Page 34 of Another Round
I agree. But Gus doesn’t seem to concur with our sentiments. With his belly full, he bumps my calve with his wet nose, seeking either more food or the exercise he was promised. “I don’t think he likes it as much as we do.”
One of the best sounds in the world blows against my chest as she giggles and shakes her head.
“You’d think he’d be used to it by now.”
Hell, you’d thinkI’dbe used to it by now. But I’m not sure I’ll ever be. Holding her is like a drug. Fast release and instantaneous addiction that quiets the noise in my head and soothes the ache in my heart.
With one last squeeze to me, she bends down and caresses his head and ears with both hands. Giving him his turn at her full attention. “Okay, okay, we’re going. We’re going.”
Obvious as to who he likes better, he stays on her heels while she races to her place to change. Which I’m going to correct when she gets back. If she’s in my bed every night, all of her stuff should be in my place every day. I yank on my own shorts and running shoes while I wait. Lighting up like the damn dog when she returns. His leash in one hand while her other one slides into mine. Only struggling to hold him back when I perform my perimeter search before I let her—meaning them—out onto the sidewalk.
Not much of a warmup before we run when Gus is with us. Already straining to bolt forward and sprint to his favorite park. Both of us laugh at his awkward gait when he attempts to really gallop but he hasn’t grown into his huge paws and gangly legs yet. Dog’s going to be a beast once he’s fully grown.
After two months of running with her, I can actually keep up. She’s been as good for me physically as she has mentally. I smile over at her, but her gaze remains on the path. As introspective as I was earlier this morning. Quiet and deep in her own thoughts. Until she finally glances at me with an expression I can’t read.
“I have a favor to ask you.”
Anything. “Go for it.”
“Will you teach me to shoot?”
Not at all what I was expecting since she’s fit but not into playing sports as far as I can tell since the time I’ve known her. I nod toward the courts we pass on the right. “A basketball?”
“No, a gun.”
She keeps her head down, fiddling with the leash handle that works perfectly fine. She’d meet my eye, maybe even give me the eyebrow, if she felt confident in her request. Recalling our argument at the beginning of the summer, I know what she’s getting at. But she may not know what she’s really asking. “Because you want to be able to save yourself.”
“Yes.”
“And, let me guess. You asked your Dad, Max, and Theo, and they all said no.”
“They treat me like I’m helpless and you don’t. So I thought maybe you would.”
Fuck me if I don’t love her for seeing the difference. Because like them I’d give my life to save hers. Unlike them I know she needs to fly on her own and she can soar if given the chance. “Yeah, I will…”
She lights up like the Fourth of July celebrations everyone’s getting ready to enjoy. I shake my head. Loathe to diminish her enthusiasm, yet she needs to really understand her request. “There’s something I want you to consider first.”
Skepticism lines her face. She thinks my ‘yes’ is turning into a ‘no’ although she might change her mind on her own after my caution. “A basic firearm rule I believe is never point a gun at someone unless you’re really willing to pull the trigger. As much as you want to protect yourself and the people you love, would you really be able to kill the attacker and live with yourself if he died?”
“I never thought about it like that.”
“Because if you’re not sure, if you aren’t absolutely confident, a pro could easily turn the tables on you.”
“Someone like you?”
I have and I will again if need be. “Yes.”
“Okay, I’ll think about it, and if I decide I can do it, you’ll teach me?”
“Of course.”
The smile that returns to her face makes my cock stir with interest again. He was denied this morning and is still disappointed from the loss. Desperate for her regardless of when or where. But definitely not here. Even more than normal, I can’t wait to get home.
“Time’s gone by so fast. I can’t believe I’m already halfway through my internship.” Her focus returns to our trail. Contemplation filling her tone. “I’m really going to miss this place.”
The words stab my stomach. Sharp and jagged with the meaning behind her implication. She actually thinks she’s leaving. And that I could actually let her.
“Do you ever think about the future?”
