Page 312 of Conveniently Wed
“Sight down the barrel and hold it steady.” Garrett found it increasingly difficult to instruct Aundy in how to shoot his revolver with her floral scent tantalizing his nose and a wayward wisp of hair engaged in a teasing dance by his cheek.
His mother returned from town with Aundy in tow, insisting J.B. begin her lessons in agriculture that afternoon. Aundy spent a couple of hours at the kitchen table taking notes as J.B. shared information about farming.
Garrett interrupted the lessons when he stopped by the house to ask his father a question.
Aundy appeared to share his stunned feelings when Nora had insisted he give the girl a shooting lesson right then.
“Ma, I just needed to ask Pops a question,” Garrett said, backing toward the door, hoping to escape. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be around Aundy. The problem was that he wanted it too much. He’d like nothing better than to spend the afternoon sitting somewhere quiet listening to her lilting voice and getting lost in her sky-blue eyes. He’d promised himself to stay away from the widow, and he had more than enough work to keep him busy.
“I’m sure Garrett has much more pressing matters this afternoon,” Aundy protested, rising to her feet from her place at the table. “I really should be getting home anyway.”
“Nonsense. Garrett could use a break from his work, couldn’t you?” The silvery stare Nora sent his direction let him know she wouldn’t tolerate any argument from him.
“Sure, Ma, but Mrs. Erikson isn’t exactly dressed for a shooting lesson.” Garrett tried not to stare at Aundy’s pretty outfit, from the frill of lace around her long neck to the elaborate stitching on the hem of a skirt that was the exact same shade of blue as her sky-colored eyes.
“She can leave off her jacket and put on one of my aprons. She’ll be fine.” Nora hustled to pluck a clean apron off a peg on the wall and tied it around Aundy before she could generate an excuse for immediately returning home. Quickly placing a handful of cookies in Garrett’s hand, Nora pushed him and Aundy toward the door. “Have fun.”
Garrett stared at his mother with a narrowed gaze. He bit back a smart comment and held the door for Aundy. He led the way behind the barn where he set some old cans they saved for target practice on top of a few fence posts.
Although he planned to have Aundy shoot his revolver once or twice and send her back to the house, she held the gun in her hand, looking at it then him expectantly. Resigned to giving her a real lesson, he took the gun from her. He described in detail how it worked, how she should hold it, gun safety, and everything a beginner needed to know about the weapon.
When he finished, she smiled at him, causing him to forget what it was he was going to say. He pointed toward a post and told her to try to shoot one of the cans.
Aundy had a hard time holding the gun steady using only one hand and her first shot went wild.
“Here, let me help you.”
She started to hand him the gun, but he stepped close behind her and put his arms around her. Garrett placed his big hands over her smaller one, helped her raise the gun, his cheek pressed against her temple.
That was his first mistake.
His second was taking a deep breath. Nearly undone by her soft rose fragrance, her warmth seeped into him, making him feel slightly overheated.
“Normally, you’d learn to shoot using both hands to steady your weapon. Since that isn’t an option, you’ll just learn to do it one-handed from the start.” Garrett desperately wanted to kiss Aundy. He could almost taste the sweetness of her lips. “You hold it like this, see?”
Aundy nodded her head, unable to see or think. Not with Garrett so close to her. He smelled of horses and sunshine, and some musky scent she found to be both alluring and inviting.
When he stepped behind her, pressing close, her knees wobbled and she fought the desire to lean back into his strength. Her stomach fluttered as his breath stirred the hair by her ear then she felt his cheek against her temple. His deep voice filled the air and her soul.
She blinked her eyes, trying to keep from collapsing at his feet. Intentionally blocking out just how wonderful it felt to have Garrett’s arms around her, she focused on the can on top of the fencepost.
“When you feel ready, gently squeeze the trigger. Don’t pull or tug it, just let it come easy.” Garrett drew on what was left of his restraint as he kept his arms around Aundy, helping steady the gun in her hand.
She pulled the trigger and hit the can, knocking it off the post.
“That’s great, Aundy!” Garrett shared an enthusiastic hug with his arms around her waist, pulling her close. Mindful ofwhat he’d done, he dropped his hands and stepped back. “You seem to be a fast learner. Try the next one.”
Aundy wasn’t sure she could concentrate enough to hit the side of the barn, but tried to regain her focus. She missed a few, but the more she shot the more she hit, gaining confidence. Garrett reloaded the gun for her several times. The last round, she hit five out of six cans.
“I’m very proud of you.” Garrett was amazed at how quickly she picked up shooting, especially since she was learning one-handed.
“Thanks.” Aundy beamed a smile at Garrett, rather pleased with her efforts considering she’d never before held a gun. “I can see why Dent said you should teach me to shoot. You’ve been so patient and informative.”
“Glad you think so.” He took the gun from her and reloaded it. “Want to try again?”
“I’ve killed enough cans today. However, I’d like to see you shoot.” She wondered if he would hit all the cans he lined up on the posts.
“Are you sure?” Garrett asked, returning to stand beside her, holstering the gun.
