Page 94 of 10 Things I Hate About Mistletoe

Because I want to be sure.

Before Anthony gave up his vow of celibacy and took that step, he wanted some without-a-doubt sign that what he was experiencing with Delilah was love. He knew it was strong and something he’d never experienced before, but he couldn’t be wrong. There was too much riding on this for him to make a misstep and risk Delilah getting hurt. Or worse, leaving town.

Losing people had become old hat for him. His father, whom he never really had. His brothers, with the exception of Bradley, and then his mom. The only constants remained Pike, Nick, and Noel. Anthony couldn’t lose them.

“I thought we should have a few dates outside the house where we’re less likely to give into temptation,” he said.

“Yeah,” Delilah drawled sarcastically, dropping her voice as another couple walked by, “because that first time in your truck was so secluded.”

“Hey,” he protested, holding the axe against his side as he leaned over, nose to nose with her, “I could channel my sexual frustration into sarcasm, too, but I’m choosing to use it to perfect the sacred art of axe throwing.”

Delilah released him and waved her hand with flourish, shooting him a sheepish grin. “I apologize. Please continue the lesson.”

“Very good, now”—Anthony stepped back and positioned himself behind the throwing line—“the key is to keep your elbow in and your arm straight. It doesn’t require much force, so when you bring it back like this—” He let the axe head drop back behind his shoulder before smoothly launching it forward. It turned over twice before the blade impaled the wall. “See?” He turned to her, pointing to the axe with the blue handle. “Now, you try.”

Anthony stood back as Delilah grabbed the axe and took a similar stance to his, letting the head of the axe fall back and then throwing it with delicate force. It struck the center of the target and Anthony narrowed his eyes.

“Lila?” he drawled.

She turned around with wide, innocent eyes. “Yes?”

“You’ve done this before, haven’t you?”

Her lips twitched. “Maybe.”

“Then why did you let me think you hadn’t?”

Delilah approached him, placing her hands on his chest. “Because I’ve had this fantasy about a big, strong man teaching me how to do something.” Her palms slid down, settling on the waistband of his jeans. “Unfortunately, I thought the lesson would be a little more hands on.”

Anthony groaned, covering her hands with his and bringing them back up to press against the front of his shirt. “You’re killing me, love.”

Delilah took a step closer, licking her lips. “I like that.”

“What? That you’re killing me?”

“No. I like it when you call me love.”

He reached up to cradle her face in his hands. “What are you doing to me, love?”

Delilah leaned into him, stretching to meet his mouth as he dipped down to take her lips with his. She was sweet and soft, and he wanted to get lost in her. To enjoy her with his hands and mouth, but tonight was about talking. Taking the steps to converse and make sure what was brewing between them was more than raging hormones.

Anthony broke the kiss, brushing his lips against the tip of her nose. “Now that I know you’re not a beginner, I don’t have to hold back.”

“Oh, was that your plan?” she laughed playfully, walking down the length of the stall to the target and yanking her axe from the board. “To teach me how to throw an axe and go easy on me as if I’m too delicate for a little competition?”

Anthony’s lips twitched as he pulled up next to her to retrieve his own axe. “Something like that.”

“Then how about this? For every time I hit the bull’s-eye, you have to agree to one of my demands.” Anthony started to protest, sure she was going to finagle sex out of him, but she held up her hand. “Not that. More along the lines of information.”

“Why do I feel like a perp on a cop show about to get the screws?” he asked.

“Are you nervous?” Delilah asked, jutting out her hip with an exaggerated pout. “If you want, I could go easy on you.”

Anthony took a step back against the wall and waved a hand. “Give it your best shot, love.”

Delilah chucked the axe toward the target and hit it dead center. She turned to Anthony, smiling like a proud cat who’d caught a parakeet. “Tell me about the first time you had sex.”

Anthony choked in surprise. “Way to just ease on into things.”