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“But I’m not even sure I want a gun. Or if I want to learn how to shoot one. I was curious. That’s all. So thanks, but I’m okay.” She stared at her fidgeting hands while she explained. I was pretty sure she didn’t know she was giving herself away, but to me, it was as if she had a neon sign flashing above her head, “I’m lying.”

I wasn’t willing to give up yet, so I tried a different tactic. “How about this? I take you to the range so you can appease your curiosity. I have everything you need, you only need to bring you. Then you can decide if you want a lesson or not.”

I sat quietly and watched the emotions flashing across her face, grateful she hadn’t refused me instantly. I did my best to appear patient despite feeling quite the opposite. Why was I so worried she’ll still say no? I barely knew her and shouldn’t care this much. But I did.

I wanted to help her. I’ve always been the guy who wanted to help others. Especially women. I reminded myself to be careful, so I didn’t get taken advantage of again.

“Can I ask you a question?” Meg lifted her gaze to meet mine. I nodded, so she continued. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why do you want to help me?”

The quiet sadness in her voice tore my heart in half. Did she really believe she wasn’t worth helping? Had no one ever helped her before? A visceral need to find the fucking asshole who’d hurt her and beat him to death ripped through me.

She was waiting for me to answer, so I needed to say something, anything, except what I was really thinking. I answered, “I’m a sucker for a pretty face.”Fucking idiot, that was so far across the line it wasn’t even in Texas anymore.

I was about to apologize when I noticed her lips quiver. A sad smile formed as she shook her head in disbelief.

I didn’t give her time to say anything. “Here’s the thing. I’d offer to teach any of ma’s girls if they wanted to learn.” It was true, but I didn’t mention I’d never felt inclined to offer.

She released an exasperated sigh. “If I say no, will you keep trying?”

“Yes, yes, I will.” I wiggled my eyebrows to lighten the mood. “You’ll give in to my charm, eventually.” Good God, I hope that sounded charming, not pathetic.

“Okay, fine. You win.” Her small smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thank you.”

“I expected you to make me work harder.” I laughed.

When she tried to leave before setting a date and time, I stopped her. I had a feeling if she didn’t commit to a date now, she’d always be busy when I reached out to schedule. I also knew I’d be the one reaching out, because if given the chance, Meg would pretend this conversation hadn’t happened. Of course, I knew setting a date today didn’t mean she wouldn’t cancel.

We agreed to meet at the range the following Sunday at ten am. She politely declined when I offered to pick her up. I gave her my business card and had her text me, so I had her number, just in case.

Chapter 6

Meg

Icontemplated texting Jack several times over the next few days to cancel our appointment. I refused to call it a ‘range date’ like Jack did. In the end, I decided against it because I really wanted to try shooting a gun. Besides, I told myself, it’d be rude to bail on him after he’d been so generous. I also didn’t want to have to explain why I’d cancelled. Because, of course, Jack told his mom he was taking me to the range. The last thing I wanted to do was seem ungrateful.

When I got to the range, Jack was already there, relaxing against the counter, talking to the range manager. He stood up, stretching to his full six foot two height, as I approached. I tried not to think about how gorgeous he was. The plaid shirt he wore hung open, showing off the muscles under his snug navy blue t-shirt.

“Hey, glad you made it.” His tone was friendly. “You remember Grant? If you have any questions, he’s your guy.”

Grant waved. “Hi Meg, good to see you again.”

“Hi.” I waved back.

Jack shook hands with Grant and thanked him before leading me into a classroom.

I dropped my purse on a chair. It made a loud thud thanks to the book inside.

Jack chuckled, “What do you have in there, bricks?”

“No.” I said shyly, “A book.” Most people thought it was weird that I read so much, I was sure he would too.

“Do you read a lot?”

“Yeah, I never leave home without a book.” I didn’t tell him that, unlike most people, I didn’t have any social media accounts or streaming services.

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