The Gun Store

I walked into the local gun store, the bell above the door chiming to announce my arrival. In the shop the smell of gun oil and leather hit me like a brick wall. The dimly lit space was filled with racks of rifles, shotguns, and pistols, each one gleaming in the flickering light of the oil lamps. The walls were lined with rows of ammunition and gunpowder, while a glass case in the center of the room displayed the finest revolvers and derringers money could buy. The wooden floorboards creaked under my boots as I walked deeper into the shop, the sound of metal clinking against metal echoing throughout the space. The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation at the thought of what kind of firepower I might find here.

I caught sight of Cassidy as the redhead was buying up ammo as she was talking to the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper was an older man with a weathered face, his hands gnarled and calloused from a lifetime of handling guns and ammunition. He wore a faded denim shirt and suspenders, his bushy white beard reaching down to his chest. His blue eyes were sharp and piercing, taking in every detail of Cassidy's order with practiced ease. He moved with a slow, deliberate grace, his movements precise and measured as he selected the ammunition from the shelves and counted out the rounds.

I nodded to the shopkeeper as I approached, catching Cassidy's eye for a brief moment before she turned her attention back to the transaction. The shopkeeper finished bagging up Cassidy's ammo and handed it over with a knowing smile.

"There you go, miss. That should keep you well-armed on your journey," he said, his voice gruff but friendly. Cassidy thanked him and tucked the bag of ammunition into her satchel.

"Now, what can I do for you, young man?" the shopkeeper asked, turning his attention to me. I glanced around the shop, scanning the array of rifles and pistols on display.

"I'm in need of some ammunition for my pistols," I replied, gesturing to the holstered weapons at my side. "But I reckon I also need a reliable rifle for the trail. Something with bolt action and a high caliber."

"Men." Cassidy rolled her eyes. "Always about size with you cowboys."

"What's that mean?" I threw her a look.

"I prefer the speed and accuracy of my lever action rifle any day." Cassidy smiled.

"Well if I shoot something I want to make sure it stays down." I shrugged. I didn't want to have to chase down a wounded animal after I shot it.

"Here you go." the old man came back and handed me a sturdy bolt-action rifle and handed it to me. "This here's a fine choice. Good weight, accurate, and it'll pack a punch," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of pride. "But I gotta warn you, son, it ain't as quick as a lever-action like the one our feisty redhead prefers and has a bit of a kick."

"I used Flintlocks in the war so I think I will manage." I smiled and looked the rifle over cocking the bolt to check the action and make sure it was empty. I cocked the rifle and raised it up at the wall and pulled the trigger.

"Those were the days. You had to be a good shot back then or you didn't eat." The old man smiled.

"I don't see how you handle anything so big." Cassidy shook her head with a playful smirk and took the rifle trying to hold it up and aim it.

"I hear that a lot." I teased and she threw me a look. "It just requires a firm grip." I smiled and moved behind her and put my hands on hers sliding her hands along the grip of the barrel. Her hair tickled my cheek as I caught a soft hint of perfume. I wondered if she had worn it on purpose or if it had rubbed off in the bed of the saloon.

As I guided Cassidy's hands along the grip of the rifle, I couldn't help but feel a surge of electricity between us. Her playful smirk turned into a subtle blush as our fingers interlaced, finding a comfortable position on the stock. My hands gently enveloped hers, my touch firm yet gentle as I adjusted her stance, helping her find the proper alignment.

"See, Cassidy," I whispered, my voice low and teasing. "It's all about control and precision. You have to feel the weight of the rifle, let it become an extension of your own body."

She glanced back at me, her eyes meeting mine, and I could sense the playful banter shifting into something more intense. "I bet you say that to all the ladies Flint." Cassidy teased. "Besides. I doubt you know much about control. Didn't my dad tell you to keep your eyes off of me?" She teased as she turned around and handed me the Rifle back though I could see her blushing as she avoided eye contact.

"Good thing I am looking at the rifle then." I smiled and gave it one last look over and set it on the counter.

Cassidy chuckled softly, her cheeks still tinged with a light blush. "You're impossible," she said, shaking her head with a playful grin.

The old shopkeeper let out a hearty laugh. "You two remind me of my younger days," he said, his blue eyes twinkling with mirth. "Is that all you need, son?" the shopkeeper asked, pulling me back to the present.

"That and a few boxes of Ammo." I smiled, pulling out my wallet to pay for the ammunition and rifle. The shopkeeper grabbed some ammo and took my money with a nod. As the shopkeeper collected the boxes of ammunition and rang up the sale, I turned my attention back to Cassidy. The playful banter had momentarily subsided, but there was still a lingering spark in the air. I couldn't help but be drawn to her fiery spirit and quick wit.

As the transaction concluded, Cassidy and I exchanged a knowing glance, the unspoken tension still lingering in the air. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead on our journey together.

"Thank you, sir," I said to the shopkeeper, offering a nod of gratitude. He returned the gesture with a warm smile, his eyes filled with a mixture of wisdom and nostalgia.

"You take care now, young man, miss," the shopkeeper replied. With that me and Cassidy parted ways though I gave a little glimpse back to watch her walk and smiled as she glanced back as well.