Chapter 15
CHAPTER 15
H unter
Esme was late.
Quite frankly, I had a feeling she wasn’t going to show. A part of me hoped she wouldn’t and not just because I really didn’t want to teach her how to shoot. Mostly because I felt like a huge goddamn oaf.
Both Jagger and Shephard had laughed at me when I’d sought their advice. Yep. I was laughable.
I’d had one serious girlfriend in my life and I’d fucked it up years ago. That was one reason I’d sworn off relationships altogether. The other was all about putting their lives in danger. I’d felt that way for years.
I knew it to be true.
But damn, I couldn’t seem to stay away from her. Not in the least.
After checking my watch for the fifth time, I almost jumped back in the truck. I’d been pacing the parking lot for the last ten minutes. It was about time to give up and figure out a way to grovel.
Something else I was shit at doing.
I was just about to unlock my truck door when I heard the same familiar muffler sound. Maybe I’d offer to fix her Dakota.
And maybe she’d tell me to shove it up my ass.
As she rolled into the parking lot, I was certain she couldn’t stop in time before she hit the building. When she came to a screeching halt, I breathed out. “Fuck me.” The girl could drive, but I had a feeling that was the way she’d get herself killed one day.
She barely had the gear into park when she threw open the door. As she jumped out, I noticed a flushed look on her face. She stood right where she was when she realized I was parked a couple of spots down. Yep. I could tell she was contemplating getting back into her truck and driving off.
I couldn’t blame her in the least.
A few seconds later, she moved around the rear of the Dakota, rubbing her hands on her jeans. “Hi.”
Now she was shy?
“Hi there. I thought you weren’t coming.”
She scrunched up her nose in the sun. “I thought about it, but I really would like you to teach me to shoot. If you’re still willing.”
“Yeah, I am.”
That’s when she closed the distance. “I’m ready. I’m sorry I’m late. I had lunch with the girls.”
The girls. That meant everyone in the family knew what an asshole I was. I guess they’d already figured that out.
“Okay. Before we go inside, you’re going to promise to do exactly what I tell you.”
“I already did, but maybe you don’t remember.” She sucked in her breath after making the snarky comment. “That wasn’t nice of me. Yes, I promise. I will take this very seriously.”
“Good girl.” She reacted when I called her that, but doing so felt natural. “I’m going to teach you the proper way of handling a weapon, making certain you’re comfortable before you take a single shot.”
“There are right ways and wrong ways to fire one?”
“Yep. With a Glock, depending on where you position your thumb, you could break it.”
“Oh. Okay. Let’s go.”
Esme was way too eager, but I couldn’t take back my promise now. That would add to the shitameter tenfold. I led her inside, waving to Gunner, the man who owned the place.
“Everyone knows you in town.”
“Not everyone.”
“Hmm… Do you think you could tell me what a maul is?”
“How about I get one for you?” I asked her, tipping my head so I could see her reaction.
“I’d like that. I washed your clothes finally. I have them in the truck.”
Why was it I felt like doing a fist bump from joy? One little step taken and maintained. “Cool.” A part of me wanted her to keep the Ravens sweatshirt since she’d looked so cute in it. “And I’ll fix your truck if you want.”
“Don’t push it.”
And there it was, the pushback. I led her to the firing lane I’d rented, walking slowly behind the four guys and two women who were practicing. Every time one fired off a shot, Esme jumped. She was not a good candidate to own a weapon.
But better me teaching her than someone else. If anyone else got this close, I don’t think I’d be a happy man. In fact, I might do something rash.
When I pulled off my jacket, she eyed the holster I’d brought with me. She was even paling while looking at it.
“Do I need one of those?” she asked.
The woman was adorable when completely out of her element. “No, you do not. If you ever purchase a weapon, and I hope you don’t, you should keep it locked away.”
“Then what’s the point if an intruder breaks in or you come home to find one in your house?”
I could tell instantly by the way she phrased the question that something of that nature had occurred. At least now, I almost knew what I was dealing with. I was ready to pepper her with questions, but thought better of it. That was the last thing she needed. She’d hate me and I didn’t want that. Nope. I wanted more.
Much more.
After pulling out the Glock, I continued holding it. “This is my personal Glock. Now, there’s no traditional safety like you’ve heard of in the movies. But there are three sequential safeties that work off the trigger. Unless this tab is pressed, the weapon won’t fire.” I handed it to her and I knew the weight surprised her.
“That’s lighter than I thought.”
“Yes, but very powerful. Very dangerous. Keep that in mind.”
“Yes, sir, Sergeant.” She saluted me then grinned. At least some of her playful side had returned.
“This isn’t a joke, Esme.” I was trying to keep her in line, but as usual, it was next to impossible.
“I know that. Okay? I was just having a little fun.”
I guess I deserved her teasing me. “Just hold it.” I forced her to do that for a full two minutes. “Now, act like you’re going to shoot. Don’t point the weapon at me. See the target over there? Point, but do not attempt to pull the trigger. Got it?”
“Got it.” She did as I asked and I moved behind her. “If you place your thumb there, you’ll wish you hadn’t. This is the way to hold it.” I showed her and she sighed. “I have a lot to learn. Don’t I?”
“Yeah, you do. Now, try aiming again.” I watched her intently, although I had to admit I couldn’t help but take a few glances at her beautiful face. I could tell she was nervous, but so determined.
“I think I can do this. Is there a lot of recoil?”
“That’s another reason I chose this gun for you to learn on. It’s designed not to. But you need to always keep both hands on the weapon. Let me see you take aim. Again, do not fire. You’re not ready for that yet.”
She did as I commanded and her arms were shaking. “Whew. It’s a weird feeling holding one.”
“That you’ll get used to.” My phone blipped and I took a step away, pulling it into view. The same goddamn thing was written that I’d received in the mail.
Murderer
Now I was pissed. Maybe it was spending time with Dad that had solidified I wasn’t going to allow anyone to destroy my life, but I couldn’t take it any longer. “Listen to me. I need to do something very quickly. Just get used to the feel of the weapon in your hand. Nothing else. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
At least this time Esme didn’t salute. I stormed toward the front door, standing just inside so I could have a quiet space. I was angry enough I had to retype what I’d written twice.
Look, you freak. I’ve about had it with your long-distance bullshit. If you want to come at me, do so in person. I’m finished fucking with you.
There was nothing else to say. I’d keep my weapon close, but I refused to allow anyone to break through my limited happiness.
I dialed Shephard’s number.
“Hey, bro. What’s up?”
“Another threat. I’m done with playing games.”
“Just take a deep breath,” Shephard told me. “Let me see if Denise has heard of anything going on with the new sheriff. This might not be random or directed at you personally.”
Denise had once been a detective, currently serving as a park ranger. “Okay. Sure. But let me know. If anyone fucks with me or with Esme, they will die.”
“Glad to see you patched things up with her.”
“Ah, go to hell.” I ended the call but was smiling.
Until I walked back into the hallway of lanes. I could see a man standing directly behind Esme. What the fuck did he think he was doing? A huge green-eyed monster popped from the very depths of my being. Even worse was when I heard a single shot.
And her squeal.
I took three long strides and yanked the man away, instantly throwing two hard punches.
“What the fuck are you doing?” Esme demanded. “He was just helping me.”
The guy rubbed his jaw, glaring up at me with rage in his eyes. I thought he was going to let it go but didn’t, jerking up and instantly throwing a punch.
Things got ugly from there. My jaw was sore, blood trickling from my mouth, and his nose was likely broken. We struggled with each other until Gunner broke us up.
“What the fuck is wrong with you, dude?” he growled.
“That’s what I’ve been asking,” Esme said quietly, shaking her head as she spewed venom from her eyes. She gently placed the weapon on the small table and walked away.
Fuck me.
I was batting a million.
She jerked her jacket from the holder, tossing me another hateful look. She had a good number of those in her arsenal.
“You’re a motherfucker, Hunter,” the man stated. “We’ll finish this shit later.” He pushed past me, bumping my shoulder. I had no idea who he was, but it was obvious my reputation as being a hard-ass had preceded me. I shoved the Glock behind my back. Controlling my irritation with her was already becoming difficult. She just had that perfect way of getting to me.
No other man was allowed to touch her.
“Esme. Wait.” After snatching my jacket, I raced after her, but the woman was too fast, slamming her hand on the door and exiting faster than I could catch up with her. I bounded outside seconds later, expecting to be forced to follow her at a high rate of speed.
But there she was standing beside the driver’s door of my Ram.
I slowed down, taking cautious steps. Maybe she had something on her mind and it was best not to push her. The closer I got, the more I realized she was staring at the side panel of my door.
Esme lifted her head, placing her fingers across her mouth.
“What’s wrong?”
All she could do was point.
I rounded the front tire well and followed her line of sight.
Scratched into my paint in large, hurriedly written letters was a single word.
MURDERER
“Hunter. What is this?” There was real terror in her voice.
“It’s nothing.”
She jerked her head up. “Nothing? Are you kidding me? You need to call the police. The sheriff. Whatever you call him in this town. Is someone after you? Is this about your past, your military career? Have you received other threats?”
“Whoa, slow down, little butterfly. I can handle this.”
I was surprised when she closed the distance, placing her hand on my chest. While her features softened, the concern remained in her eyes. “I know you’re perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, a big bad man who carries a weapon, but this is sick. Whoever did this might be nuts, unpredictable. That makes him or her even more dangerous. You must know that.”
How was it that she could be so angry with me one minute and twist the next moment so she was worried about my safety? I carefully rubbed my knuckles across her face. “Yes, I’ve received a couple threats, including the text that came in a few moments ago.”
“Oh, my God. You need to report this.”
I hadn’t really considered it. In doing so, I would be prodded with questions about why someone would go to such creative lengths. Since I couldn’t open my mouth, additional and difficult questions would arise. “It’s complicated, Esme. I can’t really explain it.”
For once she didn’t challenge me as if I was purposely keeping something from her. “How are you dealing with this?”
“Up to this point, I’ve talked to my brothers but hoped it would go away. Now, I’ll need to determine which one of my enemies is hell bent on destroying me.”
“How many enemies do you have?”
“Dozens. Let’s leave it at that.”
She had a strange look as if finally getting why I’d been so cautious around her. “I’ll protect you.”
Another surprise, one I needed more than I’d care to admit to anyone. “You won’t have to.”
We’d had a half dozen awkward silences shift between us in a few days, but this one felt like a turning point. Yet, I wasn’t ready to concede all the strong feelings I had about her. I couldn’t. I didn’t want her caught in the middle. Still, my body ached for her. Just to be in her company.
“I should go,” she said, but I sensed she didn’t really want to.
“Look, I fucked up the other day. I’m not good at peopling, at least according to my brothers. I’ve tried. I was the guy at the resort who met all the vendors and acted like I knew what I was doing. I didn’t crush their windpipes when they said or did something stupid or try and con me since I was the new guy. I’ve fought to find a sense of humor, but it’s tough.”
She laughed slightly, the wind continually tickling her nose with her long hair. “I think you do pretty well. You just don’t give yourself a break.”
“What I’m saying is I just expected you knew you were the star at the dinner at my dad’s. It’s important to me and I find it strange how strongly I feel about it. Both allowing my dad to enjoy something special and having you be a part of it. I hope you’ll forgive me this one time.”
“I… Of course I will. I overreacted. I was just playing a role that we’d forged from the day I met you. It’s one I don’t like very much.”
“You have a hard edge, lady.”
“So do you.”
“At least we agree on something,” I told her as I chuckled.
“Two things. We both hate Valentine’s Day.”
“True. Just hold on a second before you go. Okay?”
“Sure.”
I turned toward my door, gritting my teeth from seeing the goddamn lettering again. I wasn’t going to tell her exactly what I’d do to the motherfucker when I found him. She didn’t need to hear the gory details. I opened my door, pulling out the flowers from the backseat. When I turned around, as I’d hoped, Esme’s eyes opened wide.
“I know you said you didn’t like flowers, but I figured you might be telling a fib.”
“You’re calling me a liar, cowboy?”
“Would I do that?”
“Yes. Yes, you would.” Her smile was brighter than it had been all day as she took the two dozen roses into her arms. “What a beautiful color. Like silver purple.”
“They’re call sterling silver and they reminded me of your eyes. So beautiful and intense yet with a hint of whimsy.”
“My God. I think I’m blushing.” She took a deep whiff and I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
How many times had that occurred over the last week? Hell, who was I trying to kid. From the moment I’d met her at Bella’s clinic opening, I’d been smitten. Was that a word any longer? It was one of my mother’s favorites. “You are.”
“Thank you so much. They’re just beautiful and you’re forgiven.” She rose onto her tiptoes, kissing my cheek.
I would never be able to tell my brothers what her light touch did to my nether regions.
“I guess I should go. I’m sorry I disobeyed you.”
“Yeah, well, you have a punishment coming, little lady.” I pressed the tip of my finger against her nose.
The light rose color covering her cheeks drifted into a bright crimson. She involuntarily dragged her tongue across her bottom lip and I thought it was the sexiest move in the world.
“We’ll see about that.” She backed away, blowing me a kiss and holy shit, my heart did a few flipflops.
That just wasn’t normal. At least not for me.
I laughed as I climbed in, grabbing my keys from my jacket pocket and tossing the coat on the passenger seat. As soon as I attempted to shove the key into the ignition, I noticed the panel underneath the steering column had been pulled free, wires sticking out everywhere. I’d been a fucking idiot not to lock my truck. I knew better.
The asshole had had easy access. I tried to start the engine and all that happened were a few clicks.
I tried it again and threw back my head, disgust and rage rolling through my mind. The fucker had been outside the entire time. He’d texted me from the parking lot. I’d lost my goddamn touch.
Esme had remained, placing the flowers inside her truck. She threw on her jacket and headed back in my direction. “He messed with your truck.”
“Apparently, he did. I was an idiot for leaving it unlocked.”
Esme groaned. “It’s not dark outside. Somebody had to see something.”
“Take a look around you, sweetheart. This place is set off to itself. The same vehicles are in the parking lot as when we arrived. Nobody saw anything.”
“This is horrible. Where are you going?”
“Headed back to my cabin.”
She took a deep breath, looked away for a few seconds, and smiled. “I’ll take you there. You’ll need to call a tow truck, right?”
“Likely. But I can wait. I’ll get one of my brothers to come pick me up.” Not that I wanted to. I gave her what some might call a puppy dog look, if I could pull that off, and she rolled her eyes.
“Come on, tough guy. Let the woman be the hero for once.”
“If you turn into a hero and not a heroine, I’m out of here.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“Yeah, I am.”
Only around the feisty woman with a kind heart and a killer smile.
Lord have mercy. I had it bad for the woman.