Capturing Clint, page 1
part #1 of Romance on the Go Series
EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ®
www.evernightpublishing.com
Copyright© 2018 Laura M. Baird
ISBN: 978-1-77339-607-1
Cover Artist: Jay Aheer
Editor: Stephanie Balistreri
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
DEDICATION
To Jill Christine Tani Harris, my dear friend, no matter how much time or distance is between us, your support means the world to me. Love you!
CAPTURING CLINT
Romance on the Go ®
Laura M. Baird
Copyright © 2018
Clint sat quietly in the corner of the Campus Café watching his best friend, Beth, talking with her newest friend, Chrissy. She’d been called in as part of a student design team that would be revamping the Café. It was a common occurrence for Beth to take a particular student under her wing and fulfill that parental role, as she was doing with Chrissy. She’d been a sophomore transfer from Colorado, and even though the two women had seven years between them, with Beth at age twenty-seven and Chrissy at twenty, they became fast friends. Chrissy definitely seemed mentally mature beyond her years, but physically and socially, she was still awkward and shy in a cute kinda way.
Not that Clint paid much attention to Christine ‘Chrissy’ Harrison. No, he had his own studies to contend with, and with one more term to go before graduating college, he couldn’t afford any distractions.
Distractions like her sparkling green eyes behind those too-big glasses on her heart-shaped face. Or her flowing brown hair that reminded him of chocolate fondue. Or the way her Kewpie doll lips puckered in surprise right before letting loose with the most uninhibited laugh that never failed to make Clint smile.
Not to mention her commendable services of tutoring upper-classmen or volunteering at the hospital Beth happened to tell him about.
Yeah, Clint didn’t need any diversions when he was trying to accomplish what no one else in his family had before—graduate from college. So here he sat, studying for the upcoming finals before winter break, trying to focus on his material instead of the activity between Chrissy and Beth. Roger, the manager, had entrusted Beth to oversee the project, and she was taking charge like a pro. Being assistant manager of the Café as well as taking a full-time class load, Clint was extremely proud of her.
Their friendship ran deep, like siblings, and thankfully there wasn’t the slightest bit of sexual interest to muck it up.
Beth was sexy in her own right, but the two of them just knew their relationship belonged squarely in the friend zone. They had bonded quickly during their freshman year due to being a handful of years older than their classmates, feeling more like parental figures than peers. Not that four or five years age difference should make the gap seem huge, but with the maturity level of many these days, it sometimes seemed like an entire generation span.
Clint couldn’t keep his thoughts from returning to Chrissy, and he wondered if he was being a pervert with his silent obsession. He was trying to wrap his mind around their seven year age difference. It shouldn’t seem like a big deal, given her level of maturity, but the fact she couldn’t legally drink alcohol made him feel like he was lusting after a child.
She’s no child, Clint scoffed. She’s a consenting adult.
One who exhibited child-like excitement as she pointed to something on her laptop. Or gestured here and there with her arm as she roamed the Café, causing her sweater to ride up, and giving Clint a peek at her toned abdomen—
Holy smokes, was that a belly button piercing?
His eyes wouldn’t, couldn’t stray from the sparkling gem glinting from her mid-section. He was captivated by the play of light reflecting from the stones as well as the shift of her trim waist that led to the perfect flare of her hips encased in skinny jeans.
Only when Beth slid in front of him did his eyes journey elsewhere to see the smirk on her face.
“Heya, boy-o! Whatcha doing?” She grinned, turning her head around to look at Chrissy then back to him before grinning even more. She flopped down on the small couch, leaned in close, and whispered, “Just ask her out. You know you want to.” She leaned back with a smug expression on her mischievous little face.
Clint tried scowling at her but ended up chuckling when she threw a pouty scowl his way. “What I want is to study for my finals so I can pass these damn classes.”
“Uh, huh. Clint, you’re the smartest guy I know, and you’ve never had a problem with accomplishing your tasks. I have no doubt you’re already ready for those tests, and you could use some loosening up. Just ask Chrissy out. Take her to a movie, or ice skating, or—”
“No, Beth, I can’t.” He shook his head. “I mean, I’m graduating in the spring, and she’s—well, who knows what her plans are, or if she’s even going to stay in Idaho. She could decide to return to Denver and never look back.”
“So? You’ve got five months to figure it out. Why can’t you just have some fun while—”
“Excuse me, Beth?”
Chrissy’s timid voice pulled Clint’s gaze in her direction. She stood a few feet away with her laptop clutched to her chest like a shield. Her uncertain gaze glanced between him and Beth as she gave a nervous smile, keeping her lips clamped shut so as not to reveal the braces he was told she despised.
All Clint could see was a delicate bud just waiting to blossom.
Jesus! He inwardly groaned.
“Hey, Chrissy, have a seat.” Beth repositioned herself onto the arm of the couch and gestured with a hand between herself and Clint.
“Oh, no, no that’s okay,” Chrissy stammered as her face flushed. “I, uh, just wanted to let you know we’re all done with our assessment, and, uh, we’ll get the finished design back to you and Roger in a few days.” She gave Clint a quick glance before looking back to Beth. “I, um, I have to go, so, I’ll see you later?”
Beth stood, going to Chrissy’s side. “You sure you don’t want to hang around? I’ll be done in about thirty, so we can all go grab a bite to eat.” Beth smiled as she looked between Clint and the bewildered Chrissy. “Sit and keep Clint company while I finish up. I’ll make it fifteen, then we’re outta here.” She gave a wink.
Before Chrissy could protest anymore, Beth guided her over and pushed her to sit. Right next to Clint. He sat up straighter and tried to give her some room, but she practically fell off the couch in her attempt to move mere inches away from him.
Well, okay.
Clint tried not to frown, but couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed at her distance. Well, she was shy, and tense, and was probably nervous, but did she have to act like she couldn’t stand to be next to him?
“I’m sorry,” she started, her voice soft and lyrical. “You look like you’re studying, so you probably want to be left alone.” Chrissy kept her eyes averted from him as she spoke. “I-I can leave you alone. I have things to do as well.”
When she made the move to rise, Clint held her arm. “No,” he said quickly. When her surprised gaze snapped to his hand touching her then looked up to his face, Clint jerked his arm away. He certainly didn’t want to frighten her. “I mean, stay, please. Surely you can join us for a burger or something, right? You have to eat.”
Her nervous giggle made Clint smile instead of turning him off like when most girls made that sound. She looked to him 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. Was she just nervous, or did she not like him? Clint hoped that wasn’t the case because 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 a little as 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, rea
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 peek of her 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, she clammed right up. And try as he might to continue 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.
****
“I don’t know why you never had the urge to jump his bones and get it over with?”
Chrissy laughed as Beth gawked at her question, which was more like a statement.
The two friends were taking advantage of the downtime over winter break, electing to stay in the area instead of seeking out a warmer climate like many were doing. Tonight was girls-night-in at Beth’s, which included PJs and junk food, and Clint was the topic of discussion for the umpteenth time this week.
Chrissy knew Beth and Clint were close, and nothing remotely romantic existed between the two of them, so she wasn’t sure why she said what she did. Because, really, Chrissy wanted to be the one jumping Clint Jessup’s bones. As improbable as it seemed.
The signals he’d been giving Chrissy were odd, and she didn’t know what to make of them. She wasn’t used to guys like him—the studious, hot Idaho ranch boy—showing interest in girls like her—the shy, geeky intellect. Still didn’t stop her from crushing on him.
“Me?” Beth started. “I’m not the one he wants. Besides, I’d never want to ruin the one good relationship I have with a guy. He’s like my brother. Clint and I have been friends since our freshman year here. Hard to believe the college journey will end with one more term.” She finished on a sigh.
“Why so sad?”
“Well, nearly four years of college and I’m not sure I’ll do much more than manage the Campus Café.”
Chrissy tsked. “It’s just a starting point. Think of all the possibilities out there!”
“Oh sure, little Miss Optimistic,” Beth teased. “I can only go up from here.”
“Beth, focus on what you want and go for it.”
“Right, like going for it with Clint, as you suggested.”
“Well, in your position, I can see why you wouldn’t, being like a brother and all. But mmm, mmm, he sure is yummy. Haven’t you been tempted? Even just a little?” Chrissy pinched her thumb and index finger together, barely a millimeter separating them.
“No, silly.” Beth chuckled. “Why haven’t you tried to go for it?” She animated with air quotes. “The man practically asked you out and you denied him!”
The two snacked on popcorn and M&Ms while an episode of GRIMM streamed on Beth’s computer. The topic of Clint came about again because Chrissy mentioned how much he looked like the actor David Guintoli who plays GRIMM’s Det. Nick Burkhardt.
“Right! Like Clint would ever look at someone like me and think, ‘I gotta have that!’ He was just being nice, I guess,” she mumbled. Because, really, she wasn’t a match for someone like him. Was she?
And it was self-deprecating thoughts like that that would get her nowhere.
Chrissy popped more candy in her mouth, which was hard-wired with braces, then adjusted her glasses that seemed to constantly slide down her petite nose. “I may fantasize about him, but I’m realistic enough to know that I am not the kind of girl someone like him would fantasize back, about. I mean, he wouldn’t return the fantasizing. Oh, you know what I mean.”
Chrissy wrinkled her nose, not liking the sympathetic look on Beth’s face. Beth had already told her that Clint was concentrating on his studies, as he was the first in his family to attend college, and he wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of his carefully mapped out plan.
But then there were times when Beth had hinted at taking a chance.
“He certainly would. Jeez, Chrissy, he did ask you out and you crushed him.”
“Pfft! Whatever. I’m sure he’s got plenty of women wanting a piece of that. Not someone like me—”
“He would! You’re cute, smart, funny—”
“Sure, you betcha. I’m a geek. I’m still in braces. I wear glasses that never seem to fit. I have no curves, unlike you.” Chrissy pushed the bowl of popcorn away. “You’re like… like a svelte Scarlett Johansson, compared to me, who’s like… Well, like… Oh, I don’t know.” She threw her hands up in frustration. “Someone who’s not beautiful, blonde, and curvy.”
Chrissy barely got the words out of her mouth when she felt the spray of Beth’s spewed soda all over her face. Both sat frozen for all of three seconds before they howled with laughter.
“Oh, Chrissy, I am so sorry.” Beth quickly jumped up to grab a towel from the kitchen as she still giggled.
“I’m fine.” She removed her glasses, wiping her eyes with her hand.
“Here.” Beth handed her a damp towel. “Wipe it off before you get sticky.”
“Too late.” Chrissy took the towel anyway and wiped her face. She stopped when she heard a knock at the door and turned to Beth. She saw her friend’s puzzled look which surely mirrored her own.
“Who could that be? Hasn’t pretty much everyone left town already?” Having said that, Beth made her way to the door to look through the peephole. Her startled gaze quickly swung back to Chrissy. “Uh-oh,” she murmured.
