and lethal disease that would change her life forever.
As they traveled through the rain, she listened to Scott as he teased his wife. Their conversation was lighthearted and loving. Jensen felt an acute sense of jealousy at what they shared. In the pursuit of her career, she’d put a low priority on dating. There was always tomorrow, she thought. Plenty of time later for a husband and a family. For love. For passion. Truth be told, she knew little of passion. The few encounters she’d allowed herself over the years were with men whose focus and devotion to their careers rivaled her own. Looking back, those trysts were clinical, just two people seeking a quick release without an emotional connection. The kiss she’d shared with Clint had been far more passionate than those meaningless assignations with men whose names she could barely remember.
And yet – she’d never forgotten Clint.
Part of her wished she could’ve run into him tonight. Knowing what she faced tomorrow, she would’ve jumped at the chance to spend one night in his arms. One night of passion while she was still whole. Perfect.
“Stop it,” she chided herself. You’re lucky. You’ve got a chance to survive. A chance to not only continue your work, but a chance to live every day to the fullest. There was so much she wanted to do, to see, to experience. Yes, she wanted to survive – even if she’d never be the same.
“What did you say?” Lia asked Jensen. “Do you need Scott to pull over.”
“No. No. I was mumbling. I have a bad habit of talking to myself.”
Lia giggled. “So does Scott.”
“Hey, sometimes you just need to hear a smart person’s voice.”
“Oh, now you stop it.” Lia playfully slapped her husband on the arm.
Jensen smiled at their byplay. They both seemed like good people. In a few minutes, she’d know if they were as understanding as they appeared to be. Her world had drastically changed since she’d agreed to this interview. What would Scott think when she told him? Would the offer still hold? Her argument would be that she’d be well on the way to recovery by the time she reported to work. The surgery would be over, the treatments would be behind her. The only thing she’d still be dealing with would be adjusting to the aftermath.
“Okay. Here we are.” As Scott pulled into a parking place, Jensen calmed her mind. Everything was fine. Despite what she faced tomorrow; her future was bright. All she needed to do was keep her eye on the prize – and her mind off an amber-eyed football player.
… “Mr. Wilder. Welcome to Pappadeaux’s.” A busty young waitress met him with menus. “You don’t have to wait in line. How many?”
“Thanks.” He gave her a friendly grin. His PR guy was doing a helluva job. Sometimes too good, he thought. “I’m meeting someone.” Glancing into the dining area, he saw his brothers standing at a table, beckoning him in. “There they are.”
Keeping an eye on his siblings, Clint wove his way through the tables, nodding and waving at folks who hailed him with a greeting. He checked the occupant of every table in his path, but Jensen was nowhere in sight.
“Man, must be nice,” Rowan drawled as he greeted his brother. “Not sure I’m good enough to rub elbows with such a big celebrity.”
“Oh, shut up, knucklehead.” Clint playfully punched his older brother in the arm before turning to give his younger brother, Kyd, a hug. “Good to see you two. How are the girls?”
“Our sisters are fine. Bellamy’s birthday is coming up, so don’t forget that momentous occasion.” They all sat down as Rowan summoned a waitress to the table.
“Oh, I haven’t forgotten. She won’t let me,” Clint murmured with amusement. “Anytime she messages me there are little birthday cake emojis at the end of every sentence.” After their server arrived and a round of beers was ordered, Clint slapped the table lightly. “Well, I’m always glad to see you fellas, but you’ve driven a heck of a long way in the rain for some boudin and cracklins. So, what’s up?”
“We met you halfway,” Rowan shrugged. “Stop complaining.”
“This is true.” With Clint in Houston, Kyd in Dallas, and Rowan’s ranch located west of Fort Worth, Austin was a central point.
“Maybe we just wanted to see you. Or…” He gave Clint a smirk. “Maybe we rode in on the coattails of this cold front. You can’t be the only one who has all the