Page 47 of Hollow Forest

The wind gusted again, colder this time. It lifted strands of my hair into my face while I rested my cheek to peer down the sight.

“Relax your shoulders,” Joey said behind me.

“I am relaxed.”

“You look like you’re trying to fight the gun.”

I narrowed my eyes at the nearest pumpkin and adjusted my grip. My finger curled against the trigger.

Breath in.

Hold.

Bang.

The recoil snapped through my arms. A spray of orange burst from the side of the pumpkin, seeds scattering across the gravel.

Joey let out a low whistle. “Merda.”

I lowered the gun, trying not to smile too hard. “Not bad?”

“Not bad,” he agreed.

He stepped beside me, close enough for me to catch the faint scent of smoke and musk. It wasn't the right scent, but maybe he hadn't put on cologne and probably hadn't showered after his job. He picked up a handgun and aimed one-handed like it weighed nothing.

Bang.

His pumpkin exploded clean apart. The top launched backward off the pallet while shredded orange pulp rained across the rocks.

“Show-off,” I muttered.

Joey grinned. “You’re welcome to try and beat me.”

I looked at the ruined pumpkins scattered across the pit floor, then back at him. The competitive glint in his eyes lit something warm and reckless in my chest.

“Let’s make this interesting,” I said, trying not to sound too eager.

This was it.

I couldn't screw it up.

His brows lifted immediately. “Oh?”

I grabbed another gun, a mean-looking thing, and nestled it into place. “Next five shots. Whoever hits the most pumpkins wins.”

“And the loser?”

I pretended to think about it while another gust of cold air swept through the pit, rattling dry weeds between the rocks. Somewhere through the trees above us, geese cried overhead.

Excitement pulsed through me. “Pays whatever price the winner demands."

Joey snorted. “That's vague.”

“You scared?”

He laughed, low and rough, then nodded toward the pumpkins. “Alright, Sam. Take your shot.”

I lifted the rifle before he finished speaking, heart thumping harder now. The cold bit at my fingertips, but adrenaline warmed the rest of me fast.