Page 138 of Seale the Deal

I can’t resist. I’ve seen you handle big things just fine.

A sheepish expression crosses her face. It worked. My words pulled her out of her head.

Rule number one, I say, pulling the gun back before she can take it. Never point it at a person. Even empty.

It’s not loaded?

I shake my head. Not yet. But safety’s non-negotiable.

I pull shells from my ammo pouch and load the shotgun, each round sliding into place. Once it’s ready, I keep my finger off the trigger and keep the barrel pointed toward the ground and look at her.

Now it’s loaded. I brush my hand over her arm, grounding her. You got this, baby.

She steadies. I think I can handle it.

I hand the shotgun over, watching it settle awkwardly against her shoulder. Then I set clay targets along a dead log and wave her behind a big rock. She waits with the barrel pointed skyward. Good girl. My parents drilled gun safety into me so young it’s instinct. I like that she’s picked up on it so quickly.

I step in close behind her. Bring the stock to your cheek.

She hesitates. Which part’s the stock?

The wooden part. I guide it up with a touch. Her breath hitches.

Now into your shoulder. Don’t drop to the gun. The gun comes to you.

She nods, lashes lowering. How do I aim?

See that little bead at the end? I lean in, voice low in her ear. Line your eye with it. Then the target. Then breathe.

Her chest rises slowly. She’s steady, so steady, but her finger stalls.

I crouch, pressing into her back, my hands bracketing her shoulders. My lips nearly graze her ear. You’ve got this, baby. Breathe in. Now, pull.

The shot cracks, echoing through the trees. She laughs, startled and bright, pointing the barrel skyward again. I did it!

I take the gun and set the safety. When she looks back at me, sunlight catches her eyes, her mouth, her whole face, and the sight nearly drops me to my knees.

She looks like herself.

She’s not distracted or lost in whatever thoughts are haunting her. She’s just Wrenley. Happy and excited and completely caught up in the moment. It’s exactly what I wanted for her.

Thank you, she says softly.

I can’t help myself. Seeing her like this fuels something inside me, so I lean the gun against the rock and crush my mouth to hers.

I will never tire of this. Her taste, her heat, the way she twists to straddle me and grinds against the bulge in my pants. My brain is a blur of forest, gunpowder, and her.

Her lips drag up my throat, and I shudder, every muscle straining not to lose it here on the dirt. But I can’t. Not like this.

Up, I rasp.

She blinks, pulling back. Why? Bear?

Her frantic glance around almost makes me laugh, but I’m too far gone. No bear, but I can’t leave these woods without being inside you.

Her pupils blow wide. I grab her waist and haul her toward the ATV.

Once we reach the ATV, she breathes, Won’t someone see us?