Page 129 of Real's Love

“Montréal!”

Love’s voice sounded from outside, and I shook my head. I gave Juvie a look that promised retribution then walked out the door. She stood a few feet down the brick walkway, her eyes wet and red, her full lips trembling.

“Don’t cry,” I said, feeling unexpectedly awkward.

“Don’t buy,” she parried. “At least not for me. It’s too much.”

I gave in to the need to walk closer to her. I let my fingertip lightly trace the tracks of her tears down a honey-brown cheek. “I’on think you tell me how to spend my money,” I told her softly.

“Real, you can’t?—”

An idea suddenly popped into my head. I smiled down at her as plans began unfolding.

“You wanna discuss it? We can talk about it on our date.”

Her eyes flew to mine. “Wh-what?”

She’d never allowed us to call any of our limited outings dates. It was time to change that. I was fighting for my life with this stubborn girl.

“Now, that’s how you negotiate! You heard him, Everly Love. My OG wants a date!” Juvie crowed.

“Shut up, Julien!” both of us ordered, eyes locked on each other.

He muttered something, but I was too focused on the soft hand that had eased up to grab my wrist. She shook her head slightly, hair spilling around her shoulders.

“Real, don’t?—”

“The deed will be in your hand by tomorrow,” I interrupted.

She closed her eyes and sighed. “When is our date, Montréal?”

Victory felt good. A grin crept across my face. I needed to get this planned, put something nice together. She’d just have to be patient.

“I’ll keep you posted.”

“How’dyou know about this place?” I asked Real as we stepped into the rustic axe-throwing venue.

It was a converted barn, its wooden walls echoing with the satisfying thunk of axes hitting targets. Strings of fairy lights crisscrossed above us, casting a warm glow that mixed with the dusk filtering in through the big windows.

He smiled down at me. “You oughta know how word gets around in farm communities.”

“What you know about farm communities?” I challenged.

“Plenty.”

Rolling my eyes, I couldn’t help laughing at his lying ass. “Be so for real, Montréal.”

My familiarity with the game and with this location meant that we were set up quickly. He must’ve gotten advice from Emory about this date. My sister no doubt wanted me to outdo him, and axe-throwing was kinda my thing. It was also hard as hell. After this little activity, I bet he’d think twice about pursuing a country queen.

"All right, you ready to show me what you got?" I teased, handing Real an axe with a mischievous grin.

He chuckled, rolling his shoulders. "Love, I was born ready. But don’t get mad when I show you up. Now, ladies first.”

We exchanged playful banter, the kind that somehow felt second nature between us. I took my stance, feet planted firmly and let the axe fly. It hit the target, just shy of the bullseye.

"Not bad," Real complimented, before taking his turn.

My jaw dropped when his ax landed just below my mark.

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