Page 119 of Made for Wilde
“Morning, beautiful.”
He makes no move to stop and just positions another log on the chopping block. The muscles in his arms flex as he raises the axe again. His strength both impresses and terrifies me. This man absorbed my father’s rage without fighting back, yet could fell a forest with these same powerful hands.
I step off the porch, and the dew-soaked grass is cold against my bare feet.
“Koda, please. Your body needs to heal.”
“I’m fine.” He brings the axe down, and another log surrenders to his force. “We need firewood before winter hits.”
“Winter is months away.” I cross my arms and try to project authority despite being barefoot and wrapped in his oversized flannel.
Koda doesn’t pause in his rhythm.
“Better to be prepared.”
I watch him position another log and note how he favors his left side. The stubborn man is going to work himself into the ground before admitting he’s hurt.
I give up on reasoning with him for now. “Well, at least let me bring you some coffee.”
“That sounds perfect.” His smile is genuine this time, though it pulls at his split lip.
I pad back into the cabin and head into the kitchen. I fill the coffee maker with water, add grounds, and hit the brew button. The familiar gurgling sound fills the silence.
While I wait, my phone lights up on the counter with an incoming call.
Adrian’s face stares back at me from the display.
I frown, immediately annoyed. I probably shouldn’t even answer it. Koda told me to stay away from him.
I let it go to voicemail.
The phone immediately starts ringing again.
My irritation spikes. What could he possibly want that’s so urgent he can’t wait for me to call back?
Against my better judgment, I swipe to answer.
“What do you want, Adrian?” I snap.
“Hey, Charlotte.” His voice is overly cheerful, like we’re old friends catching up. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“Reach me for what?”
“You left your trophy behind at the school. I found it backstage after everyone cleared out.” He pauses, and I can practically hear his smile through the phone. “I figured you’d want it back, considering you worked so hard for it.”
My heart sinks.
In all the chaos with my Dad, I’d completely forgotten about the trophy. Sarah and I had earned first place, and I’d just abandoned it on the hallway floor.
“Do you want me to leave it at the front desk for you?” Adrian asks.
I hesitate. Something about this feels off.
But I do want my trophy back.
“Sure. Just leave it on Ms. Patterson’s desk.”
“Perfect. It’ll be there whenever you want to swing by and grab it.”
