Her evening was free of responsibly so Erin decided to draw herself a nice hot bath. She lit several candles around the bathroom and basked in the comfort of the old tub. Soon her mind wandered to Jack and before she knew it, Erin’s hand was in-between her spread legs and she was playing with herself as she imagined Jack Riggans laying her across her bed and tenderly kissing her womanly spots. She plunged her finger inside herself and with each thrust her tempo increased. Before long she was gripping the side of the tub and screaming into the air.
For the first time in weeks, she was glad Jack Riggans wasn’t around, lest he hear her hungry cries.
☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼
A few days later Erin noticed a slow leak under the sink, and despite her best efforts couldn’t seem to get it fixed. The leak wasn’t a major issue, a simple plastic container could catch the escaping water and be emptied daily, but that wasn’t the way Erin preferred to do things. A problem was a problem and she wouldn’t be able to sleep at night knowing there was a sink leaking and she hadn’t done anything about it. She thought of calling Cindy and asking for the name of a plumber but then worried the woman would laugh at her for needing help fixing a small leak. Instead she decided to head back out to the firing range and see if Jack showed up. Erin doubted he would have any trouble patching up a pesky leak.
So she packed herself a small lunch, slung the Remington over her shoulder and headed back out the range. At the very least she could get some target practice in and have herself a little fun. Erin smirked at the thought of having fun while shooting a rifle, when a month ago she had a hard time even looking at a firearm, never mind firing one. It’s funny how life changes you, she thought to herself as she walked across the prairie and headed to the makeshift firing range. The sun beat down upon her back and by the time she reached the jagged rock formation she was out of breath.
“Got to get my ass in better shape,” she exclaimed upon reaching the empty range. Erin was disappointed, although not surprised, that Jack wasn’t already here. What, is he supposed to just sit around and wait for me to need him? She asked herself. The man probably doesn’t even think of my tight little ass when I’m not around…
With a frown on her face and fire in her heart, Erin set up a few glass bottles she’d brought from home and walked forty paces from the tree stump. She reminded herself of Jack’s lesson, but she was too distracted by the images of him placing his hands over hers as she steadied her rifle and her first three shots missed badly. “Dammit, Erin,” she yelled, “you gotta clear your mind and become one with the target!”
“What’s on your mind?” a husky voice asked from behind her. She spun around and saw Jack leaning against the same rock as before. He was nothing if not consistent, anyway. He looked over at Erin with a wry grin on his face.
Erin was furious that he’d snuck up on her again and flared at him. “You should be careful whom you sneak up on,” she said, “I might end up shooting your ass.”
Jack smiled. “Not if you’re aiming for me, you won't."
Erin’s eyes flared and she bit her lower lip. For a man of such few words, Jack Riggans sure knew how to ruffle a girl’s feathers.
“So, like I asked, what’s troubling your mind? Something must be bothering you, because your aim is way off."
Erin looked into the man’s eyes and felt a flash or warmth flash in her loins. She quickly looked away and answered sheepishly, “I have a leaky sink at home.” She knew it sounded ridiculous to be stressed out over a leaky sink, but she figured it was safer than telling him the truth. What if she told him she was thinking of his strong hands guiding hers as they fired a rifle and he just laughed at her? No, it was best to keep her crush as under wraps as possible and keep her mind on business.
“Would you like me to take a look at the sink?”
“Only if you have the time. It’s just a silly leak, it’s not a big deal.”
“Then why are you thinking about it while you work on your shooting?”
Erin shrugged and flung the rifle up to the crook of her shoulder. She wasn’t used to being asked why by a man and was uncomfortable explaining herself, especially since she was explaining a lie. Jack didn’t press her and instead changed the tone of his voice and coached her shot along. “Breathe,” he soothed. “Become one with the rifle and the target.” Erin did as he instructed and imagined the rifle first as an extension of her arm, then as an extension of her mind. Her breath was calm and controlled and the visions of Jack that had been flashing through her mind for days began to dissipate. If Erin weren’t so focused on her breathing she would have realized this was the most peaceful feeling she’d ever had in her life. The world outside meant nothing to her. The bed and breakfast, the leak, her frustration with men, her not-so-close relationship with her mother, all these worries left her as she stared blankly ahead at a lone beer bottle. Suddenly, Jack yelled, “Now!” and her body tensed as she let off a lone shot. The bottle shattered in the distance and instead of yelling in glee, Erin just grinned and maintained her rigid state of mind. With a deep breathe and turned and quickly brought the next bottle into focus. She breathed in, exhaled slowly and pulled the trigger. Wood exploded, but not a bottle, and Erin realized she still had a ways to go.