by Sable Hunter
And tomorrow, how was that going to go? He’d drive over to her house, move those damnable rocks, answer whatever questions Nicky had for him – and the whole time, he’d be wishing she were there. Imagining that she wanted him around. Fantasizing how she’d invited him over for breakfast, or maybe she was cooking him breakfast after an incredible night of love making.
Frowning, Clint remembered how he’d spent their last morning-after. All alone. She’d taken what he so lovingly offered and walked out on him without a kiss my grits or a fare thee well.
And why was that? Hell, if he knew. The woman was such a contradiction. She gave off this sweet, caring vibe even as she held him at arm’s length. Like yesterday. A couple of times he’d caught her looking at him like he was a tall glass of water and she was dying of thirst. And when he’d accidentally touched her, the pleasurable shock almost took him to his knees. Something didn’t add up, he knew that much. He just didn’t have a clue what that something could be.
So…tomorrow he planned on going to her house, taking care of his business, then driving away until the next time providence decided to throw them together for some bored higher power’s amusement.
…After loading the equipment he would need in the back of his truck, Clint was on the road and headed east by seven in the morning. He made a stop in Cedar Park for coffee and a breakfast taco, then made tracks to Georgetown. The day he’d dropped Jensen off, he’d been too distracted to notice her garage sat behind her house in the fenced back yard. There was an alleyway at the rear of the property with an automatic gate. Instead of pulling into her driveway, he parked on the street close to Nicky’s house. In no time, his front door banged open and the little boy came wheeling out and down the ramp calling Clint’s name at the top of his lungs.
“Clint! Here I come!”
He couldn’t help but smile. The little boy’s happiness was highly contagious. “Hey, Nicky. How are you doing this morning?”
“I’m great! How are you?”
“I’m good too.” He held up a Lumix mirrorless camera, showing it to Clint as he rolled past him. “I’m ready to get started. I know you’re a busy man and I appreciate you sparing the time for me. Let’s go into Jensen’s backyard and sit in the swing for the interview. Those orange flowers she loves so much will be a good backdrop for the video. I’m glad you wore a black shirt; the contrast will look perfect. I’ve come up with a few questions for you, not the run of the mill stuff. I wanted to do something a little different. I’ll let you preview the questions and approve them before we get started. The whole interview should last no more than fifteen minutes. By the time You-tube inserts the ads, the totality of the video will fit well within the parameters of my series.”
Following along behind Nicky, Clint was mesmerized by the way the youngster spoke with such knowledge and professionalism. “Whatever you say. You’re the boss.”
“I’ve done my research on you. I hope you don’t mind.”
“It’s all public knowledge.”
“True. I hope to get a few facts from you today that aren’t public knowledge. If I do, my video might get picked up by TMZ and go viral to boot.”
Clint couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather help. “Let’s see what questions you’ve come up with and we’ll go from there.”
“I concur.”
As they entered the backyard, Clint smiled at Nicky’s choice of words as he took note of the rocks he’d agreed to move. “Are you sure you’re just eleven?”
Nicky laughed uproariously, thoroughly enjoying his time with Clint.
“You want me here?” Clint asked as he approached the swing.
“Yep, on the right side where there’s less shade.”
When Clint went to take his seat, he noticed the garage door was open and a car was sitting inside. It wasn’t the Audi, but he realized it was probably a rental. A spike of excitement shot through him. Jensen hadn’t left for work – she was still at home. Could it be on purpose? Because she knew he’d be here?
Probably not.
He needed to quit thinking that way. There was nothing between them, there never had been – not really. And that was the way Jensen wanted it.
“Here are the questions. You let me know if there’s something about them you don’t like.”
“Will do.” Before beginning to read, he looked up at the windows to Jensen’s house and wondered if she was aware of his presence.
…Inside, Jensen was preparing for the day. She didn’t have to leave for an hour. The eye clinic was located a scant few miles away. As she climbed from the shower, voices from the backyard became apparent. At the sound of a deep male voice, chill bumps broke out all over her naked body.
Clint was here.
A thrill coursed through her, making her remaining nipple a diamond point of sensation.
The familiar feeling caused her to react in an unexpected way. She immediately crossed her arms over her breast, as if the response was forbidden.
Grabbing a towel, she dried her body. Her usual procedure was to avoid looking in the mirror. It wasn’t like she could forget she had one breast but staring at the evidence still made her uncomfortable. That fact made another truth painfully obvious – if she couldn’t stand to look at herself, how could she ever expect anyone else to want to do it?
But today, at this moment, she had a good reason to study her reflection closely.
Clint was just outside and part of her longed to reconnect with him. To try and reclaim the previous excitement and attraction that once flowed between them.
And that would never do.
So to remind herself why this such a reunion could never be, Jensen opened her eyes to take in the image in the mirror. Like every other time, her stomach wrenched. There was one normal breast and one flat area with a red scar slashing across it. She was lop-sided. The sight stole her breath and made her mouth twist in a crooked line.
Reality check.
Dropping her head, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, allowing regret to cascade through her soul like an unwelcome rain.
“All right. Enough.” With one cleansing breath she straightened her shoulders, steeled her spine, and resolved to be strong. “It is what it is,” she murmured, then turned to finish getting ready.
Once she was dressed and together, Jensen moved to her kitchen. Drawn to the window by the coffee pot, she put on a cup to brew while she stepped close enough to see Nicky’s wheelchair sitting in front of the swing. Almost filling up that swing was Clint Wilder, broad-shouldered, solid, and entirely too handsome. He was smiling at the young boy as he held a sheaf of papers in his hands.
Unable to resist, Jensen prepared her coffee, then crept out to the screened porch. From there, she could watch the scene unfold unobserved.
…Clint returned the papers to Nicky. “These are fine. Some of the questions are a little strange, but let’s go for it.” Frankly, he couldn’t imagine anyone being interested enough in him to care about some of the things being asked – but what did he know? The public was a strange animal at time.
“Great! We’ll get right into it. This is going to be like speed dating – quick, concise, and moving right along. Don’t worry. I’ll do the introduction later when I take care of the edits.”
Every time the kid opened his mouth, he impressed Clint even more. The boy was well on his way to being a powerhouse. “Gotcha.” Waiting patiently, he smiled as Nicky panned the camera around, finally coming to rest on his face.
“Clint, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. I know my viewers will love hearing from you.”
“I’m pleased to be with you, Nicky. What’s on your mind?” In the split second, he asked this question, Clint glanced at Jensen’s screened in porch and caught a glint of something shining.
“A lot of things – like…who’s your celebrity crush?”
If he wasn’t terribly mistaken, he and Nicky had an audience. “The young Grace Kelly. I’m a romantic, Nicky.
I’m a sucker for silvery blonde hair and big blue eyes.”
“Nice choice. I might be eleven, but I do know who Grace Kelly is. Question two, what has been your worst date?”
“Oh, Nicky…” Clint zeroed his attention right on the spot in the screened in porch where he’d discerned something shining – just in case. “My worst date was when this beautiful lady walked out on me with no explanation and no goodbye.” He shook his head. “She broke my heart.”
“That’s hard to believe, Clint. What’s your most annoying habit?”
“Oh, geez.” Clint laughed. “My siblings tell me my worst habit is my tendency to think I always know best.”
“And do you?”
“Well, of course.” Clint glanced again toward the screened-in porch.
By this time, Jensen was perfectly aware that Clint knew she was watching. She didn’t think he could see her, but something must’ve given her away. No matter, an earthquake couldn’t have dislodged her at this point. She was hanging on his every word.
“Clint, tell us. What’s your biggest fear?”
His smile fading, Clint grew serious. “Like most people, I fear something happening to someone I love. You know, a car wreck, an accident – cancer. I’d rather something happen to me any day.”
“Admirable. You’re a good guy, Clint Wilder. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”
Clint grinned at the little boy. “Superpower, huh? Well, I think I would choose to read minds. I could know everyone’s truth, know what they really need. No one I love would be able to hide how they truly felt from me.”
“Aren’t you afraid you might find out something you never wanted to know?”
“It’s always better to know the truth, Nicky.”
“Sometimes the truth hurts, Clint.”
He chose to shake his head and laugh. “I guess there are different ways of looking at things, but that would be my choice of a superpower.”
Watching – Jensen shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She agreed with Nicky.
The interview continued, “Clint, what body part would you not mind losing?”
“Wow.” There was a long moment of silence. “Uh…not mind losing? That’s hard. An ear, I guess. No. I’d rather give up a toe. I wouldn’t miss that.”
Jensen swallowed hard. If given a choice, she would’ve chosen a toe also.
“Next question.” Nicky continued to hold the camera as he filmed. “Do you sing in the shower?”
“Yes. I do.” Clint chuckled. “I love to sing in the shower. I sing joyfully, but totally offkey. Dogs have been known to howl in consternation.”
“Good to know.” Nicky giggled. “What did you want to be when you were a kid?”
“A meteorologist. My father gave me a little weather station for my birthday when I was seven years old and I cherished it.”
“Interesting. Wilder the Weatherman. When did you realize you wanted to play football as a pro?”
Clint answered succinctly without emotion. “When I realized I was good enough.” Enough said.
“Okay. On to the next question. When do you plan to retire?”
“Sooner rather than later. I have other things I want to do with my life. No date has been set, but I never intended to have a long football career.” After this answer, he looked again at the screened in porch – a pointed stare.
“What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?”
“Oh, I daydream. I think about Christmas. I imagine kissing a pretty girl. I plan my wedding. I name my kids.”
“You’re weird, Clint.” They laughed together. “What do you work toward in your free time?”
Clint sat up and looked really interested. “I have an important project. I’m attempting to invent a system to harness the energy of a hurricane.”
“Whoa. That would be a cool trick. How’s it coming?”
“Pretty good, actually. A Japanese company is interested in one of my prototypes.” Clint wondered how Jensen would react to that news. He wanted her to know he wasn’t just a blockheaded jock.
“One final question, Clint. What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume?”
“Oh, that’s easy. My mother taught me to cook a good meal and keep a clean house. I know how to treat a woman. I’m kind to animals. I can do my own laundry and change a baby’s diaper. Bottom line, I’m the man who will make some lucky lady very happy.”
Nicky laughed uproariously and gave Clint a high five. “And you heard it here, folks. Thank you, Mr. Clint Wilder – a great catch – on or off the field.”
When the interview was over, Jensen sat very still. She couldn’t help but feel he’d been directing most of his answers straight to her. When she stood to her feet, she held her hand over her heart to steady the beating. Nicky was right, the man was a catch. Not only was he a nice guy, he was the real deal. Any woman would be lucky to have him. Pity – she wouldn’t be that woman.
Hurrying to the kitchen, she put her coffee cup in the sink and gathered her things. She’d almost let time get away from her. If she were going to make her appointment, she needed to leave now. Glancing out the window, she didn’t see anyone. They were probably in the front yard by now. Nicky would be putting away his camera and Clint would be unloading whatever equipment he brought to move those confounded rocks.
As she opened the back door, ready to slip down the covered walk to the garage, Jensen felt a little guilty about her eavesdropping escapade. She’d no sooner than stepped down the stairs before she became aware of someone blocking her path.
Clint.
“Going somewhere?”
“Hello, Clint.” Jensen found herself blushing hotly. “I’m on the way to have my eyes checked. Did you finish Nicky’s interview?”
“Yes, as I’m sure you know.”
Jensen didn’t answer. “Thanks for humoring him and thank you for being willing to move those rocks. How much do I owe you?” She found herself looking everywhere but at his face.
“You want to pay me?”
“Yes, of course.” Although, she fully expected him to refuse. “I intended to hire someone to move them all along.”
“I don’t want your money. Tell me something. Did you arrange your doctor’s visit in order to be at home when I arrived?”
“No.” She frowned. “My secretary noticed my headaches and made it without consulting me.”
“That was presumptuous.”
“Not really. She cares about me.”
“Ah.” He nodded his head. “That’s nice.”
Jensen felt her chest tighten. She could feel the animosity rolling from him in waves. “Clint, what do you want from me?”
He snorted softly. “Hell, if I know. You’re turning me inside out. One minute I want to lay you down and love you – the next I want to turn you over my knee.”
Both ideas made Jensen tingle. She felt frustrated and helpless, wanting to give him something and having nothing to give – but friendship. “Would you like to be friends?”
Clint scoffed and moved an inch or two closer. “Friendship is not what I want from you.”
Jensen raised her chin and looked him in the eye. “I’m sorry. That’s all I have to offer.”
“I don’t believe you.” His gaze raked over her face and down her body. “Your pulse is fluttering like a butterfly and I can smell your arousal. You want to be with me.”
She didn’t immediately deny it. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t.”
“Clint…please.”
Jensen tried to push past him, but Clint detained her with the softest of touches. “Do you hate me? Do I repulse you?”
“No, of course not.” She turned her head to the side and looked at the ground.
“Am I crazy?” He could feel her trembling. “There’s something between us, I can feel it. You can’t deny it. I’m right, aren’t I?”
“There’s no use, Clint. It
’s impossible.”
“Dammit, you frustrate the hell out of me, did you know that? The memory of how it feels to touch you, kiss you, hold you – torments me! I can’t have you. Yet. I can’t forget you. I don’t get a chance to forget you. You keep turning like a bad penny.”
This wasn’t fair. He was breaking her heart. “You showed up here today of your own free will.”
“You weren’t supposed to be home.”
A surprised burst of laughter erupted from her lips. “Well, excuse the hell out of me.” She was shaking. “I have to go.” Walking around him, she took a few steps, then stopped. “Clint, if things were different…but they’re not. I understand how you must feel. Our association has been unorthodox. I accept all the blame. After today, I promise you’ll never see me again. Okay?”
“Is that what you want?” His hand caught her wrist, his fingers holding her firmly but gently. “To never see me again?”
“Isn’t that what you want?”
“So, there’s no chance of something more? Just friendship.”
Jensen swallowed the lump of pain in her throat. “Would friendship be so bad?”
Clint shook his head. “I’m sorry. I could never be satisfied just being your friend. I’d always want more. So…I guess this is goodbye.”
“I guess.” She held his gaze for one long moment. “I’ll try to keep my distance.”
He nodded solemnly. “Try? We’ll see how well you succeed.”
“Yea. We’ll see.” Jensen tamped down the urge to sprint to the garage. Instead, she took slow and even steps, refusing to let him see how much he affected her. “Thank you for coming today and being good to Nicky. Don’t think you have to move the rocks. Invent an excuse, get a phone call.”
“I don’t play that way.” Clint stood still to watch her go, waiting until her car left through the automatic gate. “Goodbye, Jensen.”
“Clint!” Nicky’s voice called from the side yard. “We need to get started. Mom said it might rain.”
“All right. I’m coming,” he answered. As he made his way through the yard to the street, the distant rumble of thunder could be heard. “Of course. Perfect timing.” He quickened his pace. “You need to go inside, Nick. I’ll take care of those rocks.”