The Earl's Outrageous Lover Page 0,21
boxes of ammunition. “Do you know how to load these?” he asked, his eyes wide with concern.
“Yes.” Edward took one of the weapons, field stripped the piece and laid each part out on the counter while he examined the parts. Once he had seen all the pieces, he re-assembled the pistol and did the same to the other one. The whole time, Jessica stood by, watching in fascination as Edward’s hand worked the weapon.
She knew it was primal, but there was just something erotic about a man who could handle a weapon so confidently. She supposed it was survival of the species. If a man knew how to use a weapon, he was more likely to be able to protect his offspring, ensuring that the species continued. But Jessica wasn’t a fan of gun ownership. She didn’t want one in her house, nor would she ever own a gun. This was all an effort to find a man to marry with the unexpected insight into yet another aspect of Edward’s personality. And there was the added adventure of learning a new skill.
“Hold this,” he said and handed her the smaller Glock pistol.”
Jessica took the black, dangerous looking weapon, then glanced down at the larger Beretta. “Why can’t I have that one?” she asked. “It looks more interesting than this one.”
Edward refrained from rolling his eyes. “You have a smaller hand. The Beretta is too big for your grip.”
She peered over his arm at the larger weapon, then back down at the one she was holding. “I still think the other one would be more…”
“Pay attention, Jessica,” Edward commanded and slapped the empty magazine into the magazine well. He pulled the slide back and examined the parts carefully.
She knew when to leave well enough alone, but smiled conspiratorially at the man behind the counter. He immediately smiled back, even blushing slightly and shuffled his feet nervously.
When Edward had done the same examination with the reassembled Beretta, he turned back to the cashier. “These will do,” he said grimly. “Come along,” he said and led Jessica through the maze of hallways to the back where the aisles were located. “Do you know how to do this?” he asked.
When Jessica only stared up at him and shook her head, he nodded and positioned himself behind her. “Look straight down the barrel through the top two points. They’re called sights,” he explained and positioned her correctly with her feet staggered and her shoulders angled just slightly. He gave her instructions and Jessica tried very hard to pay attention, impressed with the way he knew all the ins and outs of shooting a pistol. But the problem wasn’t with his instruction. It was with his proximity. The way he touched her made her nervous. He stood directly behind her, showing her how to aim, what to look for, how to breathe, to watch her pulse rate.
It was almost as if he were embracing her with his arms around her so closely, but not really touching. It was very erotic, almost in a tantric sort of way. She could smell his spicy aftershave that mixed so well with the smell that was completely Edward and male and just….hot!
When she fired the pistol for the first time, she almost dropped the weapon but Edward was right there to steady her. He stepped behind her, his arms going around her, hugging her as he helped her sight down the pistol. She smiled, feeling warm and secure as he went through the exercise of shooting the pistol. Over and over again, he patiently gave her tips, coming closer to her when she needed help, stepping away when she wanted to try something on her own, but always there to help and advise.
When she got her first bullet on the target, she was so thrilled but remembered to carefully place the weapon on the table in front of her before she spun around, then threw her arms around Edward and jumped up in excitement. He laughed and held her against him, looking down at her with equal excitement.
“I did it!” she exclaimed, so thrilled with her newfound knowledge. “I can’t believe I actually hit the target! This is so thrilling! I think I might have to come out here more often.”
Edward groaned and shook his head. “Only come out here when I’m with you. Promise me that?” he asked firmly.
Jessica nodded her head, then realized what they were doing. The smile left her face, replaced with surprise, and then awareness.