In the split second after I speak, all I see are his eyes. Strangely, they still read kind, and it’s enough to make me question for the briefest moment if I’ve been too harsh. But his brow furrows, his nostrils flare, and his mouth twists into the tightest purse I’ve ever seen. Never mind. If he were truly kind, he wouldn’t have met my politeness with outright dickishness. I spin around and march back to my truck.
“Bloody hell, what did you say to her?” the polite one asks as I walk the six feet back to the other side of the clearing.
The only tidbit I hear before I’m back in my truck is Callum barking the name Finn. Judging by their resemblance, I’m guessing they’re brothers. And Callum would do well to listen to his little brother Finn next time, as it might keep him out of trouble. Too late now though.
I tie on my apron and start prepping for lunch. Sunlight shines through the open window, illuminating the blade of my knife as I chop heads of cabbage. The adrenaline from our fiery exchange is a surprise source of energy. I shred the whole tray in half the time it usually takes.
All he had to do was show one ounce of courtesy. But no. He wanted to start a war. With a total stranger who was perfectly polite to him until he played dirty. A total stranger who’s been through hell this past year and a half, who is tired of ducking from the constant stream of curveballs life chucks at her.
As of today, I’m done ducking. I’m fighting back.
He wants a war? It is motherfucking on.
Photo by Daniel Muller
SARAH ECHAVARRE SMITH is a copywriter turned author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie’s stash of romance novels. She’s been hooked ever since. When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and her adorable cat, Salem.
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