the contrast will look perfect. I’ve come up with a few questions for you, not the run of the mill stuff. I wanted to do something a little different. I’ll let you preview the questions and approve them before we get started. The whole interview should last no more than fifteen minutes. By the time You-tube inserts the ads, the totality of the video will fit well within the parameters of my series.”
Following along behind Nicky, Clint was mesmerized by the way the youngster spoke with such knowledge and professionalism. “Whatever you say. You’re the boss.”
“I’ve done my research on you. I hope you don’t mind.”
“It’s all public knowledge.”
“True. I hope to get a few facts from you today that aren’t public knowledge. If I do, my video might get picked up by TMZ and go viral to boot.”
Clint couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather help. “Let’s see what questions you’ve come up with and we’ll go from there.”
“I concur.”
As they entered the backyard, Clint smiled at Nicky’s choice of words as he took note of the rocks he’d agreed to move. “Are you sure you’re just eleven?”
Nicky laughed uproariously, thoroughly enjoying his time with Clint.
“You want me here?” Clint asked as he approached the swing.
“Yep, on the right side where there’s less shade.”
When Clint went to take his seat, he noticed the garage door was open and a car was sitting inside. It wasn’t the Audi, but he realized it was probably a rental. A spike of excitement shot through him. Jensen hadn’t left for work – she was still at home. Could it be on purpose? Because she knew he’d be here?
Probably not.
He needed to quit thinking that way. There was nothing between them, there never had been – not really. And that was the way Jensen wanted it.
“Here are the questions. You let me know if there’s something about them you don’t like.”
“Will do.” Before beginning to read, he looked up at the windows to Jensen’s house and wondered if she was aware of his presence.
…Inside, Jensen was preparing for the day. She didn’t have to leave for an hour. The eye clinic was located a scant few miles away. As she climbed from the shower, voices from the backyard became apparent. At the sound of a deep male voice, chill bumps broke out all over her naked body.
Clint was here.
A thrill coursed through her, making her remaining nipple a diamond point of sensation.
The familiar feeling caused her to react in an unexpected way. She immediately crossed her arms over her breast, as if the response was forbidden.
Grabbing a towel, she dried her body. Her usual procedure was to avoid looking in the mirror. It wasn’t like she could forget she had one breast but staring at the evidence still made her uncomfortable. That fact made another truth painfully obvious – if she couldn’t stand to look at herself, how could she ever expect anyone else to want to do it?
But today, at this moment, she had a good reason to study her reflection closely.
Clint was just outside and part of her longed to reconnect with him. To try and reclaim the previous excitement and attraction that once flowed between them.
And that would never do.
So to remind herself why this such a reunion could never be, Jensen opened her eyes to take in the image in the mirror. Like every other time, her stomach wrenched. There was one normal breast and one flat area with a red scar slashing across it. She was lop-sided. The sight stole her breath and made her mouth twist in a crooked line.
Reality check.
Dropping her head, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, allowing regret to cascade through her soul like an unwelcome rain.
“All right. Enough.” With one cleansing breath she straightened her shoulders, steeled her spine, and resolved to be strong. “It is what it is,” she murmured, then turned to finish getting ready.
Once she was dressed and together, Jensen moved to her kitchen. Drawn to the window by the coffee pot, she put on a cup to brew while she stepped close enough to see Nicky’s wheelchair sitting in front of the swing. Almost filling up that swing was Clint Wilder, broad-shouldered, solid, and entirely too handsome. He was smiling at the young boy as he held a sheaf of papers in his hands.
Unable to resist, Jensen prepared her coffee, then crept out to the screened porch. From there, she could watch the scene unfold unobserved.