Page 15 of Cookie

There were two long alleys that were divided by a short wall topped with mesh wire to the ceiling. The outer walls were solid, which it turns out was on the other side of the wall where we were seated. One alley was occupied, and a man and a woman were taking turns throwing axes at a painted target on the wooden wall at the end. They made it look so easy, and so fun. “What do you think?” I asked Ryan.

“Oh, I definitely want to try it,” he said and walked over to the man seated at the entrance. “Can we get on the list?”

“You can go now if you’d like,” he said, and Ryan had his card out and paid before I had a chance to even reach for mine. “I’ll give you a quick lesson, then you’re on your own.” He walked into the alley and picked up an ax that was lying on a table near the entrance. “You want to always remember to face the target and follow through.” He held the ax with both hands and after hefting it over his head, he flung it toward the target and stuck it in the bullseye. “Who wants to try?”

Ryan walked up, did exactly as the man had said to and promptly stuck the ax in the bullseye. He spun around and raised both arms up in victory and laughed as he jogged back to me. “It’s easy, now you go,” he said and crossed his arms as he watched me choose an ax. I held it in both hands, lined it up, followedthrough and—missed. The ax clattered to the floor and was so loud I expected someone to yell to keep it down.

“You need to follow through,” Ryan said.

“I did,” I said and chose another ax. This time I shook off the tension, and reminded myself this was just for fun, it wasn’t a competition. Once again, I tried, and once again the ax clattered to the floor. Warm arms wrapped around me and Ryan’s lips at my ear brought me back to the present.

“I can give you private lessons if you’d like,” he whispered while pressing his body against mine.

“I think I need it,” I said, making us both laugh.

“Let me show you how it’s done.” He stepped up and threw all three axes perfectly into the center. He dusted off his hands, walked up to me, and pulled me in for a big kiss. “Come on, I’m starved.”

I wasted no time following him. Wherever Cookie went, I’d follow, even if he did kick my ass at ax throwing.

Fourteen

Ryan

The server brought our orders just as we got settled at the table. “Here you go, guys. Let me know if there’s anything else you need,” they said as we took in the amazing smells and delicious looking food.

“I think we’re good,” I said, and they turned and hurried back to the kitchen.

“This was definitely a good choice,” Charlie said, as he took a bite of one of the barbecued ribs on his sample platter. I tried the brisket and had to stifle a groan.

“I think so too,” I said and for a few minutes we both were too busy eating to speak. Finally, Charlie looked up and met my eyes.

“So, about going to a club . . .” he said and left it hanging.

“I wondered if you were serious about going. What do you think?” I asked.

“Let’s do it. I’ve been to one nearby a few years ago but I wasn’t with anyone, and I mostly stood back and took it all in.”

“So, you want to go and get the full experience?” I asked and hoped he was ready for the club Aunt Millie had mentioned. I didn’t tell her, but I knew exactly what it was, I just hadn’t had the chance to go to it yet.

“What’s the full experience?” he asked, his eyes wide and a bite of brisket held on his fork.

“How open are you to new experiences?” I asked, not answering his question at all.

“I guess I’m open—I think,” he said still with an edge of fear or panic to his voice, and maybe a little curiosity.

“It’s still early but we can go check it out and if it’s not your thing there’s a few other clubs we can check out.” I wanted him to see new things, but I didn’t want him to be uncomfortable or feel like he had to pretend to like something he didn’t. “I’m curious too,” I admitted.

“Let’s go then,” he said and finally ate the bite he still hadn’t touched.

“We can park my car at my apartment and take an Uber. Then we don’t have to worry about parking or drinking.” He nodded before smiling at me.

“I can’t wait,” he said, and leaned across the table to kiss me. “Everything with you is fun.”

“Everything?” I murmured, tipping my chin down and hoping I looked flirty. He started to smile before swallowing hard and reaching for my hand.

“Yes, everything,” he said and smoldered right back at me, and how did I not notice how intensely hot he was when he looked at me with unhidden lust.

Now it was my turn to swallow hard before waving for our ticket so we could get the hell out of here. As soon as we were outside the restaurant, I pushed Charlie against the side of the building. The light had just faded enough to give the illusion of privacy as I kissed him the way I always seemed to want to. Our tongues swirled together and when he moaned into my mouth, I considered staying at my apartment instead of just dropping off my car. But Charlie didn’t get out of Grace very often and I wanted him to see more than my bedroom. “Come on, let’s go see what we can see,” I said and took his hand. We explored more of the area around the arena and after about an hour decided it was time to take the car home.

---