Page 135 of Betrayed

I shook my head back and forth. I wasn’t ready to shoot a gun. Hell, I’d barely gotten over my fear of them.

“Let us know if you change your mind. Mary and Beth go with us sometimes. We all go out for a drink after.”

“Okay.” I didn’t think I would.

“You should consider taking a gun safety class, now that you live in a house with guns.”

It wasn’t the class part that caught me off guard; it was the living with AJ part. I was staying with him until things settled, but we hadn’t discussed anything long term.

“I, um, I don’t know.”

“It doesn’t have to be at the range. Jack used a laser training gun when I first started,” Meg said, misunderstanding which part of her statement had shocked me.

“I’ll think about it.” It was the best I could offer.

By the end of the night, I’d made three new friends. Including Ashley. It hadn’t taken me long to see I had nothing to fear from her.

Before saying goodbye, we exchanged numbers. I promised I’d go to the next craft night, as long as I finished my schoolwork.

Chapter 61

AJ

Isnagged a moment alone with Jack and finally told him about my childhood, the abuse, and my fears. As expected, he was empathetic and supportive.

“I love her, but I’m afraid I’ll end up just like my father.”

“I understand your fear, but I’ve never seen you treat any woman with anything less than respect,” he said.

“What if I lose my temper?” Once I’d opened up, it was surprisingly easy to keep baring my soul. I'd held so much of myself back, always afraid I'd reveal too much and be judged forit.Not anymore. At least, not with Jack. I'd be slower to open up to anyone else.

“Listen, I’ve known you a long time and stood by your side during some of the worst situations a person can imagine, and I have never seen you lose your temper.”

"But-"

“Never, Brother, not once.” He clapped my shoulder. “I think it’s time to put the past to rest and embrace your future.”

I stood there, looking and feeling like an idiot.Could it really be that simple?And if it was, how had I missed it all this time?

“Thanks, Jack.” I pulled him into a hug, grateful I could call my best friend a brother.

“Anytime,” he pulled back, “Andrew.”

“Don’t.” That name was reserved for Blake and Blake alone.

Jack chuckled. “Good to know where I stand.”

“Damn straight.”

Ashley pulled me aside as we said our goodbyes. “Being in love looks good on you.”

It feels good too.

“Blake seems really nice, even if she is a bit overwhelmed.”

“This crowd can be a bit much,” I agreed with a smile. They were one hundred percent over the top, and I loved them for it.

“The women of the greater Dallas area will be disappointed to hear you’re off the market. Well, not me. I’m happy for you.” She punched my arm playfully.

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