“Hank thought you’d benefit from a short lesson without all the other guns being shot around you,” Leah said. She knew Ellen wasn’t keen on the guns because Ellen had told her.
“Oh,” Ellen said. “What do I need to do?”
“Just show up,” Leah said. “Travis will take it from there.”
Travis.
Ellen nodded to Leah. She didn’t trust herself to speak. If she did, Leah would know she had a little crush on the handsome SEAL protector.
Leah was perceptive, as good counselors often are.
Ellen had thought about Travis all night. She’d even dreamed about him. And that was a secret she wasn’t about to tell anyone.
Leah filled up her coffee mug and then headed to her office, while Ellen pretended to ponder a selection of breakfast rolls from the tray on the counter.
Taking a cinnamon roll, as cinnamon anything had always been comfort food for her, she carried the roll to her room.
I have to get ready. I can’t wear these sweatpants and this t-shirt.
Pacing in her room, she couldn’t decide what to wear. The black top with the sequined goldfish on the front? The red one with the embroidered flag on the front? Or the white one with little pink flowers all over it? She decided to try each one of them on and look in the mirror before deciding.
The pink floral top was first.
No, too much like a little girl.
Goldfish shirt was next.
No, those big eyes and fish face mouth are too silly looking. Fine for around kids, but I’d look silly at the gun range wearing that.
The red one with the flag was last. Until she did some laundry, she had only three to choose from. It wasn’t like they could travel out here bringing all their clothes. In most cases, they’d had to walk away from all their things but what they could carry. Ellen had been able to pack, but only what would fit into one bag. She’d taken her most comfortable clothes.
Looking in the mirror she pondered the last top.
This one is very red. But also, very patriotic. I’ll go with this one. He may know I’m not fond of guns, but he’ll also know I love our country and its flag. This is the best choice.
Now she needed to do her hair and makeup.
He’s going to see a whole different me from the woman in the worn-out t-shirt with raccoon eyes that he met last time.
For the first time, she was excited about her lesson on guns.
When she walked out of the main house and looked toward the range, she saw Travis was already over there.
Wow, he’s here early. I wonder why? It’s just him and me, right?
The thought made the butterflies in her stomach start. Good thing she’d had that cinnamon bun.
CHAPTER3
Travis parkedin front of the main lodge and saw Buck coming toward him.
“You need anything?” Buck asked. He was carrying his long guns.
“Nope,” Travis reached into his truck to get his guns. “Got everything I need, right here.” He hauled the guns he’d brought with him out and started to walk toward the range.
Buck walked alongside. “I’ve got ‘em loaded with practice shells,” he said, indicating his long guns. “I’ll leave my guns with you, and I’ll be up to help with the class, later.”
“All right,” Travis said.
