Page 8 of Capturing Clint

I amsoin trouble. What is he doing here?

“What are you doing here?” She spoke her thoughts before actually thinking it over. She then slapped her handtoher mouth again.

“Chrissy, what is the matter with you?” Zac softly demanded through clenched teeth.

She watched a brief look of curiosity cross Clint’s face before realization struck.

“Chrissy Harrison?”

Zac added his shocked expression to the mix. He looked fromClintto Chrissy, back to Clint again. “Whom, may I ask, are you?”

Both Chrissy and Clint answered simultaneously.

“Clint Jessup.”

“Oh.Oh!” Zac said, looking back to Chrissy.

Chrissy knew Zac now realized this wastheClint Jessup she had told him about years ago. She had confessed her giant crush on him, and the sadness she often felt at not reconnecting with him.

She continued to stare at Clint, unable to look away.

Ah jeez. Helplessly caught in his tractor beam again.Dangit! Haven’t I outgrown this already?

Chrissy mentally shook herself. “I’m so sorry. This is such a surprise. It’s been, what, ten years?”

“About that,” Clint answered, shifting his stance. “I always wondered about you.”

“You did?” Chrissy nearly whispered.

“Of course. I always wondered how you and your family were,” Clint started. “Beth told me a little about why you returned home so suddenly. But contact between you two seemed to taper off.”

That had saddened Chrissy as well. For all the technological advances and ways to communicate and stay in touch, there was no excuse for not doing so. “Yes, well, life can get away from you,” she said softly

“Indeed it can,” Zac said primly.

Chrissy realized introductions hadn’t been made as she gave Zac a side-hug. “Clint, this is Zac, my business associate, and my friend.”

Zac leaned his headintoChrissy’s shoulder and playfully batted his eyelashes.

“Nice to meet you, Zac.” To that, Zac nodded. “And how is your family, Chrissy?”

She smiled, pleased he’d be concerned. “They’re great actually. Mom’s cancer has been in remission for years, and she’s been busy as ever with her volunteering. Dad has been retired from the Air Force since Mom’s initial treatment. They’re traveling quite a bit and loving life.”

“Good to hear.”

Chrissy waited for more from Clint, but he continued to stare as if in a daze. Just as she was going to askabouthim, he spoke up and surprised her with his question. “Did you get Lasix surgery? No more glasses.”

“Um, no. I wear contacts. I can’t stomach the thought oflaseringmy eyes.”

“Yet fingering her eyes every morning to place contacts isn’t bothersome,” Zac teased. “I’ve tried to convince her otherwise, but she won’t listen. I’ve known plenty who’ve had the procedure done and couldn’t be happier.”

“Yes, Zac, I know. I’m just not brave enough. Maybe one day.”

“And maybe one day I’ll marry Sandra Bullock.”

“Wouldn’t that upset Doug?” Chrissy laughed.

Chrissy noticed Clint watching their exchange with a puzzled look. “Doug is Zac’s partner. They’ve been together a few years. They joke about theirgo-to gal.For Zac it’s Sandra.”

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