Page 18 of Capturing Clint

“What’s going through that pretty head of yours?” Clint asked.

“Oh, nothing.”

“Yeah? Your devilish smile says otherwise.”

He finished a bite of his eggs and raised his coffee cup to his lips. Chrissy loved the intensity of his hazel eyes as they watched her. She loved his unkempt hair looking nicely tousled, knowing her fingers had combed through the strands only moments before.

“Really? And what does my devilish smile say?” she asked, lifting her own cup of coffee to her mouth, savoring the sweetened elixir. She’d already finished her small portion of eggs, bacon, and fruit, surprisingly full. She thought she’d have a bigger appetiteafterthe night’s activity. Chrissy was just thankful she didn’t have a hangover or lingering headache from all the sake she’d consumed.

Clint cocked his head. “I haven’t quite figured that out.”

“Well, when you do, I’ll let you know.”

Clint laughed as he placed his cup on the table. “Chrissy, you’re such a pleasant surprise.”

“How so?” She couldn’t standnotto touch him, to not becloserto him. She stood and walked to him, parting her robe below the belt in order to straddle his lap. When he welcomed her into his arms, she was ecstatic.

Chrissy wound her hands around his neck as his settled on her hips, his hypnotic eyes boring into her.

“I realize in ten years, a lot can happen. I remember your shyness, your uncertainty. But also your beauty and innocent spirit. You captivated me then and you continue to do so now. Maybe more so because of the woman you’ve become.”

“You sure know how to flatter a gal.” She playfully batted her lashes causing Clint to laugh.

“I only speak the truth.” His hands massaged her flesh through the robe and she couldn’t help but wish they were skin to skin. “You’ve become a gorgeous woman who isn’t afraid of what she wants.” He leaned in closer to nuzzle her neck. “As I found out last night.”

As he pressed his lips to her skin, Chrissy hummed. “Well, last night is only the beginning. You’re gonna find out a lot more about me. Especially if you keep this up.” She tangled her fingers in his hair to guide his head back, seeking his lips. When they connected, a slow simmer of a kiss played out that soon had Chrissy whimpering, needing more.

Her hands began to roam down his front to part the robe, settling on his hot skin. She swept across his sculpted pecs, down his well-defined abs, seeking his cock. God, she couldn’t get enough of this man!

Clint’s hands were suddenly holding her wrists, stopping her from further temptation. When she gave him a playful pout, he only chuckled as he folded his robe to cover his parts. “Time to talk.”

“Boring, but all right.” She gave him a quick nip. “Would you prefer I dislodge myself from your tempting lap?”

He chuckled again. “That might help my concentration.”

As Chrissy took her seat, she settled in to hear what Clint had to purge. And purge he did.

“I fucked up, Chrissy.”

She stared wide-eyed at him with his choice ofwordsbut listened intently as he went on to divulge the humiliating affair he’d had. He revealed his weakness for the woman of a business associate, a friend—one with whom he still remained friends. He spoke of her deception in initiating the affair, not because she felt she was in a loveless marriage and truly loved Clint, as she had pretended. No, because she not only wanted revenge on whom she believed to be a neglectfulhusband,but also to worm her way closer to Clint’s brother. The man she claimed to truly love after having a brief encounter with years earlier.

Chrissy somehow followed the convoluted story, hearing most of all the regret and shame Clint felt for himself.

“How can I ever feel worthy of your love after my actions?”

“Clint, your actions have nothing to do with us. You truly believed this woman was in a loveless marriage, you thought you fell in love withher,and thought you could rescue her.”

“But I betrayed a friend. A man I could almost call a brother. A man who trusted me.”

“A man who forgave you. Who asked that you forgiveyourself.You were used. Your caring, loving nature was twisted and used against you. If you think you can sit there and wonder how I can love you, it’s because of your ability to love and care.”

Chrissy watched Clint’s eyes now widen at the mention of her loving him. “Yes, Clint Jessup, I love you.” She stood and walked to him, kneeling down at his feet and grabbing his hands to hold in hers. “I love you. Know that I’d neverdeceiveyou. And I know you’d never knowingly or willingly hurt me. It’s time to move on. It’s time to put your past and your doubts aside, and trust in what we can build with one another.”

Clint lifted her hands to his mouth, kissing each and every knuckle before pulling her to her feet. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close, burying his head against her belly.

“I love you,” he whispered. “I don’t want my love to taint your goodness.”

Chrissy couldn’t help but snort. “Oh my goodness, I’m not a saint.”

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