Page 48 of Hollow Forest

I aimed.

Fired.

The pumpkin burst apart dead center.

There was no way I could lose. I didn't want to think what he would make me pay.

“Dio sacro,” Joey huffed as pieces of pumpkin slapped against the pallet behind it. “Okay. Maybe I should be worried if I show up to the cottage unannounced.”

I wasn’t going to tell him that I wouldn’t be there.

That thought hurt.

I lowered the gun slowly, trying to act like my pulse wasn’t suddenly pounding in my throat. “You should’ve been worried from the start.”

“Cocky now too?”

“You created this monster.” Shit. Was I flirting? I couldn't help it! There was something about this man that brought it out of me.

I desperately wanted him to be my stalker. Then I wouldn't have to worry about the masked man’s jealousy.

Joey shook his head, still grinning, and stepped up beside me. Gravel crunched under his boots as he planted his stance. The breeze tugged at the hem of his flannel while he raised the gun. Even now, he looked completely relaxed. His shoulders were loose and his hands were steady. He’d probably done this a thousand times before.

Bang.

One of the smaller pumpkins jerked sideways, a chunk blown from its middle but still intact.

I immediately pointed at it. “That doesn’t count as a kill.”

“It absolutely counts.”

“It’s still standing!” I argued.

His black stare clashed with mine. “It’s dying.”

I gasped at the vicious note in his voice. This man could be a monster. It was right there, twinkling in his eyes.

The sky deepened another shade darker above us, gold bleeding into streaks of pink and purple behind the tree line. Cold settled heavier into the pit, creeping through my jeans every time the wind kicked up. The smell of spent rounds lingered thick in the air.

I stepped forward again and picked my target. The squat pumpkin near the edge of the pallet with a crooked stem looked so freaking innocent.

Joey leaned closer behind me. “Bet you miss this one.”

A shiver rattled down my spine. “You talking during my shot because you’re nervous?”

“I’m talking because it’s fun watching you get competitive.”

I ignored him, though heat crept into my cheeks anyway. I adjusted my grip, exhaled slowly, and squeezed the trigger.

Bang.

The pumpkin detonated. Orange flesh sprayed across the gravel pit floor in wet chunks.

Joey groaned dramatically behind me. “Madonna santa.”

I turned toward him with a grin I couldn’t hide anymore. “Two for two.”

“Beginner’s luck,” he groused.