Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
A happy couple isn’t something I saw much of until I found the Atwoods. You can clearly see the love Mr. Atwood has for his wife. Hell, even how Paxton looks at Hartford. Everyone knew how much he’d always liked her, and now they’re together.
“Here’s your axes,” Freddie says.
I turn my head and notice Anya staring at me. She tilts her head, curious as to what held my attention. Not willing to have any kind of discussion about it, I just smile and grab my ax.
“This is heavier than I expected,” Anya says.
“It’s an ax, Anya. What did you think it would feel like?” Callum asks.
I never really noticed how Callum belittles her, but recently I’ve been paying closer attention. He treats her like she’s still a child sometimes, which couldn’t be further from the truth. I don’t even think Anya notices and if she does, it doesn’t appear to bother her.
I wish I could say the same.
It bothers the fuck out of me. I don’t view her as a child. I definitely don’t view her as a little sister.
“It’s a hell of a lot heavier than my knives, that’s for sure,” I say.
Anya laughs, while Callum shakes his head.
“I’m going first,” Anya says, excitedly, walking up to the line.
“She’s going to drop it. Don’t stand behind her,” Callum whispers, pulling me aside.
I stare at her, hoping she proves her brother wrong.
She has a tight grip on the handle with both hands and brings it behind her head. My stomach tightens with worry that she’ll hurt herself. But she swings her arms forward and lets the ax fly. She’s so excited, but it quickly fades as the ax falls before reaching the target.
“Damn,” she says, turning around to face us.
“Nice try, little sister. Now watch how it’s done.”
She rolls her eyes, but laughs as Callum walks to the line. He throws his ax and it hits the top corner, just making it onto the target. He turns around smiling as he points to his shot.
“Beat that,” he says, wrapping his arm around his sister.
I don’t say anything as I step up to the line. I crack my neck and he chuckles behind me. He can laugh, but I’m about to show him how it’s done. I wrap my hands around the ax and bring it behind my head. I allow my hands to slide down the handle a bit as I swing my arms forward. I let go and watch as the ax hits incredibly close to the bullseye.
“Holy wow,” Anya says behind me.
“Beginners luck,” Callum replies.
I turn around smiling as I point to the ax. “Now beat that.”
We all laugh and now I understand why Anya chose this. Callum and I, hell all of the Atwoods, are all extremely competitive. She knew this would turn into just that and Callum and I would have a blast.
Which is exactly what happens.
Callum starts to take each throw more serious than the last. I can’t help laughing each time I beat him, which pisses him off. Anya is still struggling, but every time I try to give advice, Callum just yells to throw it.
Anya steps up for her throw and Callum gets a phone call. “I need to take this,” he says, walking away.
I watch him go outside before I turn to Anya. “Hey, wait,” I say, stepping next to her.
She lowers her arms, now holding the ax with one hand. “What?”
“You’re holding the ax wrong.” I grab the handle of her ax, pulling it up while her one hand is still on it. “Wrap both hands around the handle.” She does and I nod. “Good, but see how high up you have them, you need to move them down.” She does, but not far enough, so I step behind her, wrapping my arms around her to reach her hands. I cover her hands with one of mine and move them down the ax. “Hold it here,” I whisper, entirely too close to her. I can smell her sweet coconut scent and feel her body heat radiating onto me.
“Like this?” she asks, her voice soft.
“Just like that. Now when you bring your arms back, put all your force behind it and let go after you can see the ax. Keep your eyes on the bullseye. You can do this, Anya.”
My breathing has increased, just as hers has. I feel a fire burning inside me, but it’s different than normal. It’s not trying to eat me alive. It’s a feeling of excitement.
I step back, reluctantly, and when her eyes find mine, I smile and nod.
She does exactly what I say and her ax hits the target and sticks.
“Oh my God, I did it.” She turns around, the pride and excitement beaming off of her is infectious. “Griffin, I did it.” She runs and jumps at me and I catch her, wrapping my arms around her small body. Her arms cling to me tightly and we fall silent.