Page 5 of Capturing Clint

She mockingly glared at him. “Well, I figured you’d be home by now. We weren’t expecting any company.”

“I can see that,” he said as he nodded at her Hello Kitty attire andmessyponytail. “Pajama party? And I wasn’t invited?”

“Like I said, I figured you’d be home by now, what, living only an hour away.” She crossed her arms almost indignantly. “It’s the first night of many planned for just us gals.”

Clint turned around to face Chrissy. “You aren’t heading home for the holidays?”

Her head barely lifted as she answered. “No, I, uh, my parents had plans I didn’t want to take part in, and I didn’t want them to change their plans for me. So, Beth invited me to stay the week with her.”

“Oh, that’s great. Well, I was just coming to see if Beth changed her mind about joining me and my family for the holidays, and, well, you’re welcome to come too if you’d like.”

Clint’s mind suddenly filled with images of them riding horses or playing in the snow at his family’s ranch. He was filled with thehopethey may have a chance to get to know one another outside of the school atmosphere. Snow meant warm, cozy nights by a roaring fire. Which could lead to snuggling—

Chrissy’s eyes widened and she looked poised to answer, but Beth’s voice broke through first.

“Thanks, Clint, but we’re good here. Aren’t we, Chrissy?”

“Oh, yeah, we’re good,” she said, sounding dejected. She looked quickly at Clint giving a weak smile before excusing herself back into the bathroom.

Clint didn’t get a chance to say another word as the door softly shut. He stared at it for a moment before Beth spoke again.

“Hey, Clint, you should probably get a move on if you want to beat the storm that’s heading this way.”

He spun to face his friend. “Sure, yeah, I probably should.” He and Beth walked toward the door. “You sure you two don’t want to join me? You know there’s plenty of room. Mom and Sadie would be pleased as punch to have a few more ladies around.”

Sadie helped his mom run the household and take care of the ranch hands at the Jessup Ranch just over the hills from Boise.

“Uh-huh, I’m sure she’s not the only one who’d like to have a certain lady around.”

“Why whatever do you mean, Bethany Ann?”

Beth snickered at him calling her by her full name. “Just take this break to think if you really want to be starting something with Chrissy,” she spoke softly.

Clint drew back. “What do you mean? Weren’t you just telling me to ask her out?”

“Yes, yes I was. And I’m not saying you still can’t, I’m just saying be sure, because that young lady has got it bad for you, and as much as I love you, I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“Gee, okay,mom.”

“Clint,” Beth drew out. “I’m not saying you’d intentionally hurt her either, just … dammit, she’s fragile, you know? And like you said, with you almost done with school, and with Chrissy having more time, you just never know where life will take you.”

“And that’s what life is all about, Beth. The journey.” Clint had to rush on before Beth could interrupt. “Listen, I get it, I do. Part of the reason I was heading over was to talk to you about my interest in her. Because I am—interested in her, that is.” He smiled at his friend. “And now that I know she’s interested in me, well, that gives me something to think on. How I want to approach her.”

“Great. Now take this break to figure that out while I do my best to boost her confidence and convince her to give you a try. She’s just not ready yet.”

“Wow, you really gotta sell me, don’t you?”

Beth laughed. “No, but she needs more confidence. You, however, have plenty. And I think she’s due to get those braces off soon, which will definitely help. Now git.” She playfully pushed Clint to the door.

Just as Beth opened it, Chrissy emerged. Clint turned in her direction and their gazes collided, and the last thing he wanted to do was walk through that door. He wanted to walk to the green-eyed beauty, scoop her in his arms, and kiss her senseless. He wanted to convince her to come to his family’s ranch sohecould be the one building her confidence about giving them a shot.

“Clint, drive safe, okay?” Beth said.

He spun to face her and nodded before turning back to Chrissy. “Have a good holiday, Chrissy. Be sure to keep this one outta trouble.” He winked and smiled while hooking his thumb over his shoulder at Beth.

And his heart nearly exploded at the sight of Chrissy’s blushing smile. Braces and all.

“I’ll do my best,” she answered.

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