Page 2 of Capturing Clint

Her nervous giggle made Clint smile instead of turning him off like when most girls made that sound. She lookedtohim again and gave a slight nod. “I am hungry.”

“Good. We’ll go over to Big Jud’s. If you like burgers, you’ll love theirs.”

Her only response was a nod as an awkward silence fell between them. Chrissy held herself rigid, not moving a muscle.Wasshe just nervous, or did she not like him? Clint hoped that wasn’t thecasebecause he desperately wanted to engage in conversation in order to get to know more about her, despite what he told Beth.

“So, what are your grand plans for transforming the Café?”

Chrissy jumped alittleas if she hadn’t expected Clint to talk to her. “Oh, well, I,” she began to mumble as she placed her laptop down on her lap. “I think the entire place definitely needs a total transformation. It’s pretty outdated, don’t you think?”

“I do. So what kind of magic do you plan to perform?”

She gave another little laugh as she powered up her device, pulling up sketches to show to him. Suddenly, she became excited and animated as she talked about her ideas. She proceeded to point out this and that, explaining how the cost would be effective and some such, but all Clint could concentrate on was her exuberance. Her face lit up and she became a completely different person, exploding from her shell.

“Don’t you think?” Chrissy asked.

Clint focused on her eyes she trained on him, awaiting an answer. The vibrant green mesmerized him, making it impossible to think of nothing else but what they’d look like fluttering closed should he lean in to kiss those perfect lips. He mentally shook himself and made an effort to glance at the designs before looking back at her.

“I think it’ll be terrific,” he said, his voice a little husky.

“Me too. I can’t wait to get started, I—”

“All right, kiddos, ready to go?” Beth interrupted. She had her coat on and held out another to Chrissy.

Clint watched as Chrissy shut her device and quickly stood, retreating back to her shy self. “Ready,” she said quietly. She placed her laptop down in order to shrug on her coat. Clint got another quick peekofher belly as she shifted, noticing the three multi-colored stones dancing across her skin. He groaned again then gathered his items and stood, suggesting he drive to the burger joint he had in mind.

“Sounds great. Let’s go.” The look Beth gave him told him she was all too aware of what was going through his mind as he practically ogled Chrissy’s mid-drift.

An hour later, after enjoying great food and even greater conversation with Beth and Chrissy, he had driven them back to Beth’s apartment. Chrissy had no problem opening up when Beth was in their presence, but now that Beth had made an excuse about needing to make a call, leaving Clint and Chrissy alone, sheclammedright up. And try as he mighttocontinue to engage, her clipped responses to his conversation led him to believe it was time to call it a night.

“Well, I better get going. More studying to do.” He turned to Chrissy. “Do you need a ride to your place?”

“Oh, no, I’m going to discuss the renovation more with Beth. She’ll give me a ride. Um, good luck with finals,” she said, hardly looking at him. “I’ll tell Beth you said good night. I doubt she’s going to reemerge from her room.”

Wow, that’s the most she’s said in my presence.

“Probably not. Thanks, Chrissy. And thanks for joining us. I had a great time.”

Her eyes widened as she said, “You did?”

He chuckled and took a step closer to her, pleased when she didn’t step back. “I did. Maybe we could do it again. Maybe, just the two of us?”

“Really?” she squeaked.

“Really,” he said softly as he began to lean in closer, wanting to feel the softness of her lips against his before tangling their tongues.

But Chrissy had other thoughts as she quickly side-stepped him, heading to open the door. “Um, okay, well, maybe. I guess you should be going. Plenty of studying to do. Lots to concentrate on. Me too. Studying, that is. So, good night, Clint.” She held open the door and barely cast him a glance, expecting him to leave.

Clint sighed and shook his head as he walked to the door. He paused next to her and said a gentle good night, to which he received only another nod. As soon as he was out the door, it clicked behind him, and he heard the turning of the deadbolt.

He didn’t know what to make of her actions. She had seemed interested, yet scared at the same time. Or was she turned off? Maybe she just didn’t like him. Or maybe she was just unsure of herself and couldn’t believe someone like him would be interested in her. Maybe she had no experience with having a boyfriend.

He found that hard to believe.

Clint was by no means conceited, thinking himself too good for anyone, and short of just saying ‘hey, I like you, do you like me’, he had no idea what to do next when it came to her. Maybe another talk with Beth would help, he begrudgingly thought. He’d give it a day or two and see what happened.

Until then, he’d concentrate on finals and try to keep the tempting Chrissy from taking over his thoughts.

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