“Do they feel okay?” Jude asked.
Angela’s eyes widened as she nodded. “I can hear you really well.”
“These are electronic and are designed to enhance low-level sounds while dampening loud noises. They make it easier to communicate while we’re down here.”
When he gave her the gun, he stepped closer to adjust her grip, the warmth of his hands over hers making it difficult to concentrate on anything else.
"Like this?" she asked, trying to ignore the way her pulse quickened.
"Yes. Good.”
He circled around her. “Keep your feet shoulder-width apart." His breath stirred the hair near her ear as he helped her position herself correctly. "Now, line up the sights."
She squinted down the barrel, trying to focus on the target at the other end of the range rather than on Jude.
"When you're ready, take a breath, exhale, then squeeze the trigger," he instructed, his voice low and steady.
Angela tried to follow his directions, but her hands trembled slightly as she held the weapon. The gun was heavier than she'd expected, and the weight of it reminded her of the times she'd seen Jim clean his rifle at the kitchen table, the way his eyes had gone cold and distant when he handled it.
"I can't seem to keep it steady," she admitted, frustration creeping into her voice.
"That's normal for your first time.” Jude moved behind her again, his chest nearly brushing her back as he reached around to help adjust her stance. “Here, let me help you."
When his hands covered hers, guiding her grip once again, Angela's breath caught. She could feel the solid warmth of him behind her, could smell the clean scent of his soap mixed with something distinctly him. Her heart hammered against her ribs,and she wondered if he could feel how nervous she was—though she wasn't sure if the nerves were from the gun or from his proximity.
"Better?" he asked, his voice close to her ear.
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. With his hands steadying hers, the weapon felt more manageable, though she was acutely aware of his closeness.
Even though he was well into her personal space, she didn’t feel uncomfortable. In fact, she felt safe and protected.
"Now, remember what I said about breathing. Take your time."
Angela inhaled slowly, trying to calm her nerves and focus. She wanted to do this well. She might not have the enthusiasm for it that Kiara did, but she understood the importance of everything they were doing. Because of that, she’d try to do her best to learn what Jude taught her.
She exhaled lightly and squeezed the trigger. The gun kicked back harder than she'd expected, the sharp crack of the gunshot echoing through the range despite her ear protection. The recoil sent a jolt up her arms, and she stumbled back a step, bumping into Jude.
"Easy," he said, his hands coming up to grip her shoulders, steadying her. "You did great on your first shot."
Angela blinked as she looked down the lane at the target. She'd missed it completely, but somehow that didn't matter as much as the fact that she'd actually pulled the trigger.
"I can't believe I did that," she said, surprised by the rush of adrenaline coursing through her.
"How do you feel?" Jude asked. Though he’d released her shoulders and moved around to her side, he was still standing close to her.
She considered the question, taking inventory of her emotions. The fear she'd expected wasn't there—or at least, it wasn't the paralyzing kind she'd felt when watching Jim handle his weapons. This felt different. Controlled.
"Better than I thought I would," she admitted. "It's loud, though."
Jude's mouth curved into a small smile, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "That's why we have ear protection. Ready to try again?"
Angela nodded, raising the gun once more. This time, without Jude's hands guiding hers, she had to concentrate harder to remember everything he'd taught her.
Feet apart, grip firm, sight alignment, breathing. She took her time, blocking out everything but the gun and the target.
The second shot felt more controlled, though her arms still absorbed the recoil with a jolt that traveled up to her shoulders. This time she managed to stay planted, and when she looked downrange, she could see a small hole near the edge of the target.
"Much better," Jude said, and the approval in his voice sent a warm flutter through her chest. "You're getting the hang of it."
