to go grab a jacket anyways. It’s cold and I don’t want to get rained on.”
“Hold up,” Ledger calls out.
I stop to turn around. “What? Do you need anything in?—”
“You’re not coming,” he interrupts.
“What? Why not?”
“Because someone needs to be around to keep an eye on Rhett.” Ledger sighs and adds, “Besides, we know what we’re doing. We’ll be faster without you there.”
