Page 73 of Finding His Fox

“How does this thing work?” I asked, fumbling with the plastic toy. Cal raised an eyebrow.

“You’re a better shot than I am,” Cal said matter-of-factly.

I beamed, but quickly adjusted my expression.

“Oh, but my arm still hurts,” I joked, hoping Cal would join in.

“I saw you bring home 10 pounds of ribs from James’ bar the other day. Your arm’s fine,” Cal said, waving a hand dismissively.

“Are you telling me you don’t want to get behind me, Callahan?” I asked him, pretending to look annoyed.

“Well, since you asked so nicely,” Cal said in a low voice, his blue eyes darkening.

Cal stepped in closer and pressed his body against my back. His strong arms encircled mine, guiding my hands and helping me steady my aim.

The soft touch of his lips grazed my earlobe, sending a shiver of delight through me. As he took a deep breath, I found myself mirroring his rhythm, our breaths becoming one.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Despite Cal’s help, the first few rounds barely hit their mark. It was hard to focus with Cal’s warm body so distractingly close to mine.

My plan was backfiring fast. At this rate, I wouldn’t win the stuffed toy I wanted.

“I think you’re right. I am a better shot than you,” I told Cal, nudging him away playfully.

Cal smiled and put his hands up in defeat. He stood beside me again and paid the vendor for another round.

I lifted the toy rifle once more up to my shoulder, nestling it snugly against my cheek.

With practiced ease, I shifted my stance, remembering my shooting lessons from when I was young. I adjusted my gaze, taking aim at the row of targets.

Shots rang out, and I hit all marks perfectly. After a few more rounds, I had enough points to win the stuffed toy I had been eyeing since the beginning.

“The white fox, please,” I said to the vendor, pointing at the fluffy stuffed toy at the top of the tent.

The vendor grumbled under his breath as he handed the toy to me. Something about cheating because I was Rory’s cousin. Rory was known to be a pretty good hunter in town.

I held the toy tightly, and I knew now was the perfect time to tell Cal. I led him away from the bustling crowd and found a secluded corner behind another game booth.

Cal looked at me curiously, his eyes searching mine. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves.

However, before I had a chance to say anything, Cal spoke up first.

“You miss me that much if I’m not in bed, huh?” Cal asked, a grin on his face.

His gaze flickered to the white fox plush I had in my hands.

“Wha— huh?” I asked, confused.

“That white fox plush you won,” Cal explained, nodding towards the stuffed toy I was holding.

“You got it because it looked like me, right?” Cal asked.

A smile tugged at the corner of my lips.

“Well, someone’s a little full of themselves,” I quipped.

“But no, this isn’t you. This is for…,” I started to say with a shaky breath.