“I don’t want you to think less of us,” Cassandra said. “But if you were to change your mind, I wouldn’t hold any blame against you.”
“I couldn’t possibly,” Jasmine assured her. “Don’t concern yourself, I’m not going anywhere.”
Jasmine looked at Matthew. The wind played with his curls and carried the sound of his laughter. He was happy andalive. And Cassandra was right.
That’s all that matters.
Matthew reached into his hat and read the next two names. “Next we have… Trevor and Lady Jasmine!”
After sharing a comforting glance with Cassandra, Jasmine gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Wish me luck.”
“I won’t bother.” Cassandra shook her head and gave a soft smile. “Havefun.”
Looking forward to doing something new, Jasmine moved to stand next to Trevor.
“Dreadfully sorry, Lady Jasmine, but I won’t go easy on you.” Trevor tipped his hat to her. “It’ll do you no favors if I let you win.”
“I appreciate the honesty,” Jasmine replied, then teased, “I won’t go easy on you either.”
“Come here, Lady Jasmine.” Matthew beckoned her with his fingers. “I’ll teach you how to do it.” His gaze traveled to her gloves. “Give me your hands.”
Jasmine held her hands palms up in the space between them. Her breath caught as his fingers curled around her wrist. One fingertip at a time, he removed her gloves.
“None of these,” Matthew said. “You’ll ruin these dainty things.”
Jasmine gave a mock sigh. “Thatwouldbe a shame.”
With a laugh, he placed both gloves in his waistcoat pocket. Then,he reached for a brown pistol. A polished steel barrel glinted in the sunlight, and in the middle lay a trigger curved like a scythe.
“First things first.” Matthew pointed at the trigger. “Your finger staysoffthe trigger until you’re ready to shoot. Always assume it’s loaded, andonlyaim downrange, like this.”
He lifted the pistol, demonstrated proper form, then lowered it to rest at his side. “Now, come stand in front of me.”
She did as instructed and waited for his cue.
He tapped his boot against her heel. “Spread your legs wider.”
Blushing at his words, she meant to retort, but then, his body covered hers from behind. She froze at his sudden nearness, but then leaned into him. He placed the pistol in her hands and held his hands over hers, steadying her. She held something dangerous, while being held by someone dangerous. As if she were on a cliff, about to dive into the ocean, she took a deep breath.
“I’m ready.”
“Take your time, aim…” he whispered in her ear. “And slowly squeeze the trigger.”
Her finger trembled over the trigger, and gently she squeezed.
An explosion of noise rent the air. So much louder up close. A jolt traveled up her arms. Had it not been for Matthew holding her hands, she might have dropped the pistol. Her ears rang with a high-pitched tone.
“Zounds!”A surprised laugh escaped her, thenanother.
Eyes twinkling, he gave her an approving nod. “What do you think? How do you feel?”
“Powerful.” Laughter bubbled from her. “I feelpowerful!”
“Youlookpowerful.” His voice deepened. “Do it again.”
Her heart raced for another reason entirely, and her gaze traveled to his lips. Drawn to him, she nearly pressed her lips to his. Fighting the impulse, she turned and squinted downrange.
“Did I hit it?”
