Mission Accomplished?

This is a piece of flash fiction that I wrote based on a photo given as a writing prompt in a writing group I'm a part of. Of the several submissions by authors, I was voted best of the week by my peers!

Chase’s pulse was steady as he raised the tip of the rifle over the dune. The target had gotten lazy. Entertaining his new dish distracted him from being careful. It was far too easy for Chase to track him.

Chase squeezed one eye shut, catching the target in his scope. His finger hovered over the trigger. "Get out of the way." The woman kept blocking the target. Her blonde locks reminded him of Samantha’s. Finally, a clean shot. The woman laughed. Her laugh reminded him of Samantha’s.

"Samantha?" Chase nearly dropped his gun. He raised his scope again, this time focusing on the woman. It was her. His heart raced. "I must complete my mission." He tried to steady the gun but his hand shook. 

Chase lowered the gun and blew out a breath. "Get ahold of yourself." He stole a glance over the dune. The dancers were departing. "It’s now or never." He raised the gun once more and peered through his scope. "What the…?" 

The target slumped over. The wine glass left a trail in the sand as it rolled away from his lifeless hand. Samantha dumped the contents of her own glass, stood up, and dusted herself off.

Chase smirked. "That’s my girl." He raised his light, hoping to signal her. She stopped suddenly, a look of concern across her face. She reached behind her back.

Chase threw his arms in the air and walked slowly toward Samantha’s pointed pistol. Her arms lowered slightly. 

“Chase?”

“Hey, babe.”

“Idiot. I could have shot you.” Samantha returned the gun to its hiding spot.

“I could say the same to you. What are you doing here?”

“Accomplishing a mission. You?”

“Same. Except my report back won’t be as impressive.”

“You snooze, you lose.”

“You could make it up to me.” Chase raised an eyebrow.

“Well, the tent is set up for two.” The corners of Samantha’s mouth curled up in that way that made Chase crazy.

He grabbed her waist and pulled her close, his hot breath on her lips. They retreated into the canvas shelter to celebrate…