Page 10 of Capturing Clint

“I’ll handle it. You, my dear, need some pampering. Andsheesh, a confidence booster! A trip to the spa, a new outfit, andVoila! I’m going to make sure you knock Mr. Jessup’s socks off. And that’s just for starters,” he said as he gently nudged her hip with his.

“Zac, I love you.”

“I know. Me too,” he replied as he kissed her hand.

****

Clint arrived early at Chrissy’s hotel and went to the bar for a drink. He still couldn’t believe it. Christine Harrison, in Japan, after all these years.

She did indeed blossom into a gorgeous woman. There was still a hint of shyness and uncertainty about her which he found endearing. He looked forward to learning more about what’s been happening in her life. Andwhowas in her life, he thought.

After her abrupt departure during the Christmas break all those years ago, Clint clung to every word Beth had to report about Chrissy’s situation. Learning about her mother’s cancer made him sick to his stomach, and he had prayed for her family. He also knew whateverminisculehope he had of them getting together had evaporated at the time.

While finishing his degree and securing a job, communication between the two women lessened, and before long, Chrissy became a long-ago infatuation to Clint. He had secured a promising job with the Cattlemen’sAssociationand loved his work and the strides he felt he was making.

Unfortunately, he also stupidly fell under the spell of another man’s wife—a business associate, no less—engaging in an affair that nearly cost him his life, as well as those of others. Clint questioned so many aspects of his life afterward. Where had his integrity been, his loyalty? His scruples and discipline?

Incredibly enough, he continued to remain close friends with the business associate—a fact that humbled him beyond words.

So, now, on a leave of absence from his work, trying to figure out where his life was going, his thoughts were suddenly consumed by the sweet Chrissy from a lifetime ago. What grand adventures had she seen? What wondrous journey had her life taken, bringing her to Japan? His selfish reason to be here was simplybecause itwas a place he had always wished to visit. And now with nothing but time on his hands…

As he lifted his glass for another sip of his drink, he looked toward the doorway and lost all reasonable thought. Before the liquid passed his lips, he slowly placed the glass on the bar, his focus on the vision in front of him.

Chrissy stood there in a form-fitting chocolate silk dress with gold edging. It stopped mid-thigh which allowed a nice view of her toned legs. Her hair was swept up in a loose knot as a few curls framed her face. Gold hoops hung from her ears and gold sandals adorned her petite feet.

Clint was drawn to her, like the proverbial moth to the flame.

****

Chrissy knew she’d made an impression from the look on Clint’s face. She just hoped she knew what she was getting herself into.

She watched Clint approach, his eyes never leaving hers. When he stopped only inches from her, she could feel his heat, and whatever wonderful cologne he had on smelled heavenly. She felt dizzy with excitement. And desire.

“I didn’t see you in the lobby,” Chrissy started, a bit breathless, “so I thought I’d check in here.” When Clint didn’t respond, Chrissy felt like she had to fill the silence. “Did you want to finish your drink? We could—”

“I’m suddenly not thirsty for my drink,” he said, his voice as smooth and rich as she thought the finest brandy to be. “You look exquisite.”

Chrissy thanked him for the compliment. “I thought we’d keep it easy and have dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. I’m told they have a wonderful menu.”

Clint nodded. “I’ll let you lead the way.”

Chrissy smiled and turned, heading back through the lobby toward the rear of the hotel. She felt Clint’s hand press against her lower back as he followed, and she thought for sure that touch alone would cause her to combust.

I really need to get a grip, she thought.We’ve barely begun our evening together.

They entered the restaurant and were seated immediately with Clint sliding in close to her. The waitress brought hot tea and sake along with the menus. As Chrissy perused the choices, she couldn’t help but notice Clint’s gaze never leaving her.

“Aren’t you going to read the menu so you know what you’re having for dinner?”

“What I’m hungry for isn’t on this menu,” he stated boldly.

Chrissy’s eyes widened while a quiet “Oh” left her lips.

“I apologize,” he said while he dipped his head a moment. When he looked back at her, his eyes were focused, determined. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking of you since this afternoon. I find it amazing we’ve run into each otherhalfwayaround the world after so many years.”

“I was just as surprised. And I have to admit, I’m trying not to embarrass myself with my nervousness.”

“Why are you nervous?” he asked as his hand reached out to caress the top of hers.

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