Page 96 of Angels & Whiskey

Not only did I have the idea that if we taught women to shoot they could defend themselves against abusive spouses like in Autumn’s case, but they’d feel better about living alone or even walking to their cars at night.

The real issue at hand though was if I should tell Autumn about my job or just quit and not tell her anything.

The sun was starting to set when Autumn came out of her room and into the living room where I sat and watched ESPN.

“Hey, you okay, angel?”

She nodded. “Can I get some water?”

“Of course,” I said, starting to sit up.

“I got it. If I’m going to live here, I should learn where everything is.”

“Okay.” I smiled. Hearing Autumn say she was staying after everything that happened during the day, put me at ease. I was scared she’d believe Major Dick about me and Paul having some sort of vendetta against him.

She came back into the room with a glass of water and sat on the opposite side of the couch. I didn’t know what to make of it. I’d expected her to sit next to me and at least lean her head against my shoulder so I could comfort her. She was being distant and I didn’t know if it was me or everything else going on. I wanted to ask but didn’t. After everything worked itself out with Major Dick, then we’d figure us out. That would give me enough time to quit S&R too.

“Can I use your phone? I should call my parents.”

“Of course,” I answered, and handed her my cell phone that was sitting on the coffee table.

She looked up the number for the Luxor and then I waited as she called and told them she got her clothes and things and was with me. She didn’t tell them about the fight or that she pulled two guns on them … or even that he said he’d never loved her.

I knew very little about Autumn, but from what I did know and what I felt like when I was around her, I couldn’t imagine someonenotfalling in love with her. Even if Major Dick married her before he fell in love with her, they were together for almost four years. I was certain even he couldn’t be that blind to what she had to offer.

“I will. Just one more day … No, I’ll be fine.” Autumn sighed and gave me a weak smile as she talked on the phone.

I went into the kitchen to give her space and looked for something to make for dinner. I wanted to take her out to eat, like a date, but that probably would have been weird. And despite what Jackson thought, Icouldcook. If he were here and not on his date, I’d prove it to him.

“My parents said thank you.” Autumn came into the kitchen and sat at the breakfast table.

“They’re doing okay?” I asked, resting against the counter with my arms crossed over my chest.

“They are now that I called. I should have called earlier.”

“I’m sure you were emotionally drained.”

“Yeah.” She nodded.

“Do you want to order pizza and watch a movie or something tonight?”

Her eyes lit up and I smiled. “I haven’t had pizza in four years. Rich wouldn’t—”

“Let’s not talk about what he wouldn’t let you do, angel. You’re with me …” I trailed off. I was going to say she was with me nowbut was she? She just left her husband and I hadn’t been in a relationship in five years. “I mean, you don’t need to do what he says anymore.”

“Right … Okay, let’s order pizza!”

“What kind do you want?”

“Anything except olives and anchovies.”

I chuckled. “All right. My favorite is bacon and jalapenos.”

“Oh my God, that sounds fucking delicious.”

“It is. I don’t have it often though.”

“Then it’s like we’re both celebrating.” Her smile was intoxicating and I wanted to step closer to her and take her lips with mine.