Nahla sighed and shimmied out of his embrace so that she could access her phone. She went to her messages and then handed Cannon the phone. She watched him as he went through the messages. His finger stopped moving across the screen, but he was still staring at it. His frown deepened, so she figured he stopped on her father’s message. She’d had the same reaction.
He confirmed that when he said, “Your pops’ message is what had you cryin’?”
Nahla shrugged. “Probably. I’ve been dealing with his disappointment all my life, so you’d think I’d be used to texts likethat by now.”’ Her voice cracked when she said it, and Cannon shook his head.
“That nigga is your father, La. You shouldn’t have to get used to him talkin’ to you like that,” he said, pulling her back in his arms. Nahla hugged him back. She inhaled deeply then frowned. The smell of his cologne and burning food greeted her nostrils.
“You didn’t turn off the eye?” she asked, rushing to the stove. Sure enough, charred eggs and black butter were popping around in the skillet. Nahla laughed as she turned the stovetop off and removed the pan.
“Damn. You made me breakfast yesterday, and I was tryna return the favor. My non-cookin’ ass shoulda just called my sister.”
That made Nahla laugh louder as she scraped the burnt eggs into the trash can.
“It’s okay, I promise,” she said, trying to stifle her laughter. “I really don’t eat breakfast most days. Coffee usually does it for me. I can make you something, though.”
Nahla had taken the skillet to the sink and began washing it when Cannon approached her from behind. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he kissed her neck.
“Nah, I can get something when we head out. Go ’head and make your coffee.”
Nahla lifted her brows in surprise.
“We’re going somewhere?” For the first time since he’d brought her here, she wasn’t itching to go anywhere. She was usually a busybody but had been a little excited about the prospect of lounging around the house all day with Cannon.
“Yeah, you had a fucked-up day yesterday, and your morning hasn’t been much better. I’ma take you somewhere that will get your mind off all that.”
Nahla turned around. Placing her hands on his chest, she asked, “Does it involve coffee fromNoir?
“It might. Come on.”
“Where are we?” Nahla asked.
“Anchor. It’s a gun range.”
Nahla chuckled. “Thisis going to get my mind off things?”
“It might. Or it may just give you space to vent. You down?”
She nodded, and Cannon got out of the car. The truth was, he wanted her to know how to shoot. He didn’t see the Lyle situation turning deadly, but because of her career choice, this probably wouldn’t be the last time someone came after her. He wanted to know that she could defend herself if she were ever without him.
He led her inside and signed them in.Anchorwas owned by one of his father’s old friends, so whenever he needed to release, this was where he came. Cannon retrieved her protective gear and helped her get it on before leading her to their lane.
He handed her a nine millimeter, then said, “Open your legs a lil wider.”
She did as she was told, then he stepped closer—right behind her. His chest brushed her back, and he slid his hands down her arms, adjusting her grip around the gun. With his mouth an inch away from her ear, he said, “Relax your shoulders.”
He chuckled as he watched her attempt to relax. Really, she just kind of shrugged her shoulders. “You’re tense as hell, La. You gotta loosen up.”
She kissed her teeth. “This is my first time holding a gun. I don’t know how to loosen up.”
“Breathe in,” he said. She obliged, and as she did, he kissed her neck. That contact caused her to exhale unintentionally, but her shoulders were notably more relaxed.
“There you go,” he said, kissing the other side of her neck.
Now move your left foot back a little. It’ll help you stay balanced.”
“Okay.”
“Aight, you wanna keep your arms locked like this,” he said, shifting his hands to her arms, “but not stiff. You ain’t fighting the gun. You’re steadying it.”
