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“Okay, thanks.” I was staring at my target, searching for a hole. “I think I missed.”

“Nope, you hit low left. See?” Jack pointed out the hole in the silhouette shaped target. “Not bad for your first try.” Jack held up his hand for a high-five.

I clapped my hand to his when I finally saw the hole, surprised I’d actually hit the target. “Can I try again?” My initial fear was gone in the excitement.

“Of course.” Jack smiled.

I shot a few more times, one bullet at a time, happy I didn’t jump as much as I did the first time. After a few more rounds, Jack had me load two at a time. I didn’t do great, but at least I was hitting the target. After I finished shooting, I watched Jack pack up his gear. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins.I did it; I shot a gun!It was scary at first, but Jack’s calm presence helped me get past my fear. I had fun.

He rolled up my targets and asked me if I wanted to keep them.

“Do people usually keep them?”

“Some do. It might be nice to keep it as a souvenir of your first time shooting. You can always throw it away later if you change your mind.”

“Okay.” I took them, thinking it’d be kind of neat to have them.

We could finally talk normally once we were off the range.

“Thank you. That was fun.” I said, handing him his hat.

“Keep it. Maybe you’ll need it again?” He sounded like he was asking a question rather than making a statement.

“Thanks. I don’t know, maybe? It wasn’t quite what I expected. But then again, I didn’t really know what to expect. It always looks so easy in the movies and sounds so scary in the news. But it wasn’t easy or scary, you know?” I was rambling, the adrenaline hadn’t worn off yet.

He nodded, “I do.” He packed up the rest of his gear. “Want to grab some lunch? I can answer any questions you have, and maybe we can plan another range date.”

I checked the time. “Thanks, but I can’t. I told Beth I’d watch Chase.”

“When do you have to be there?”

“Three.” I turned toward the door, ready to leave. I was hoping he would let it drop.

“It’s only eleven-thirty. There’s a café down the road. We can grab a coffee to celebrate while I answer your questions. You’ll have plenty of time to go home and shower before heading to Beth’s.” He was persistent.

I should probably say no, but I didn’t want to. “Yeah, Okay.” I felt good, and coffee with Jack sounded better than being home alone with my book.

Chapter 7

Jack

Meg insisted on paying for our coffees, saying it was the least she could do to show her gratitude. I conceded, in the brief time I’d known her, I recognized her sense of pride and independence. If buying me a cup of coffee made her feel better about getting a free lesson, then I was happy to oblige. After she paid, we moved to the end of the counter to wait for our drinks, my black coffee, and Meg’s peppermint tea.

“Ma’ll skin me alive if she ever finds out I let a girl buy me a coffee.” I added a little extra southern drawl to my voice, making it obvious I was joking.

Meg’s eyes opened wide. Her expression had me wondering if she was going to laugh or apologize. I gave her the world’s most fake woe-is-me expression, complete with my hands over my heart.

My heart skipped a beat when she coughed to cover her laugh. She lifted her eyes, glossy from laughter, to meet mine, and smiled. It was the first time her smile reached her eyes, and it took my breath away.

“That look...” She sucked in a breath, “Was pathetic.” She choked out, still laughing.

I smiled and bowed.

We thanked the barista as she handed us our drinks and walked to an open table.

I intentionally chose one so we could both see the door comfortably. Meg wouldn’t relax if she couldn’t see the door.I wonder if she realizes how often she looks over her shoulder?Most people, outside the military or law enforcement, never think about where they sit in a restaurant, but for those of us who’ve served, it’s second nature to sit where we can see most, if not all, exits. I hated that something from her past forced her to live in fear.

She seemed nervous at first, but slowly relaxed as I answered her questions. When I reminded her she did great for a first timer, she blushed as she smiled. Her face glowed. Happy looked good on her.I want to be the reason she smiles like that. I fought back the sudden urge to reach across the table and brush a wayward hair off her face.

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