Page 28 of Catching Flynn

“Pull.”

The clay flew.

Boom.

It burst.

Before Flynn could finish being impressed, Zavier called again.

Another launch. Another shot. Another orange disc was blown apart.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Five in a row.

Each report cracked through the open air with controlled force, each recoil absorbed. Empty shells popped free in clean motions. Fresh ones went in. Zavier moved with such skill, Flynn forgot to blink for at least half the sequence.

By the last shattered clay, Flynn’s mouth had gone a little stupid. If he’d been the one shooting that quickly, he probably would’ve taken out an entire V-formation of geese.

“Well,” Flynn said after a moment, because dignity was dead and someone had to bury it. “That was obnoxious.”

Obnoxiously good.

Lowering the shotgun, Zavier glanced back with that same infuriating half-smile. “You asked.”

“I regret everything.” Flynn crossed his arms, then uncrossed them because that strain bothered his shoulder. “Actually, no. I regret nothing. But for the record, I’m still better.”

A soft huff left Zavier as he unloaded the gun. “Based on what?”

“Vibe.” Flynn lifted his chin. “Potential. Star quality,” he said. “Besides, you don’t even carry a weapon. What kind if bodyguard doesn’t have at least one holstered at his ankle?” Flynn squinted at him. “I bet you just karate chop bad guys. You got the hands for it.”

He jerked his own hands back when they lifted to do a Bruce Lee move.

He was all limbs and would’ve looked like he was waving around wet noodles.

“I’ve been doing this for decades.” Zavier set aside the open shotgun, but without the warning glare, like he was confident Flynn wouldn’t lunge for it.

“Doesn’t mean those five shots were luck.” He held out his hand. “Now give me back my shotgun.” He wiggled his fingers.

Xavier looked amused. “And your two shots could’ve been luck, if we’re going by that logic.”

“I know you’ve learned your lesson,” Zavier’s said, the teasing in his voice absent. “I also explained the rules. You moved fast. With a weapon.”

Flynn glanced at the gray sky, watching as thick clouds rolled past.

“I don’t deny my mistake,” he said. “My whole life I’ve been surviving, shrinking myself, filled with anxiety, and sticking to routine to minimize small spaces. Because tiny is safe.” He’d never told anyone about those things. Didn’t really put it together until Colton made it no longer possible to deny the truth.

“Then you bring me here with the smell of gunpowder in the air, noise, and open land, and for the first time, I felt free, Zavier.” Flynn looked at the gun resting on the table. “Hitting that disc gave me a sense of freedom I’ve never experienced before. I got caught up with joy and became careless. Just wanted you to know I paid attention. Just got overwhelmed.”

Zavier brushed his knuckles along Flynn’s jaw. “I know. Witnessing your happiness was breathtaking. It was the purest joy I’ve ever seen.” The pad of his thumb brushed Flynn’s cheek. “Coming here wasn’t just about building your confidence. I want you to be happy, but I also need you safe.” Zavier dropped his hand and Flynn desperately wanted it back.

He blew out a breath through his nose. “Tell you what. You can shoot until the ammo is depleted, but we’re doing this my way.”

“Whatever you want.” Flynn grinned and saluted him, bouncing happily on the balls of his feet. “I’m all yours to boss around.”