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“You make it all look so easy.” She said after we left the range and took off our ear pro.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, and had a lot of training and practice, but I was a beginner once, too.”

When we were all done, I suggested a nearby pub instead of our usual café for lunch and was happy she agreed. I was hungry for more than a pastry and a coffee, and since I was going to pay, I didn’t have to worry about stressing her budget.

I ordered a bacon cheeseburger and a beer. Meg ordered a Cobb salad and water. I almost teased her about ordering rabbit food but decided against it, figuring she’d feel self conscious. I didn’t like walking on eggshells, but after last night, I was worried she’d pull away instead of opening up more.

Meg told me she loved her SIG and asked me what zeroing meant. I explained the process as simply as I could.

“Make sense?” I chuckled at her cute scrunched-up concentration face.

“I, uh, I think so, maybe.” She laughed and shook her head. “No, not really.”

Our server arrived with our food and we both dove in. I laughed at myself for thinking her salad would be rabbit food. They loaded it with chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and avocado. I was almost jealous.

When I asked Meg if she planned to carry her gun or use it for home defense, she said she didn’t think she was ready.

“I don’t have nearly enough training or practice yet.”

“I’m happy to help. I can teach you how to draw from a holster too. Piece of cake.”

“Right, easy for you to say. And how many you’re-training-me-but-its-not-a-lesson lessons will it take?”

“Funny.” I sipped of my beer to buy a second. We were dating, so I didn’t have to pretend anymore. She might want to pay, but I wouldn’t let happen. “You can call them whatever you want. They’re all free. A perk of dating me.” I winked and flashed her a playful grin. I took another sip of my beer and hoped she wouldn’t tell me we weren’t dating.

“Another perk.” I waved our server over and handed him my credit card before Meg could protest. “Lunch is on me.”

“So now I can’t even repay you by buying you lunch?”

“Meg, I’ve told you, you don’t have to pay me. I enjoy our range dates. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll let you buy me a coffee next time.”

She fiddled with her fork. I had a feeling she wanted to say something but was holding back. “Meg, what is it?”

She wouldn’t meet my eyes. “Nothing.”

“It’s not nothing.” I reach across the table and held her hand. “Please?”

“I wasn’t sure you’d want to see me, or help me, anymore after I ruined our date.” She blinked a few times quickly. I couldn’t let her cry. She had nothing to feel guilty about.

“Meg, you didn’t ruin anything.” I squeezed her hand, hoping to re-assure her.

Chapter 28

Meg

Ireplayed the day in my mind as Jack drove us back to my apartment. He was helpful, but not overbearing. He let me shoot alone, trusting I could do it safely, while remaining nearby in case I had questions.

He bought me a lunch to celebrate, which was sweet, even if I had argued about wanting to pay.

He said we're dating. Should I stop? What if Sullivan finds me and I have to run away again? What if I get too comfortable and let my mask slit and reveal my past? What if he gets to know me and realizes I’m not worthy of him?

I invited Jack in when he dropped me off. We sat on the couch and talked about movies and books. I intentionally sat on the opposite end, leaving plenty of space between us. He didn’t move closer, but he turned so he was facing me. After a while, we started talking about college. He took virtual classes while he was in the Army, earning his BS in Criminal Justice from Texas State.

I shared a little about my experience at a community college in southern Indiana. I had almost enough credits for my associate’s degree, but had to move before finishing.Shit, I shouldn’t have said that. What if he wants to know why?

“What was your major?” Jack asked when I didn’t volunteer more.

“Business Management.” That must sound boring to someone who saves people for a living.

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