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She's Special

By: honeywldcat



**This story has been dancing around in my head for a while. I hope you all enjoyed the first chapter, please let me know what you thought. Any and all comments are appreciated. You can get in touch with me through the link below.

I also wanted to thank someone for taking the time to read through it and give me encouragement. Thank you, Don.**

Chapter One

"You knew I had to work late tonight. That was the whole point of you watching our son."

"The thing is..."

Kat rolled her eyes at the phone, "No, Jake. The point is that you don't give a shit. Bring Sean to the office. I'll figure something out."

I officially give up, Katherine thought to herself. Impatiently, she pulled her hair up off her neck, twisted it and stuck her ink pen through it. When the office doors opened not two minutes after disconnecting the call with her ex, she wasn't surprised.

Her son, Sean, ran to her and wrapped both arms around her waist. Smiling, she bent down and kissed him on the head, "Hi, baby."

Eyes the same shape and color of brown as her own looked at her, "I missed you, Mommy."

"I missed you, too."

"Why is it that I never got a greeting like that?" Jake, Katherine's ex-husband said while leaning against the door frame.

Sarcasm dripped sweetly, "Because you always had something better to do."

"I'm willing to try again."

Katherine looked down at her son then back to Jake, "You know this isn't the time to discuss this." She bit her tongue to keep from pointing out that the mere thought made her skin crawl.

Mumbling under his breath he left. Katherine glanced at her watch and cringed. The contractor that she planned to hire would be here in about twenty minutes. Sean yawned, so she went to retrieve a blanket and pillow from the closet. She curled up on the couch with Sean, rubbing his back.

Clinton Davis could not believe his eyes. A woman with the sexiest curves he'd seen in a long time was sleeping with a little boy curled up to her. Unbelievably, he felt a stab of jealousy go through him. 

Gently, Clint touched her arm. Dark brown eyes snapped open. He felt sucker punched when they focused directly on him. Clint realized he wanted this woman more than his next breath. 

Beads of sweat broke out across his neck when her pink tongue licked her bottom lip. He couldn't stop himself from brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. He tucked it behind her ear and whispered, "You look busy."

Slowly she got up, making sure that the little boy didn't wake. Clint couldn't help but stare at her butt as she bent to gently kiss the sleeping child. She cleared her throat, "Sorry about that."

Trying to quell his lust, Clint nodded towards to little boy, "Your son?"

She nodded, "Sean's five years old." For a moment she stared at Sean, then, "You are Mr. Davis, correct?"

Clint clenched his fists to keep from reaching for her when she focused all of her attention on him again. He knew in his gut that she was special. It scared the shit out of him and he nodded mutely at her question. He knew in that moment that he had a choice to make. Walk away or stay. He stared into her dark brown eyes and knew that walking away was not going to happen.

She slowly extended her hand, "Thank you for coming, Mr. Davis. I'm Katherine Hardy." She shook his hand then turned to her desk, "Once I find my pen..."

Clint took his time checking her out. She was a little over five feet with curves that belonged in a centerfold. He also noticed that the pen in question was keeping her espresso colored hair pinned up. So, he walked up behind her, placed his hand on her hip and whispered against the shell of her ear, "I found your pen, Katherine."

It took all of his willpower to keep from pressing his body into hers from behind. When his hand touched her hair, she tilted her head back slightly. Her hair seemed to be as silky as the shirt she wore. Involuntarily, his hand squeezed her hip as he pulled the pen from her hair. 

One, if not both, of them groaned as her hair fell in waves to the middle of her back. He could just imagine what it would feel like brushing his chest as she rode him. It took entirely too much strength to give her the pen. 

She took a deep breath. Clinton was grateful that it took her a moment to regain her composure as well.

"Please be seated, Mr. Davis."

Clint chuckled, "You know what? Please call me Clint; especially after what I was doing to you in my mind. I insist."

Katherine smirked, "I should probably ignore that comment, Mr. ..., sorry. Clint."

Clint glanced over and looked at her sleeping son. Sean was softly snoring, so he turned back to Katherine. He leaned in and whispered against her cheek, "I'm not so sure you want to ignore what's between us. I know I don't."

A blush stained her cheeks and she clutched the edge of her desk. He decided to go for broke and kissed the corner of her slightly parted lips. His eyes closed as hers drifted shut. She said his name softly and he couldn't stop himself from settling his mouth on hers.

Katherine felt Clint softly nibble her bottom lip and she gasped. She vaguely heard his throaty chuckle right before his tongue slipped inside her mouth. Oh my God! The man could kiss. Then reality had a way of kicking you right in the butt. Her phone rang. 

Trying to catch her breath and look anywhere but at him, she covered her mouth. What in the hell did I just do??? She was at a loss to know what to say or do next. Sure, he kissed her, but she shouldn't have let him. 

She was about to apologize or say anything, her mouth barely opened and Clint pressed his finger against her lips, "Katherine, don't say it. I'm not sorry and I refuse to believe you are." He pointed at her still ringing phone, "Answer it."

Walking around her desk, she took a couple of deep breaths. Finally, she answered the phone, "Katherine Hardy." She nodded and made all of the right noises to her customer on the other end of the phone, assuring her, "Yes, ma'am. I've just met Mr. Davis. Once we fine tune some paperwork issues and get the material and labor estimated; we'll call you back."

After another minute or so of placating her customer, Katherine looked up at Clint. She felt mortified. Who kisses and practically jumps the man, albeit extremely sexy man, that you are interviewing? She could feel a heated blush cover her face and neck, "Clint...you know that shouldn't have happened, right?"

His clear blue eyes stared into her, "Shouldn't have happened? Okay, I'll give you that." Clint leaned down and braced his hands on her desk, "Will it happen again? Hell, yes."

She felt her mouth fall open in shock. Katherine didn't know whether she was completely pissed off by his statement or turned on. She quickly decided to go with pissed off. Pissed off was safer, "I wouldn't be so sure of that, Mr. Davis."

Clint wanted to rip something apart with his bare hands. After telling her point blank that he would in fact kiss her again, she decided to go all business-woman; did she really think that would stop the inevitable? His inner devil said, Hell no. I will do more than kiss those perfect lips again.

He was so lost in thought that he didn't realize she was talking to him. It was hard to think when she constantly nibbled on that full bottom lip, like she was doing right now waiting for him to answer a question he didn't know about. 

Exhaling audibly, "I'm sorry. I am a little exhausted. Could you repeat that?"

"I forgot. You just flew in today, didn't you?" 

"About two hours ago, actually; there were a few delays on the way." Why he pointed that out, he didn't know. Hell, maybe he could get some sympathy from her. When she bit her bottom lip again, he groaned, "Would you please stop that?"

Katherine looked confused, "What did I do?"

"If you don't want me to kiss you again, you have to stop biting your lip." He dropped his voice, "Hell, baby, I liked nibbling on it."

Katherine looked at him in shock. Sure, he was being forward. A long time ago, Clint found out that if you really wanted something to go for it right then, don't dick around about it. And Katherine Hardy was definitely what he wanted. He could just imagine all of the ways he wanted to take her petite body.

A sleepy little voice asked, "Mommy? Who's that?"

Clint watched as Katherine walked to her son and stooped beside him, "Sean, this is Mr. Davis. He's going to be the contractor working with me on Mrs. Dawson's house." Gently she nudged Sean towards Clint, "Can you say hello?"

Sean looked at him with those big dark eyes that matched Katherine's. Almost as if sizing him up, Sean's gaze captured his, "Hello, Mr. Davis. It's nice to meet you." When the little boy stuck his hand out to shake Clint's, Clint couldn't help but smile from ear to ear.

To be continued...

She's Special Ch. 02



Katherine didn't know what to think. She tried to hide her shock, really, she did. But, she was completely out of her league. How on earth could a man as outrageous and forward as Clint be so good with kids?

It just wasn't fair.

Not only is he sexy as hell with his dark hair and clear blue eyes, but he looked to be in pretty good shape, too. And we can't forget about that kiss. Any man that can kiss a woman like he did, well, it's just not fair.

Too bad I've sworn off men like him, she thought to herself. Been there, done that, got the divorce papers to prove it. A man like Clint would have a string of women that he bounces to and from.

Sean was showing Clint his new trading cards, explaining how to play the game and Clint was actually listening. He was even asking questions and commenting on how 'cool' the characters looked. Jake, Sean's dad, didn't even do that.

Clint looked over at her and raised an eyebrow, asking, "You ok?"

She nodded and told Sean, "Sean, can you get your stuff together while Mr. Davis and I talk about work for a few minutes?"

She could tell by the look on Sean's face that he wasn't happy with that idea. Clint picked up on it, too. Clint cupped Sean's arm, "Maybe the next time I see you, we can play the game. How does that sound?"

Sean's face lit up like a Christmas tree. When Clint looked her way, she mouthed the words, "THANK YOU."

The look he gave back almost took her breath. His eyes seemed to be able to touch her, because every part of her body tingled in response, which, evidently, he knew. He grinned widely and winked at her.

That wink helped to reaffirm her decision to avoid men like Clinton Davis. Mentally, she told herself, he doesn't affect me.

Too bad her body wasn't on the same page as her mind.

Quickly, she made her way to her desk. Once she was seated behind the safety of said desk, she asked, "Will you be ready to start work in the morning?"

He nodded saying, "If you have the plans for the renovation, I can go over them this evening."

"I have an extra set for you. Tomorrow the guys we hired for your crew will be here as well. If you'd rather hire your own men, that's up to you. Most of them seem ok, though."

"Do you have information on the men and what their strong points are on the job? That way I'll have an idea of who I have to work with."

Katherine smiled and handed him the plans, file on his crew, and also her preliminary estimate for the job. She pointed out, "This estimate is what I thought we'd need, but I'm sure you'll have more to add."

Clint smiled, "You're good at this. Most people wouldn't have had that much put together already."

Shrugging her shoulders, "I like my job and it helps to have the info available."

Sitting down he asked, "From what I understood, if this job goes well, I'll be taking over in place of your uncle. Correct?"

"Yes, he's had to retire because of health reasons."

He asked, "So, you're the office manager?"

Katherine laughed, "Yes and the interior decorator."

"Ok."

Katherine tidied up her desk, "If you have any questions, just let me know."

He watched her for a moment and asked, "Do you have a business card?"

She handed it to him, "See you in the morning, Mr. Davis."

Clint smiled, "I can't wait."





She's Special Ch. 02



Ruffling Sean's hair, Clint asked, "Mind if I take you and your mom to your big game and for some pizza after?"

Sean's excitement was contagious as he asked, "Is that OK, Mom? Please???"

Katherine's smile warmed Clint more than it should have as she told Sean that it sounded good to her. Clint offered to help Sean warm up for the game while Katherine relieved the babysitter and changed her clothes.

Clint was having fun, laughing at Sean's antics and enthusiasm when he felt someone staring at him. She stood on the front porch leaning against the railing, smiling at him. She'd pulled her long hair up into a baseball cap and had a pair of gold hoop earrings that peaked through tendrils of her wavy hair that escaped the cap. A tank top fit across her breasts and his mouth watered at the thought of tasting them. A pair of jean shorts hugged her sexy ass and was short enough to raise his blood pressure, but not short enough to be indecent.

He had seen her in her office clothes, but seeing her like this stole his breath. Sean broke into his thoughts, "Ready, Mr. Davis?"

Clint blinked a few times to focus, "How about we drop the Mr. Davis stuff? Makes me fell old, so just call me Clint, OK?"





She's Special Ch. 03



Even though Sean's team lost their first game, the kids had a blast. Katherine still couldn't help but wish that Jake would have shown up for Sean. Luckily, Sean hadn't noticed his father's absence, or maybe he just chose to ignore his absence. Either way, she still couldn't get over the fact that Jake had decided to just walk away from Sean. Didn't he realize that when they were together, they were miserable? Katherine still remembered all of the fighting, hurt, and betrayal their relationship was riddled with. That type of environment would have hurt Sean worse in the end. Coming to that decision two years ago was one of the hardest decisions she'd ever made. She was brought up to believe that once you married, it was for forever, no giving up and walking away, especially when you had a child. But, some hurts were just too much to deal with. When your husband tells you point blank that you aren't enough for him and he needs to have flings, well, let's just say that it was a breaking point.

Sitting through the game with Clint had done a number on Katherine physically and emotionally, but she was trying to ignore that fact. No doubt about it, she wanted Clint. Common sense told her to run, hard and fast away from the temptation that was wrapped up in one package, namely Clinton Davis. They had left the game and gone to the pizza place with the team and Clint was playing air hockey with Sean. She still couldn't get over the fact that Clint was so good with Sean. Watching them together made her wish for things that she shouldn't; like wishing that she and Clint could be together, that he would want to be with her and Sean as a family.

"I think you found a keeper with that one, Katie."

Katherine was startled from her own musings at Sarah's voice. She jumped and half-heartedly laughed, "Hey, Sarah. It's not like that."

"Why on earth wouldn't it be like that?" Sarah asked shocked.

"I work with him. He's not the forever type anyway." Katherine shrugged her shoulders.

"The forever type is overrated, girl!"

Katherine laughed and looked up to see Clint making his way towards her and Sarah. Clint wrapped his arm around Katherine's waist and pulled her close, kissing her cheek. Katherine noticed Sarah's amused smile, "Clint, this is Sarah. Sarah, meet Clint."

Clint extended his free hand to Sarah, "Nice to meet you."

"I don't get a kiss, too?" Sarah teased.

Clint laughed, "Those are reserved for Katherine, sorry."

Sarah raised her eyebrow, "It's not like that, huh?"

Katherine blushed as Clint asked, "Like what?"

Mumbling, Katherine told him, "Just girl talk."

Sean hollered for Clint, so he kissed Katherine's cheek again, "Nice to meet you, Sarah. Sean's wearing down quick. We'll probably need to head out soon, Katherine."

Smiling Katherine asked, "Is Sean wearing down, or can't you keep up with him?"

Playfully Clint wiggled his eyebrows, "Oh, I can keep up, baby. The question is, can you?"

Sarah laughed and Katherine blushed, "I'm ready to head out whenever you all are."

Katherine dodged questions from Sarah for the next ten minutes. No, she and Clint weren't dating or sleeping together. No, Clint wasn't more than a friend, just someone she worked with that wanted to hang out with her and Sean tonight. No, there was absolutely no way she and Clint would become more. 

Katherine desperately wanted to believe everything she told Sarah, but the simple truth of the matter was that she did want Clint. Too much and that's why she needed to stay away from him. She didn't think she could go through a bad breakup with him and recover from it. Sean was priority number one. What Katherine wanted or needed would have to wait, therefore, no men or relationships in the for-see-able future. 

On the way home, Katherine noticed that Clint was right. Sean had fallen asleep in the back seat of his truck before they left the parking lot. Sighing, she laid her head back against the headrest and stared out the window. When Clint's hand covered hers, she closed her eyes tightly.

His husky voice sent goose bumps over her body as he told her, "Thank you for letting me tag along tonight." 

She cleared her throat, "No need to thank me. Sean enjoyed you being there, especially when you played nearly every video game with him at least twice."

Clint smiled, "He's a great kid. I had fun spending time with him...and his mother." As he came to a stop in her driveway, he asked, "Katherine, when can I see you again?"

Katherine didn't know what to say. On one hand she wanted to see him again, but on the other she knew it would only hurt her and Sean when it didn't work out. Finally, she admitted, "I don't think it's a good idea for us to see each other outside of work."

Clint let out an exasperated sigh, "Why not?"

Instead of making up excuses, Katherine decided to tell him exactly what she was thinking. She took in a deep breath and checked Sean in the back seat. Finally, she looked at Clint, "Can we take him in the house first? I'd really rather not say this in front of him."

He didn't agree or disagree with her, but got out of the truck and walked to where Sean was sleeping in the back seat. He unbuckled his seat belt and lifted the sleeping child out, following Katherine into the house. Katherine led Clint to Sean's room and watched as Clint gently laid her son on the bed, removed his shoes, and covered him up with a blanket. She could feel tears start to pool in her eyes as Clint kissed Sean's forehead and whispered, "Goodnight, Little Man."

Trying to get a check on her emotions, she walked to the kitchen and pulled out a couple of glasses and the tea pitcher. She could feel Clint standing in the door way and asked, "Would you like some tea?"

"I'd rather you tell me why you don't want to see me, outside of work."

Katherine turned to face him, leaning against the counter, "For one, we work together." 

"Not good enough. There is nothing in the company handbook that states co-workers aren't aloud to see each other. I checked."

"But, why..." Katherine shook her head, "You aren't looking to settle down are you, Clint?"

"No."

His decisiveness only solidified the reasons for not dating him. She still couldn't help but be hurt by it, though. Her voice shook slightly, "I am. I want the whole picture, happily-ever-after, and all that comes along with it." Wrapping her arms around her waist, "I don't think that Sean or I getting attached to you would be a good idea."

"Listen, it's not that I don't want to have children someday, I do. I just won't get married again. Been there, Katherine, and it didn't work out. Am I against relationships? No. Hell, you are still dealing with the aftermath of your marriage. What makes you think that it will work a second time around?" Clint sounded irritated with the whole topic.

"I know the odds aren't good of it working out, but the point is I want to take that chance with someone, again."

Clint stalked towards her, keeping his voice low, "What if I were to tell you right now that, yes, I want to get married again? What then, Katherine? Would you change your mind about seeing me?"

"Clint..."

He crowded her against the counter, bracketing her hips with his hands, "I know I should back off, Katherine, but I can't. I don't want to." 

Suddenly, Clint's mouth was covering hers. The touch of his mouth against hers felt like a wildfire. All heat, flame and burning out of control. Katherine knew what was best for her, unfortunately that did not include Clint...no matter how much she and her body wished otherwise. If only she could break away from him, but no. Instead, she clutched his shirt, leaning into his body, her soft to his hard, causing her to all but purr at the contact. Oh, how she loved it when a man nibbled on her bottom lip like that, loved it even more when he chased the slight sting away with his tongue.

Clint broke the kiss, panting hard. Katherine watched in utter fascination at his display of control over the situation. She only wished she could have done that. Mainly, she wished that she had never told him that she didn't want to see him. She tried to catch her breath and to get her hormones under control, because more than anything she wanted him to take her right where they were.

His deep voice sent chills through her, "I won't do that again, until you ask me to."

She stuttered, "W-what?" Did he just say he wouldn't kiss me again? What in the hell? Oh, right. This would be my fault. Katherine then realized that she was still clutching his shirt and released it, almost like it burned her fingers.

Clint lifted her chin, so they were looking into each others eyes, "You will have to ask me to kiss you, if you ever want to feel my lips on yours again." He brushed his thumb across her swollen bottom lip, "Trust me, baby. It will be hard as hell waiting, but wait I will."

Katherine was dumbfounded. She wanted to tell him not to leave it up to her, just take it, but she knew he wouldn't. Not completely anyway. Clint was a contradiction. He was bold, domineering, arrogant, and then he was nice, caring, and great with kids. Then it dawned on her, maybe he's not so much like Jake after all.

She was still shocked and a little bit in awe over her revelation when Clint kissed her cheek, "See you on Monday, baby."

To be continued...



She's Special Ch. 04



It had been two weeks and three days since that night in the kitchen with Clint. True to his word, he didn't even try to touch her even in passing. Katherine should have been happy with that decision, but she'd known from the moment he told her she'd have to ask for it, she was screwed. She was in hell. 

Working with him and trying to forget the way he kissed her and made her feel was damn near impossible. Especially when he decided that he needed to share her office. In the past, she had no problem sharing her office with her uncle, but Clint was not her uncle. Just being near Clint made the most mundane tasks seem monumental. 

The worst part wasn't even working practically side by side with him. It was seeing and watching him with Sean. Sean absolutely adores Clint, to the point of idolizing him in a way. Clint had made sure that he was at every one of Sean's games to cheer him on and help him when asked to. Now Clint was going to be one of Sean's coaches. It was maddening. Clint had managed to worm his way into her life and her surroundings, yet he still hadn't even offered or hinted at anything more.

Katherine cringed as she heard Clint slam a drawer on his desk for the eighth time. He was really starting to drive her insane. 

His deep voice pleaded, "Please tell me you know where I put the updated plans from today's meeting." She wasn't purposely ignoring him, she was trying to think of where they could possibly be, but he didn't give her a chance. He asked, "Katie, do you know where the plans are?"

She almost snapped, "Wherever you put them!" But somehow, she restrained herself. Mentally counting to ten, she wondered how he managed to ignore the attraction between them so easily. Had he already grown tired of the thought of her? Every time he was near, her body practically turned to mush. It was insane. Why him of all people?

Calmly, she asked, "Did you leave them in your truck, again?" Silently she added, for the ninth time this week!

He grumbled, "If I knew, I wouldn't be asking."

That did it. Glaring at Clint, "What on earth is wrong with you today?"

He cursed as his knee hit the corner of his desk, "Dammit to hell and back!"

Fine if he didn't want to tell her, it wasn't her problem! She got up and walked to the drafting table in the back corner of the office, and surprise, surprise. There sat the plans he was looking for. Katherine looked over her shoulder, "Hey, Clint. Come here."

Grouchily, "What is it, Katie? I'm trying to find those..." he paused as he saw the plans. His jaw clenched, almost as if he was having a hard time with his temper today.

She touched his arm and he flinched. She was just going to ask what was wrong, but his reaction to her touch shocked her. Katherine needed away from there, now. She turned away from him, grabbed her purse and her keys. As she tried to walk past him he stepped in her way. 

His broad chest was in her face as he asked, "Where are you going?"

She wanted to scream, "Away from you!" Yet she ended up saying, "Lunch."

As quickly as humanly possible, Katherine left the office. Was she going to get lunch? No. She just didn't know how to deal with being that close to Clint anymore. She needed air. She needed space. She needed him to wrap his arms around her and kiss her senseless just one more time. NO!!!

Maybe it was time to get her own building for her interior decorating business. Before, it was just convenient to share an office with her uncle because she worked with him on a lot of jobs, but now with Clint taking over for her uncle it might be better to have a separate space. She could still work on the jobs with the company, but just from a different locale. 

Katherine was walking down the block, mulling the idea over in her head and found herself in front of her friend Sarah's salon. Maybe it was time for a new look. Something a little shorter might be good. She ran her hands through her long wavy brown hair. Layers might make it a bit easier to deal with in the mornings.

Sarah was sitting behind the counter reading, "Wake up woman. I need a new look."

Sarah gasped, "You're kidding!"

She laughed, "Nope. How would layers look? I don't want to lose all of the length though."

"But, Katie..." Sarah looked thoughtful, "You haven't changed your hair in almost ten years."

"Maybe it's a good time for some changes then." Katherine said as she sat down at the hair washing station.

"Does this have anything to do with that hunk?"

"Nope, he and I are only co-workers." 

Sarah laughed, "I doubt that."

"Seriously, Sarah, we just work together."

The door chimes jingled over the door and Sarah laughed, "Oh really?"

Sarah laughed as she helped Katherine up, "What's so..."

Katherine froze. Clint stood there tall and imposing, his arms crossed over his chest, "What are you doing?"

It took her a moment, but she answered, "Getting a haircut."

"Why?" He asked incredulously.

"I want to." Was it her or did they sound like third graders? "What did you need, Clint?"

"Oh...um..." Clint looked at Sarah, "Could I talk to Katherine for a moment?"

Chuckling under her breath, "Sure, why not?"

That is the first time in two weeks that he'd called her Katherine and it grated on her nerves. What is his problem today? "Katherine in front of Sarah, what happened to Katie?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "Is there any chance you can do me a favor later?"

"What?" Katherine doubted she'd pee on him if he was on fire at the moment.

Clint hung his head for a second then looked up into her eyes, "Would you be my date at dinner tonight?"

Katherine's mouth fell open, "Do what???"

"Listen, I hate to ask, but I have family coming in tonight and if I don't have a date I'll have to listen to them run their mouths."

She didn't want to understand, but she did. Her family was constantly trying to set her up with someone or giving her a hard time over being single still. No one seemed to understand the difficulty of putting one's self back out there again. Even if the one person that you didn't want to want was standing in front of you asking you to be a stand in.

Katherine must have hesitated too long, "I swear. I'll behave."

"What time and how do I need to dress?" She wondered when exactly she became a masochist.

Clint seemed to take a deep breath and for the first time today he smiled, "I owe you." As he turned to the door to leave, he told her, "Just not too short, OK?"

Katherine smiled, "So a bob?" When he made a face she laughed, "What time tonight?"

"I'll be there no later than six. Dinner with family, bet you are thrilled."

Actually, she was thrilled, but would never admit it to him, let alone herself completely. She couldn't help but hope his ridiculous plan of making her ask for him to kiss her would be null and void now. If he even wanted to kiss her again or still wanted her period, she thought to herself. Pathetically, it took him making his decision not to press her for her to see that she did in fact want to be with him. No matter how bad it was going to hurt when he grew bored and left her. She realized that he would never intentionally hurt Sean that was obvious, and helped her come to terms with the fact that she wanted to see how things would go with him. Maybe just having a fling would be better than nothing at all.

**

Clint was at the end of his rope. The past couple of weeks have been hard as hell. Being close to Katherine and not touching her, it was driving him insane. Every instinct in him told him to wrap his arms around her and make her see what they could have together, but he knew that would only make it harder to get what he wanted. He even started calling her Katie, hoping that calling her that would make it easier to see her as a friend and co-worker only.

The past couple of weeks have proven to him that he would be willing to try a relationship with Katherine. If that's what she wanted and needed in order for him to be a part of her life, he'd do it. Anything to get her in his arms again he was willing to try, even if it went everything in him. 

He really didn't want to ask her to go to dinner and meet his brother and sister, but there was no way in hell he'd ask another woman to go with him. Yes, his brother and sister would assume that he and Katherine were more than they currently were, but that was ok by him. Hell, that's what he wanted anyway. Clint knew that his siblings would recognize the significance of her being with him. Since his ex, he only brought women that they knew were just flings, with Katherine, the difference would be obvious.

When Katherine called to tell him that she wouldn't be back in the office that afternoon, he was shocked. He was told by the other guys that worked for him that Katherine hadn't taken a day or even a half day off in a long time. Everyone was wondering if she was ok, just like he was. Was it because he asked her to dinner? If she didn't want to go, he wouldn't force the issue. 

He hated the indecision and not knowing what the right thing to do was when it came to her. Anytime he had an interest in someone, he went for it. Well, not quite as no holds barred as he did with Katherine at first, but he made his attraction known. But, none of those women had been Katherine. It still confused him. This attraction he felt for her was more than he'd ever had with anyone. It was unsettling, yet he couldn't walk away from it. He realized that the first time he laid eyes on her.

In his mind, she was his and that was all there was to it. No one would change that. Even if she never wanted to go to the next level, he would continue just being her friend if that's all he could have. Would it kill his soul? Hell yes. It would eat him alive, but being near her would be worth it. Damn, even to him he sounded pussy whipped and he hadn't even gotten any. 

There was one night last week that he went to a bar and almost went home with a woman. She reminded him of Katherine, but he quickly realized that he couldn't do it. He only wanted Katherine and no substitute could change that. He looked up at the clock and saw that he had just enough time to get home, shower, get dressed and pick her up.

Good thing, since the entire day had been wasted. He hadn't been able to concentrate worth a shit and he knew his crew noticed it. Thankfully no one pointed it out though. Even when his lead foreman told him that he should go find something else to do so he could get his job done, no one pointed out how useless he was.

Clint groaned as he stepped into the shower, with thoughts of Katherine in his head as usual, he fought the urge to stroke himself. He needed relief, but there was no way in hell he would jack off again. He wanted to feel her hands on his body, feel her hot heat envelope his hardness. Quickly, he turned the water to cold hoping a cold shower would help even though he knew it wouldn't. Only Katherine would be able to take care of this gnawing need eating away at him.

**

When Clint got to Katherine's house, he stopped in the driveway and stared at the warm and inviting home. Is this what it's supposed to feel like when you come home? Whenever he arrived to his townhouse, he didn't get this feeling of contentment. After taking a deep breath, Clint opened his door and walked to her front door. He could hear Sean talking a mile a minute and smiled. He really liked her son. He was a great kid that never stopped.

He knocked on the door and Sean answered, "Come in, mommy will be down in a minute."

Clint asked, "How was school?"

Sean wrinkled his nose, "Boring. They want me to learn how to subtract and I'm not good at it."

Laughing, Clint pointed out, "You use subtraction all of the time, Sean. It's like when you take away my life points on that dueling game we play."

"I don't think so. The game is fun. School isn't at all." He didn't sound convinced.

Katherine was behind him and said, "He's right. Do I get a hug? I don't know how late we'll be." After Sean hugged her, she told him, "Get in there and help Mary finish the cookies you conned her into making for you."

Clint hadn't said a word since she appeared. She looked stunning. Even though she'd obviously gotten her hair cut a little, the length was still there. It seemed to be layered and framed her face perfectly. The dress she wore fit her hour glass frame like a glove. He loved the way the soft blue color made her skin practically glow. The v neck line hinted at a peek, making him want to see more. It came to her shins and even her shoes did the peek-a-boo act. She was simply a knock out.

As his gaze travelled up her body, he clenched his jaw. How in the hell was he supposed to keep his hands off of her when she looked like that? She was a cross between a pin up girl and innocence, the two warring with each other. Clint just knew that if he kissed her right now she'd melt and the innocence would no longer be a factor.

He was about to do just that when he realized what he was doing. Quickly, he brushed his lips against her cheek and inhaled her scent, telling her, "You are gorgeous, Katherine."

Katherine's smile all but dazzled him. She genuinely looked pleased with him telling her she looked good. Clint vowed silently to himself to continue to point out as often as possible how beautiful she was. 

After she grabbed a small purse and told the babysitter bye, she turned to him, "Ready to go?"

Clint admitted, "I wish just you and I were going out to dinner."

She chewed her bottom lip for a second, "Maybe next time?"

He was in the process of opening the car door for her and paused. Did he just hear her right? He clutched her arm right above her elbow and turned her to face him, "Katherine, did you just say..." When she smiled at him he went for broke and asked, "Would you like to go to dinner with me on Saturday night, Katherine?"

What she said shocked him even more, "How about you come here to the house for pizza and movie night with me and Sean on Saturday?"

He didn't even hesitate, "I'll be here." Gently, he brushed his finger down her cheek, "I really like spending time with you and Sean."

After he made sure she was in the truck, he slowly walked around and climbed in. She laid her hand on his arm and leaned towards him. Clint held his breath, hoping like hell she was about to make that all too important step. If she kissed him right now, all bets were off. She was his. He watched intently as her mouth came closer and closer. When her lips were so close that he could feel her breath mingle with his he wanted to growl and take her lips, but he held still waiting. She had to do this.

**

Katherine knew she had to make this move. If she didn't, she'd regret it for the rest of her life. She had to know if what she felt a couple of weeks ago when he kissed her would be as explosive now. When she was barely an inch away she licked her lips, savoring this moment of anticipation. Then ever so softly, she brushed her lips against his. Just a mere whisper of a kiss was all she allowed. That brief whisper of a kiss had her entire body sizzling. 

Suddenly, Clint's hand was in her hair pulling her back to his lips. He growled as he opened his mouth over hers. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. He devoured her mouth and she loved it. Her whole body was on sensory overload, he was wreaking havoc on every cell of her being.

Katherine was in awe and shock. Just his lips and hand in her hair had her body blazing like a wild fire. Never could she remember a time that a man was able to affect her so completely. Feeling him nip and lick her bottom lip left her whimpering. She needed Clint to stop, but didn't want him to. 

It was as if he read her mind, he pulled back. His gaze burned into hers and she wanted to climb into his lap and do it all over again, only this time with their bodies touching every place possible. Clint leaned his forehead against hers, "Damn, baby. I want you so much it's killing me."

His words made her moan, "I want you, too."

"Katherine..." he groaned as his cell phone rang. He looked at it and grimaced. Sheepishly he told her, "It's my brother."

Katherine nodded her head and moved back to her side of the truck, trying to get her hormones under control. She squeezed her thighs tightly together trying to ease the ache. Closing her eyes, the only thing she could think about was his lips on hers and how thoroughly he possessed her with his kiss. The feelings he stirred within her scared her. It was going to destroy her if or when he decided he was done with her. That thought in her mind reminded her that she needed to try and protect herself as much as possible. 

Clint had finished his call and told her, "Well, they are on the way to the restaurant. Are you ready to head that way?"

She looked over at him and realized there was no way to protect her heart. It was already completely his. She took a deep breath, "Ready when you are."

He laughed, "Baby, the only thing I am ready for is to take you home to my bed."

When they pulled up to the restaurant, Katherine saw two couples standing outside waiting. A fit of nervousness washed through her. She asked, "What do I expect here, Clint?"

His hand guided her chin so that she looked at him, "You can expect dinner. You can expect a lot of ribbing and grinding me over the coals to embarrass me. You can also expect me to kiss you every chance I get and touching you as much as humanly possible." The heat and desire radiating from him made her gasp. He leaned forward and kissed her softly. When he pulled back she felt like putty. His to mold any way he wanted.

Clint led her towards the waiting couples, his hand on the small of her back branding her with his heat. Katherine schooled her features, smiling as they all introduced themselves. His sister was a very striking woman. She wasn't overly feminine primarily due to her height. She had to be almost six foot tall without the high heels she currently wore. Her husband was extremely tall as well. He towered over his wife by at least three inches and had warm brown eyes and a friendly smile that could make anyone feel like a friend immediately. 

Clint's brother was the same height as Clint, but where Clint was dark in coloring his brother was light. He was a flirt and it was obvious. He winked at Katherine as he kissed the top of her hand, "I'm Steven, Clint's older brother. This is my wife, Amy." Katherine smiled at Amy, who pulled her into a hug.

"It's nice to meet you, Katherine." Her voice was soft and almost melodic and her eyes were an interesting hazel color. Not quite green and not quite brown. 

"I'm Elizabeth, Clint's older sister. This hulking giant hovering is my husband, David."

David smiled, "Nice to meet you, Katherine. You are definitely an improvement over anyone in the past."

Katherine laughed, "Oh really? Do tell."

Clint groaned, "Don't get them started, baby."

**

True to his word, Clint kept her hyper aware of his presence all through dinner, constantly touching her, kissing her, and whispering in her ear all in front of his family. Katherine was ready to spontaneously combust by the time they said their goodbyes. All of them planned to meet for dinner the following week, including her. To say that shocked her would be an understatement. 

Clint stopped her before she got in the truck. His hands on her waist, her back to his front and he kissed the side of her neck, "How long can Mary stay with Sean?"

Katherine's body trembled slightly to his touch, breathily she told him, "At least a few more hours."

Turning her in his arms, "I don't want this night to end, yet." He rubbed his thumb across her bottom lip, "Will you come to my house, Katherine?"

She knew she wanted to more than her next breath, but agreeing to go scared her. What if he didn't want her once he had her there? Jake told her that she wasn't warm enough and was an ice queen in the bedroom. What if Clint thought the same thing? She decided it would be better to find out if that was the case now instead of waiting, "Take me to your house, Clint."




She's Special Ch. 04



She thought to herself, Now or never, Katherine.

To be continued...



She's Special Ch. 05



The fact that his hands shook slightly was not lost on Clint. Just the thought of what was about to happen with Katherine had him on edge. Finally, he was going to have her. Feel her sexy curvy body against his sans clothing. Feel her lips on his body and taste her.

Neither of them spoke on the way to his place. He didn't trust himself that much. If he so much as looked at her right now, he'd pull over to the side of the road and take her where ever they were. 

It took him less than fifteen minutes to make it to his townhouse and as he opened the garage door, he covered her hand with his. Once he knew he could speak without beating his chest like a caveman, he asked, "Are you sure?"

He begged silently, be sure...be sure.

She did the one thing he never expected. She removed her seatbelt and scooted as close to him as possible. Her tongue traced the shell of his ear and she huskily whispered, "I need you, Clint."

Saying he was hard didn't fully explain the situation. He could feel his cock oozing pre-cum and groaned as he thought of her little pink tongue licking it off. He kissed her hard and pushed her towards her door, "Out of the truck, woman."

Her husky laugh was his undoing. Clint stalked to her side of the truck and before she could get out, he had picked her up. He tossed her over his shoulder and carried her into the house. Walking up the steps running his hand up the back of her thigh, he told her, "You are mine."

She laughed, "I knew you were a caveman at heart."

His hand met bare ass under her dress and he faltered, "No panties?"

"Put me down, Clint."

He growled, "I will once I get your sexy ass to my bed. If I'd have known you had nothing on under this dress, dinner would have been more interesting."

As his finger slid in between her thighs, he felt her wet and swollen pussy. Hot molten pussy, the best kind in the world, he thought to himself. She tried to open her thighs, but his arm had her thighs caged, "Please, Clint..." He reached his bed and tossed her down on her back. She laughed, "You have issues..."

Clint stood up and unbuttoned his slacks, "You're right I have a pretty big issue, baby."

He watched her face as he stroked his cock, spreading his pre-cum over it. He moaned when she licked her lips. She blushed a little when she asked, "Can I taste you?"

"Fuck yes," he growled.

Clint unbuttoned his shirt and ripped it off as she kneeled on the floor in front of him. When she hesitated he arched an eyebrow at her. She admitted, "I might not be good at this. It's been a while..."

The thought of her sucking another man's cock enraged him, "Taste me. Trust me, baby, anything you do will be all good."

Her small hands were cool against his throbbing cock. Seeing her fingers wrap around it and feel her squeeze him with just the right amount of pressure damn near made him cum on the spot. Clint liked taking control in the bedroom, so he pulled her hands away and told her, "Open your mouth, Katherine."

Katherine's eyes had that glazed look as she did what he said. Clint stepped forward and gripped his cock, running the head around her lips. Seeing his pre-cum coat her lips drove him insane. He stepped back a little, just out of her reach and smiled when she whimpered. He told her, "Take the dress off."

She moaned as she licked her lips, "You taste good."

"If you want to taste more, take the damn dress off."

He knew he was being harsh, but he couldn't help it. The need to see her naked was killing him. He felt those primitive instincts kick in even more when she removed her dress and stood there in nothing but a white lacy bra and her heels. Her pussy was completely bare and he could see her juices glistening on her lips and thighs. Clint stepped to her and covered her mouth with his. He kissed her so hard and deep that he was afraid he'd bruise her mouth.

Hearing her moan and feeling her arms wrap around his neck told him that she loved it and he didn't back off one bit. The bed was a couple of steps behind her and he toppled them over on it. The smile that broke across her face slowed him down, "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?"

Katherine cupped his face in her hands, "You already have me practically naked and in your bed, Clint. There is no need to sugar coat it."

She tried to be brazen and bold, wanting to somehow be more for him. She didn't want thoughts of her sex life with her ex intruding, but all of those old doubts and insecurities still bubbled up to the surface. Clint telling her she was beautiful was heart-warming, but at the moment, she just needed him to take over. 

She almost cried out as he pulled her bra down under her breast and his mouth engulfed her nipple. Her hands gripped his head and held him to her breast, arching her back into him. The things he did with his tongue and teeth drove her mad. He kept nipping and flicking her nipple back and forth. Then he sucked on her so hard and strong she felt the pull in between her thighs. 

Katherine gasped, "Oh my God, Clint."

He chuckled and asked, "Like that, baby?" All she could do was moan and arch into him as he tormented her other nipple in the same fashion. It felt like hours later, which it was probably less than a minute, when he said, "Bet you'll love this..."

Katherine's climax erupted through her body as he thrust two fingers hard and deep inside her body. She thought she heard him growl right before his mouth covered her clit. He suckled her through a climax so strong that she thought she even screamed. Shivers and spasms rocked through her as it finally subsided and she tried to pull his head away from her too sensitive clit.

She felt and heard him moan as he took one final lick from her dripping hole to the top of her slit. Suddenly he was over top of her, kissing her, and sharing her taste with her. The thought actually embarrassed her, but quickly passed as she felt his arms grip her thighs, spreading her wide.

Clint rubbed his cock up and down her slit, bathing it in her juices. Katherine writhed underneath him, trying to get him to enter her body. 

He smiled down at her, "Like that?"

Katherine hissed, "Yes. Please, Clint..."

Clint had a gleam in his eyes that Katherine had never seen before, "What do you need, Katherine?" She felt the head of his cock stretching her open, slowly beginning to slide in. He growled, "Tell me."

She shook her head and tried to arch her hips up, but he only pulled out. He teased her with just barely entering her body until Katherine admitted, "You, Clint...I need you."

Katherine could have sworn that he moaned, "Mine." 

He stretched her as he entered her body, slowly sliding half his length inside of her. She felt the delicious stretch and slight burn of that first invasion and was panting for breath. Through half closed eyes, she watched him watch as his cock entered her. His body tight with the tension and strain of entering her so slow, only to back out and do it all over again.

She was so close again to her climax that she could feel the tremors start in the pit of her stomach. Katherine begged, "More...please." He allowed another inch to enter her and pulled out. She reached up and gripped his hips, trying to pull him into her.

Clint asked, "More, baby?"

Katherine bit her lip and moaned as he slid even deeper at that maddening slow pace. She admitted, "I'm so close..."

He growled, "I'm going to cum deep inside your pretty pussy."

"Yes...harder...please..."

She was babbling, begging him to do it. Then he slammed all the way inside of her and she gasped. Harder and harder he pounded into her, then it hit. Her body tensed as wave after wave rushed through her. Clint held deep inside her body and she felt him shoot deep inside of her. 

As he let go of her legs, his mouth covered hers again and he nipped and kissed her lips. Finally, he buried his face in her neck.

They both fought to get their breath back. As Clint withdrew from her body, Katherine had a sense of loss come over her. She wished he could have stayed there forever.

He stretched out on his back beside her and pulled her close, "Damn. What do you say after that?"

Katherine kissed his chest and snuggled against him, "Damn about covers it."

He laughed and kissed her head, "You're absolutely right."

**

Two months later...

Clint was pissed. 

He just left a meeting with Katherine's uncle and signed all of the paperwork to become the primary owner of the company, keeping her uncle on as a silent partner. He should have been elated, happy. But that wasn't the case.

He just found out from her uncle of all people, that Katherine had leased an office space and planned to move her interior decorating business into it at the end of the week. It floored him that she kept this from him. Shouldn't he have a say in something like this?

They'd been damn near living with each other for the past couple of months. Hell, he couldn't even remember what the inside of his townhouse looked like. At night, they took turns on who tucked Sean in and read to him.

Jake had finally signed all of the paperwork and was completely out of their lives and Clint stood there beside Katherine through every single step. So why in the hell didn't she tell him that she didn't want to share an office anymore?

He pulled into the parking lot and slammed the door on his truck as he got out. Storming into what used to be their office, he barked, "Everyone out!"

Katherine was on the phone with someone and he could see the confusion cross her face as she told whoever it was, "I'm sorry, but I have an emergency that just came up. May I call you back?"

The guys grumbled as they filed out of the office behind him. Clint asked, "Why in the hell didn't you tell me?"

Katherine stood up and crossed her arms over her chest, "What are you talking about?"

He growled, "A new office?"

Her mouth fell open in shock, and she stuttered, "I...I..."

"Spit it out!"

Clint backed away from her as she tried to touch his arm. She all but whispered, "I didn't know how to tell you."

"Why?"

Katherine told him, "I just felt that I needed a space of my own, Clint, something that was mine, not yours or my uncle's."

Clint knew he was being irrational, but her not talking to him about something that changed a part of them got to him. He demanded, "Tell me. Does the thought of it being my building bother you that much?"

She turned away from him and grabbed her purse, "I think I'll call it a day. When you calm down and want to talk, let me know."

"We'll talk about it right now."

"All of your crew is outside that door right now. Do you really want to have this conversation now?"

Clint lowered his voice, "Now or never, Katherine."

The hurt that crossed her face at his words made him want to take them back, but he didn't. He all but glared at her waiting to see what she had to say for herself. 

Katherine slammed her purse down on the table and told him, "Does it bother me that it's your building? Yes, you know why? Because it isn't mine! I don't want to depend on you for a place to run my business! Lord knows that as soon as you decide that you are ready to move on and find someone new, it will be bad enough! I don't want to lose that, too!"

"Find someone new? I haven't even looked at another woman since I met you!"

She asked, "How long until you do, Clint? Can you honestly tell me that you are in this for the long haul? We both know you aren't. You told me that point blank."

Clint was lost, "What are you talking about?"

"You told me you didn't do forever, Clint. I knew that, but I was stupid enough to think that just having what little bit of time you allowed would be enough."

He clenched his jaw and wanted to tell her that he'd changed his mind. He wanted forever with her now. He wanted to be with her and Sean, but her not talking to him about leaving the company hurt. It was like a slap in the face.

Clint told her, "Don't do this, Katherine."

"Do what, Clint? Give you the perfect excuse to walk away? Apparently it's too late for that." He saw the tears pooling in her eyes and his stomach clenched, "The sad part of all this is that I fell in love with someone else that will never love me back."

**

Katherine barely made it outside the door before she realized she didn't even have her car at the office. She rode in with Clint, like she had every day for the past two months. She wiped the back of her hands across her eyes and looked up to see her uncle standing there. 

Without saying a word, he led her to his car and took her home. When he dropped her off he asked if she was going to be alright. Katherine didn't answer. She got out of the car and walked into her house. She made a couple of phone calls arranging for her aunt to watch Sean for a few days. Of course she agreed, so Katherine packed a suitcase and a bag for Sean. After she explained to Sean she was going out of town for business for a couple of days, she dropped him off.

She went two towns away and rented a hotel room. Once she was checked in, she did the one thing she swore she'd never do again. She cried her heart out over a man that she knew would hurt her.

To be continued...



She's Special Ch. 06



Clint sat in front of Katherine's house not knowing what he was going to do. The house was dark and silent, almost as dark as he was now. He had not realized how much he really depended on Katherine until she left earlier. It was like his light was gone. Did she leave with Sean? Were they OK?

Groaning, Clint dropped his head to the steering wheel. Why didn't she just talk to him? Why did she think he could ever walk away from her and Sean?

Because I never told her, that's why.

Clint cursed a blue streak. This was his fault in some convoluted way. He had not told Katherine she was special to him, that she was the most important part of him and now it was too late.

If he thought the betrayal and lies he went through with his ex-wife was bad, they were nothing compared to the thought of never being able to hold Katherine, make love to her, or tell her how he felt. Why did it take losing her to realize that he loved her more than life itself?

Silently, he called himself every name imaginable and tried to think of where she would have gone. He hoped that once she calmed down and he'd calmed down, he could have come over and figure out where they stood. He didn't mean it earlier when he told her now or never, he was just pissed off and angry. He felt like she didn't trust him to not hurt her.

And she didn't. She had kept it in the back of her head that he would leave at some point.

Clint was about to leave when another car pulled into the driveway behind him. He looked into the review mirror and recognized her uncle's car. Clint cringed. He wouldn't blame Todd one bit if he beat the living hell out of him. Slowly, Clint opened the door to face the man that had become part of his family over the past few months.

What he saw in the car about broke his heart. Sean was sitting there and it was obvious that he'd been crying. Clint started towards the car and stopped dead in his tracks at Todd's words, "Don't you dare go near him right now."

"What's wrong? Where's Katherine?" Clint felt the dread and fear wash through him and he could barely breathe.

"He forgot his bear that you won him and couldn't sleep." Todd ignored his other question, "Why are you here, Clint?"

Bile rose in his throat and he choked it down, "I need to talk to her. I need to know she's alright, Todd." He pleaded, "Please."

Katherine's uncle looked like he wanted to punch him and Clint would have gladly stood there for it, but Todd just walked around to the other side of the car and opened the door for Sean. He unlocked the front door to the house and told Sean, "Go get what you need. I'll be right here." When Sean walked into the house Todd turned and pinned Clint with a glare, "She needed to leave for a few days and when she gets back you will stay the fuck away from my niece."

Clint didn't answer or agree with Todd's edict. Blindly he stared at the front porch swing remembering back just two days ago.

Katherine had been sitting next to him, her head leaning against his shoulder. Clint remembered feeling like he was exactly where he belonged. Sean had been sitting on the porch in front of them playing with his LEGOS. She had started talking to him about wanting to take Sean camping this weekend. They were supposed to leave tomorrow morning. He had been looking forward to taking Sean fishing for the first time and Katherine had cringed at the thought of baiting a hook with a worm. He had smiled down at her and teased her about being such a girl.

Her words taunted him now when she had told him, "But, you like this girl and don't you forget it."

He remembered the way she had melted into him as he kissed her, showing her just how much he liked her.

Clint was brought back from his memories by Sean asking, "Why can't I stay here with you tonight, Clint?"

Looking up at Todd and seeing the man cross his arms over his chest, he told Sean, "Your mommy thought it would be a good idea for you to stay with your aunt and uncle for a couple of days. Did you get what you needed from the house?"

Sean nodded and it looked like he was going to cry, "Mommy was really sad. Do you know why?"

Todd started to say something but Clint cut him off, "Sean, me and your mommy had a little bit of an argument. I was upset and said some things I shouldn't have." His own eyes burned, "I promise it will be OK. Don't worry."

Sean looked up into his eyes with eyes so damn much like Katherine's that Clint's breathing hitched, "Can we call her?"

Clint looked up at Todd, "Do you mind if we use your phone? I doubt she'll answer if..." He didn't have to finish the thought because Todd tossed him the phone. "Sean, don't tell mommy I'm here. She won't be too happy with that right now, but I swear to you that as soon as she gets home I'll talk to her. OK?"

When Sean nodded, Clint sat on the front steps and dialed the all too familiar number. He had to clench his jaw as he waited to hear her voice answer the phone. As soon as he heard her soft hello, he handed the phone to Sean. It took everything in him from grabbing the phone and demanding to know where she was.

Clint listened to Sean talk to his mom for a minute and he listened to Sean tell her he loved her and missed her. Sean was standing right next to him, so he wrapped his arm around the boy and held him close. Once he closed the phone, Sean clutched onto Clint tight. Clint felt a tear roll down his cheek as Sean said, "Love you."

He had to clear his throat, "I love you, too, Little Man." Clint picked Sean up and walked him to the car, "Now you need to pay close attention and be good for your aunt and uncle. I'll see you soon."

Todd spoke up as Clint came around the car, "What in the hell happened?"

Keeping his voice low so Sean wouldn't hear, "I fucked up. When you told me about her leaving the office, I lost it." He ran his hands over his face, "It's my fault. I just need to talk to her, to explain."

The older man looked at him, sizing him up. He stated, "You love her."

Clint didn't answer him, "If you talk to her..."

Todd shook his head, "I won't. She isn't talking to anyone right now other than Sean." He patted Clint's shoulder, "Hits you like a freight train, don't it?"

"I should have told her, shown her more. I didn't mean for this to happen." Clint glanced at Sean, "Damn. I miss him already."

"You became the father that Jake should have been for him."

Clint groaned, "He's scared, Todd. What do I do? I don't know how to fix this without her. Even if she can't forgive me, I can't just walk away. I won't walk away from either of them."

Todd clapped Clint on the back, "Go home. Things have a way of working themselves out."

He looked at the house and asked, "Without her, where is home?"

***

Katherine was curled up in a ball on the bed. After she talked to Sean, she cried for over an hour. Not only was it her fault that her son no longer had his father in his life, but Clint now, too.

She had known this would happen eventually, but was selfish and wanted whatever time she could have with him. Would she do it all over again if she had the choice? Yes. The past couple of months had shown her what life could be if you were with the person you loved. Clint taught her that even though the outcome may hurt, you don't settle for second best.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she thought about how they fell into a natural routine. She thought about how she and Sean had talked about Clint staying at the house before Clint got there for movie night and how Sean had asked if Clint would be able to play with him more.

Katherine cried, remembering how Clint had looked at her expectantly when she asked him to stay that night. He had looked at Sean asking if it was OK with him and Sean had readily agreed. Clint always did that, he included Sean in any decision that affected them all. That first night Clint had put Sean to bed and sat with him reading until they both had fallen asleep.

She had stood in the doorway watching them. Sean had curled up on Clint's chest and Clint had wrapped his arm around Sean, tucking him in close. It stole her breath seeing them, her two men, sharing a moment like that. She had stood there for a while when she realized Clint's eyes were open and he was staring at her.

The way he looked at her that night, every single time he looked at her, had set her blood to boil. He was the only man that had ever had that kind of effect on her. That night he made love to her. It was slow and all night long. There wasn't one inch of her body that he didn't touch or tease. For the first time since Jake, Katherine had believed she was sexy and desired.

Katherine really thought that they had a chance. Did they bicker every now and then? Sure, but didn't everyone?

The part that hurt the most was that she had been afraid to tell him about buying the building next to her uncle's, well, now it was Clint's. In the back of her mind she thought that eventually they'd move all of the offices into it and leave her old office as a break area for the crew. Sure, it would have been her building technically, but it would have been theirs.

He didn't give her a chance to explain that though. Clint had come in raising twenty different kinds of hell and instead of explaining it, Katherine had aired her insecurities. What she always thought would happen. Now there was no way he'd ever want to be with her.

Somehow she'd have to pull herself together and head home in the morning. She planned to take a day to de-Clint the house without Sean there. The thought of explaining the situation to Sean made her blood run cold. Hopefully, Clint won't take it out on Sean. He genuinely seemed to like spending time with Sean. Suddenly Katherine felt sick to her stomach and ran for the bathroom.

***

Clint went to the office the next morning hoping to bury his self in work. Unfortunately, that wasn't meant to be. After a sleepless night, thinking of nothing but Katherine and how he should have told her how he felt, he comes in to find two of his crew members boxing up Katherine's personal belongings.

Clint asked, "What in the hell are you all doing?"

Like he didn't already know, she refused to even come back to the office and face him. Watching the guys go through her desk and empty everything into boxes was driving him over the edge.

"Mr. Himes told us to box this stuff up for Katie, Boss." Darrel explained.

Clint gave the man credit. He didn't look comfortable with the task. Clint told them, "Leave it. I'll take care of it. Where does it need to go?"

Darrel stuttered, "Uh...uh..."

"Tell me, Darrel."

"But, Mr. Himes..." Clint raised his eyebrow at the guy. Darrel finally told him, "Next door, Boss."

Clint told them, "Thank you. Go finish inventory."

After they walked out of the office, Clint sat down at Katherine's desk and looked at the picture of her and Sean, his woman and son, if only in heart. He groaned and dropped his head on her desk. Why did it turn out this way? Why did he not just ask her instead of going off? What on earth was he going to do without her?

Just hearing Katherine's voice made him feel good. Seeing her face every morning made his day start out right. Feeling her body curled into his at night and her hair spread over his chest soothed his soul. Last night was the worst night he'd ever had. Not knowing how she was, when she'd be back, if Sean was able to sleep. Who read to him last night? Did they make the voices the right way?

Fuck. He had it bad.

Slowly, Clint finished boxing everything up around the office. Without all of Katherine's pictures and things, the place looked empty and barren. It reminded him of how he felt without her.

Clint picked up the picture of them again. Seeing how beautiful she was and how her eyes lit up when she smiled stole his breath. Seeing Sean with those same eyes, so full of happiness, staring up at his mother like she was the only thing he needed in the world had him almost in tears. He couldn't lose them when he just got them. He loved them more than anything in this world.

He walked over to his desk to set the picture on it. Hell, she probably wouldn't notice it was missing for a few more days. He'll just make a copy of it and take it to her later. That's when he saw the notation on the calendar.

Don't forget, we leave this afternoon. I can't wait to sit by the fire with you and Sean.

X O X O

Katherine

Clint picked up the lamp on his desk and threw it across the room. He was mad at himself. He was so filled with fury that he was shaking and his vision blurred. Why didn't he take care of the most important part of him? Why didn't he realize it before it was too late?

There had to be a way to fix this. He'd grovel, beg, and or cry. Anything she needed.

***

Katherine heard the door open to her new office. She was under her desk hooking up the new computer and modem, so she hollered out, "I'm under here. Give me a minute!"

She heard footsteps approach her and glanced towards whoever it was and froze. She knew those boots.

Clint.

Oh God, I'm not ready to see him, yet!

She swallowed, tried to breathe. Sandpaper, her mouth felt like sandpaper.

She was damn near hyperventilating when she heard him ask hoarsely, "Do you need help?"

Yeah, you know that thing you took from me? My heart, can I have it back? She cleared her throat and her voice sounded strange to her own ears, almost like it was gravelly, "I think I got it."

Katherine had finished hooking everything up, but couldn't come out. She was afraid to look into his eyes and see that he didn't want her anymore. Afraid that she was right, that he was done with her.

She heard him sigh, "You can come out, Katherine. I won't bite."

A blush covered her face when a memory of how he did bite filled her mind. He was in between her thighs, smiling broadly up at her, her begging him not to tease her anymore and him laughing, her trying to sit up and Clint biting her inner thigh before he licked her swollen pussy.

Katherine clenched her eyes shut, wishing she could fight how she felt about him. Just the thought of what they had done together made her wet for him and he hadn't even touched her.

Slowly, she slid out from under the desk. Her back was still to him as she asked, "Work OK?"

"Katherine..." she jerked as his hand covered hers. He moved his hand and sighed, "How's Sean?"

"He's good." Katherine bit her lip before she told him, "He wants to know if you'll still take him fishing sometime."

God, she hated this. Her son still loves Clint as much as she does, probably always will. This is what she should have felt like when her and Jake split, but this was a million times worse, not only for her, but Sean as well. It had only been thirty-six hours since everything happened, but she knew it would always feel like this whenever she was near him.

"I'd love to take him, if it's OK with you."

Katherine couldn't keep the shakiness from her voice, "Of course you can. He loves you."

Clint asked barely above a whisper, "Is he the only one who loves me?"

She begged, "Don't, Clint."

She felt him run his fingers through her hair and tears welled in her eyes. He dropped it, "Can I pick Sean up from Mary's and take him this afternoon?"

Katherine was afraid to say anything, if she did she'd break down completely again. Nodding, she clutched the desk in front of her. She heard him walk back towards the door and had to fight the urge to beg him to stop.

He opened the door and paused, "Katherine..." she looked up and saw how tired he looked. He admitted softly, "I miss you."

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched him walk away. She whispered to herself, "I miss you, too."

***

It had been four days since he dropped Sean off after taking him fishing. Four days of no sleep. Four days of barely eating. He felt miserable and nothing was helping. Clint felt like one of those crazed stalkers. He watched for her to come to work and walk into her new office. He watched to see who was coming in the office. He was watching her now.

She was up in the bleachers smiling at James. One of the single men with a child on the t-ball team he coached now. Clint stood by the dugout, gripping the chain length fence. He took a small bit of satisfaction at the fact that the smile on her face didn't reach her eyes, like it used to for him.

For the first time since he started coaching, he wished the damn game would hurry up. He couldn't stand watching another man near her. Just the thought of what he was saying to her, was eating away at him. Was she falling for it?

Grudgingly, Clint had to admit that James was a good guy, but not for Katherine. No one would ever be good enough for her, not even him. He groaned and Darrel patted Clint on the back.

"You all still on the outs, huh?"

Clint grunted. There was no reason to voice it, everyone already knew. It was a wonder Darrel even spoke to him after the way he treated his guys at work.

"Just so you know...he's taking her to dinner tomorrow night. They are going to the country club, but you didn't hear it from me." Clint looked up at Darrel wanting to ask why he was telling him, but Darrel shrugged his shoulders, "I've never seen Katie as happy as she was when she was with you. We miss seeing that spark she had."

Clint admitted, "I don't know what to do to get her back."

Darrel laughed, "You show her how you feel and prove it."

He stared at Katherine in the stands and his breath caught as her eyes met his. They held for a moment and he had to clench his jaw, trying to keep himself from crossing the distance and staking his claim right here, right now. James said something to her and he looked up to see where she was staring. The man had the nerve to wave at Clint.

Clint did the only thing he could that wouldn't cause a scene. He ignored the gesture completely and focused on the kids on the field.

Tomorrow night he'd make his point known the only way he knew how.

***

What was she doing here, the Country Club of all places, with someone who was nice enough, but took entirely too much effort to pay attention to? She reminded herself that that was the whole point. She wasn't interested in him in any way. Therefore he wouldn't make her feel the way Clint did.

Oh he was attractive enough. Looked to be in decent shape, clean cut, said all the right things, but she just didn't want to be here. Well, she didn't want to be here with him.

Five days of crying herself to sleep every night was wearing away at her. It took every ounce of strength she could muster just to get out of bed anymore. Katherine knew she would be hurt if or when she and Clint parted ways, but she never imagined feeling this desolate. She knew she had to get her head screwed on straight, but couldn't seem to do so.

And apparently, she was ignoring her date. James was looking at her expectantly and Katherine had to ask, "I'm sorry, I was lost in thought. What did you say?"

He chuckled, "Did you have a long day?"

Katherine nodded, "I guess you could say that. Could you excuse me for a moment?"

She wanted to roll her eyes as he stood up when she left the table, like they were at some formal event not dinner. Katherine shamed herself for her thoughts. He was being polite, the perfect gentleman. She should be happy that he was, but she found herself thinking about a certain man who was more of a brute, who took what he wanted.

Katherine looked at herself in the bathroom mirror saying, "Get over it. Force yourself to move on. James is a perfectly good guy."

She splashed water on her face and took a moment to reapply her lipstick. Katherine took a fortifying breath and left the bathroom. She was mentally giving herself a pep talk when she heard, "You know he'll never make you feel the way I do."




She's Special Ch. 06



Clint's voice washed over her. In a way, it was exactly what she needed. She missed his voice and the way it made her feel. The little fine hairs on the back of her neck and arms stood on end. For a moment she thought she had dreamed it up. Then she turned around.

Clint was standing there leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He stood there like he owned the place and was in complete control of himself and his surroundings. Too bad she didn't feel the same. Katherine asked, "What did you say?"

He wouldn't really have said what she thought he said, or would he? Looking at him standing there in a pair of jeans and polo shirt, his grey eyes watching her, "You heard me."

She tensed and told him, "You don't have any idea how he makes me feel."

Arching his eyebrow, "You sure about that, baby?"

Katherine took a step back as he came towards her, "Don't, Clint."

"Why shouldn't I?" He challenged, caging her against the wall. Katherine closed her eyes as he leaned in and breathed in deeply right against her neck, "Damn, you smell good."

Katherine groaned, "I need to get back to my date."

She heard him growl and felt his hands in her hair, "No." Katherine kept her eyes tightly closed, "Look at me."

She could feel her eyes welling up with unshed tears, "Clint..."

"Fuck, I love how you say my name. I especially love how you scream it as you fall apart in my arms."

His mouth covered hers and she tried to push him away. He just leaned more into her and cupped the back of her neck, keeping her locked against his mouth. Clint gently nipped her bottom lip and she gasped, opening for him.

God, she missed this. Missed the way he consumed her. His need became hers and Katherine heard her mind shout at her to back away, but she couldn't. She wanted to feel him kiss her one more time. Feel this explosion of sensation as her body melted into him. Feeling his chest against her pebbled nibbles, feel the need well up so much that she could dissolve into a puddle at his feet.

No one or nothing had ever made her feel this, this current of sensations that had her body begging for more, for anything he had to give. Her mind went blank, everything but Clint faded away. She didn't know where she was, who she was here with or even why she ever walked away from the man kissing her literally senseless.

She was shaking when he pulled back, both of them panting for breath. He searched her eyes and Katherine didn't know what he saw there, but she saw the possessiveness in his. Then she realized what just happened. Katherine pushed at his chest, trying to get away from him.

Katherine caught him off guard and he stumbled back. Recovering quickly, he grabbed her arm and warned her, "You are mine, Katherine."

If you only knew how right you are, she thought to herself. She tried to pull her wrist from his grip but he wouldn't allow her to. Katherine hissed, "Let go of me, Clint!"

Instead of letting her go, he pulled her closer. He whispered in her ear, "Do not let him touch you, Katherine."

Katherine jerked away from him and took off as fast as she could. She had just sat down at the table when James asked, "Are you OK? You look flushed."

A blush stained her cheeks, she mumbled, "Just feel a little under the weather."

***

Clint was seated two tables away from Katherine and James. He managed to move his business dinner to here tonight so he could take his chance. And what a chance it was.

He could still taste Katherine on his lips and he was hard as a rock. He thought for sure when he kissed her that she'd slap him, but she barely pushed against him before melting into him like she always did. Without a doubt, he knew she still wanted him. As long as the chemistry was still there he had a chance.

The hostess showed his potential client's wife to the table and Clint stood to greet her. He kissed her cheek, "Hello, Mrs. White. How are you this evening?"

"Please, Clint, call me Janet. I'm doing pretty well, but my husband is running a little behind. He should be here within the hour."

Clint gave her his most charming smile, "Then we can have a drink while we wait."

Inwardly, he groaned. He didn't want to be stuck here all damn night. He was planning to do the meet and greet and leave, not sit here all night long.

Their server stopped and got their drink orders and Clint looked up to see Katherine practically glaring at him. What was she glaring at? Then it dawned on him, she was jealous. Katherine must think he was on a date with his client. Boldly, Clint winked at Katherine and turned his full attention to Janet, pretending to ignore Katherine.

He was extremely pleased to notice from the corner of his eye Katherine gritting her teeth. He wanted to laugh out loud at her reaction to the thought of him being on a date, when she was in fact the one on a date.

Almost half an hour later, he watched Katherine and James get up to leave. He desperately wanted to go over there and rip James's arm off and beat him with it when he placed his hand at the small of Katherine's back. The longer Cling watched the closer he got to doing just that.

Janet's voice rang out, "Oh, there he is."

Clint looked up to see Mr. White enter the door just as Katherine and James walked out.

He thought, fucking great.

***

Katherine was still mad the next morning. Every time she thought about Clint kissing her in the hallway at the restaurant she got more upset. She was slamming binders on the table when her phone rang.

She took a deep breath and using her fake phone voice answered, "Interior Designs by Katherine."

"Yes, Katherine, this is Janet White. You were recommended to me last evening and I was wondering if we could set up a meeting."

"May I ask who made the recommendation?"

"Clinton Davis did last night at dinner. He told me you were the best in the area."

Last night? No. He wouldn't have his date call her and ask...Katherine saw red. That sorry bastard! Sweetly, almost sickeningly so, Katherine said, "May I get your contact information and once I double check my schedule, I'll call you with my available times." When hell freezes over!

After writing down Janet White's information, Katherine took off out of her office, barely remembering to lock up before she crossed the parking lot. If he thought he'd seen her mad before...

Darrel smiled, "Hey, Katie."

Katherine was seething, she demanded, "Tell me where that sorry son-of-a-bitch is!"

Darrel held up his hands, "Uh...in his office."

She stormed up the steps and slammed open the door. Clint was looking at something on the drafting table, so she slammed the door closed to get his attention. She threw the piece of paper with Janet White's information on it at him, "How dare you?"

Clint raised his eyebrow at her, "Excuse me?" He straightened out the piece of paper and looked at it.

"You had your fucking girlfriend call me for my services! You are about the lowest piece of..."

He cut her off, "She is not my girlfriend."

It pissed her off even more that he was so calm. As his words sank in, he leaned against the table. Incredulously, she asked, "What?"

He smirked, actually smirked, "I said she is not my girlfriend, Katherine."

Katherine crossed the room, "Fine. The woman you are currently sleeping with then! How could you?"

Her hands shook and she balled them up into fists. If she didn't calm down she was going to punch him in the face and not feel a damn bit sorry about it. Katherine couldn't stay there. She couldn't deal with this. She turned to walk out of his office and had her hand on the door knob when he slammed his hand against the door, not allowing her to open it.

She could feel him pressing against her from behind and she leaned her forehead against the door, fighting the tears again. She was sick and tired of crying over him!

He growled, "You are not fucking walking out on me again!"

Katherine was trying to get her bearings, but didn't get the chance. He spun her around to face him. His eyes bore into hers, "I don't know how you could think I would want to sleep with her!"

Anger was her friend at the moment, so she went with it, "How could I not?" She kept her voice low, so no one else would hear if they were outside the door, "You rammed your tongue down my throat one minute and the next met another woman for dinner!"

His face was less than a foot from hers and he still managed to tower over her as he pointed out, "As I recall, baby, you weren't complaining at the time." He ran the back of his finger down her cheek, "I remember how you melted for me. I can almost bet you were wet for me, just as wet as you are right now."

Katherine's knees were weak. She bit her bottom lip to keep from letting him know how right he was.

Clint's voice seemed harsh, rough as he told her, "How many times do I have to warn you about doing that?"

She tried to protest, "Clint..."

His mouth covered hers and she gasped. He bit her lip right before he slid his tongue in her mouth. God help her, she kissed him back. Her arms clutched his shoulders to keep from falling. Kissing him with desperation, trying to tell him with her mouth and lips how much she needed him, wanted him even when she shouldn't.

She moaned his name as he kissed down her throat to nuzzle against her neck. His hands pulled up her skirt to her hips and he cupped her ass, lifting her. Katherine wrapped her legs around his waist and grinded against him. Leaning back against the door, she managed to get her hands in between them to the button on his jeans. Deftly unbuttoning them and unzipping them, she needed him now, to hell with tomorrow.

Clint groaned her name right before he bit her neck, licking away the sting. She felt him yank at her panties, heard them rip and felt him jerk them off of her. She wanted this more than her next breath. She needed to feel his cock filling her, stretching her.

Katherine felt the head of his cock slide to enter her. He held her hips still, right above him, hovering. She held her breath, waiting for him to thrust into her.

He choked out her name, "Katherine..." She held onto his shoulders and looked into his eyes. He told her, "I'm not sleeping with Janet White. She's a client." He brushed his lips against hers, "I only want you."





She's Special Ch. 07



Chapter Seven

"Clint..."

He couldn't wait any longer. He had to be inside her. Covering her mouth with his, he thrust deep inside her and had to stop. Her heat and the feel of her muscles squeezing him tight almost made him lose it before he even got started.

Clint was trying to regain some control, but Katherine had other ideas. He could feel her pussy clench and release around his cock, milking him. He groaned, "Baby, stop...let me..."

She begged him, "No...do it...let go...just don't stop...please..."

He did just as she begged. Clint rammed into her over and over, harder and harder. He heard her moans getting louder and covered her mouth with his, trying to muffle her cries. He couldn't hold back as he felt her climax rock through her. She clamped down on him, tightening almost painfully around him. Clint thrust into her one more time, burying his cock as deeply as possible and let go.

Clint buried his face in her neck, gasping for breath. He didn't want to let her go. A sense of urgency incited panic inside of him. He knew the second her feet touched the floor she'd leave. I need to tell her now how much she means to me.

Katherine couldn't believe she let this happen. She couldn't even blame Clint, not when she told him to do it.

She could still feel him deep inside her. He was softening and she didn't want him to withdraw from her body. Part of her wished he could stay there. Lord knows they didn't have any issues when it came to sex.

That's when it hit her.

There really weren't any issues between them, other than her insecurities. How was that his fault? It wasn't his fault that her sex life with her ex was abysmal. From where she stood at the moment, that issue had a lot to do with Jake and the fact that she should have never married him in the first place. She didn't regret it though. At least they had a great son together, even if Jake didn't see that.

Katherine thought back over the past few months with Clint and realized that not at any time did he act like he was growing bored with them. He seemed like he enjoyed being with her and Sean. Even when they went out somewhere, if another woman flirted with him, he ignored it. He didn't seem to even notice.

It was only a matter of time before he would notice. There was that doubt again. Why did she feel like she would never be enough for anyone? Because I never have been, she thought to herself.

But with Clint, it was different. Had anyone ever looked at her the way he does? Had anyone ever touched her the way he does? Had anyone ever made her feel the way he does?

No.

No one had ever made her feel like she was the center of his world. No one had ever kissed her with such heat and intensity that she felt it to her toes before. No one had ever made her want to be more for them, either.

Katherine groaned and Clint must have thought she wanted him to let her go, because he told her, "Just a few more minutes, baby. I don't want to let you go just yet."

She wrapped her arms around him tighter, "I'm not going anywhere."

He growled, "Your damned right, you're not."

God, she loved how he got demanding and how his voice dropped lower when he was in that mood. It made her hyper-aware of him and every nerve ending in her body. She clenched her pussy around his softening cock and laughed when he hissed.

Katherine kissed his neck, nibbled on his ear. She felt his arms tighten around her and him shift. Clint looked into her eyes and she saw confusion there. He probably thought she was going to take off or be mad at him, but Katherine now realized that she couldn't. More than that, she wouldn't give up and walk away from him until he told her he didn't want to be with her anymore.

"I'm sorry, Clint." When he went to talk she brushed her lips against his, "I should have talked to you about getting a different office."

"Baby, I don't care about that anymore. I shouldn't have raised hell over it without asking first." He kissed her, "If it's what you want, I will just have to cope."

She asked, "Think you can let me down?"

Clint bit her neck, "I don't want to."

Laughing, she told him, "Maybe we can continue this later."

He tugged her hair gently and Katherine moaned a little. His voice rumbled through her, "Katherine, did you just say what I think you said?"

"I'd really like you to come to the house tonight." She played with the hair at the base of his neck, "I'll cook dinner and you can hang out with Sean. And..."

"And..." Clint urged her on. She could hear the encouragement in his voice.

"I've missed you," she admitted. "I'd like to explain what I was thinking with the whole office thing."

Clint searched her face, "I'll be there, baby."

After cleaning up and picking up some roses in a deep purple shade, Clint headed to Katherine's. Maybe he was being hopeful, but he also packed a bag with several changes of clothes. As he pulled onto Katherine's street Clint felt excitement course through his veins.

Not only did he look forward to seeing her, but he couldn't wait to see Sean. He'd only seen him twice in the past week and he missed him.

Clint felt that tightening feeling in his chest when he saw Sean sitting on the front porch. He could just imagine coming home to that every night, hell, for two months he did. It had never lost the appeal.

He jumped out of the truck and Sean came barreling towards him. Clint picked him up growling, acting like he was going to throw him into the air and Sean gave that full belly laughter like only a child can. God, he missed that laugh. Even after a horrible day, hearing that would make it all go away.

Sean wrapped his arms around Clint's neck, "I missed you!"

Clint told him, "Little Man, I missed you more than you know."

Instead of putting him down, Clint carried Sean in the house on his back, giving him a piggy-back ride. What he saw when he entered the kitchen stole his breath as well as his heart.

Katherine was dancing around the kitchen while she cooked, completely relaxed and comfortable. She had on one of his t-shirts and a pair of stretch shorts that hugged her ass like a glove. With his heart in his throat, Clint could only stare. He pictured in his mind coming home to this scene for the rest of his life and realized that he wanted that. He wanted the whole enchilada with Katherine.

Sean laughed and Katherine turned around smiling. Clint cleared his throat, "I found some new kind of monkey outside. Have any idea which zoo to call?"

Katherine smirked and walked towards Sean still hanging onto his back, "Hmm...I don't know. Maybe we should keep him? He is kind of cute, well for a monkey and all."

Seeing her eyes light up in amusement as Sean protested, "Mom!"

She smiled at him and stood on tip-toes to brush her lips against his, "Hi."

Clint leaned in for a little deeper kiss only to laugh as Sean made vomiting noises, "Hi, baby. I missed you."

Katherine helped Sean from his back, saying, "I missed you, too." She put Sean down, "Go clean up, supper is almost ready."

He pulled her close as Sean left the room, kissing her again. She leaned into him and melted against him, moaning against his lips. Clint pulled back hugging her tight. Against her ear, it shocked even him when he whispered, "I love you."

He heard her breath catch, felt her stiffen in his arms. Clint couldn't believe he blurted that out. He meant to tell her after they talked later, before he made love to her again. When Katherine pulled back and looked up into his eyes, Clint was truly afraid of what she might say or do. Did he already screw up within five minutes of being back into her life?

She had tears in her eyes and her voice was shaky, "Did you just say...?"

Cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her gently. Finally, he pulled back to stare into her eyes, "I love you, Katherine."

Katherine couldn't have heard him say that, but when he held her face and looked into her eyes, he said it again. She wanted to cry, she wanted to hug him, and she wanted to kiss him. Sean came barreling into the room and she felt Clint kiss her lips again gently.

Barely above a whisper, she admitted, "Love you, too."

Dinner turned out to be a lively occasion. Sean was in rare form with Clint there. He kept everyone's attention on him and continually asked questions. Katherine was worried that Clint would get upset for a moment like Jake used to, but he didn't. He just chuckled, telling Sean, "Hey, I'm not going anywhere. We have plenty of time, little man."

When bedtime finally rolled around, Sean asked if Clint would be there in the morning. Katherine told him, "That's up to Clint. He's more than welcome to stay if he wants to, isn't he?"

Sean tugged on Clint's hand, "Will you read to me?"

Katherine watched as Clint told Sean to go brush his teeth and he'll be there shortly. Then Clint's attention focused on her and little bolts of electricity lit through her veins. She wanted him so much that every cell in her body felt as if they were pulling her towards him. When he got close, she wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tight.

She felt his arms squeeze her, "I'll be back down in a few minutes."

Katherine brushed his lips with hers, "I'll be waiting."

She went to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine. She could hear Clint's deep voice reading to Sean and heard him chuckle as Sean said something, smiling, she walked outside to sit on the swing. Katherine was nervous.

Never in a million years had she expected this. He told her those three magic words. Did he mean them? Was it possible that he could really love her?

Desperately, she wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe in them. She needed to believe in them.

"You're over thinking everything, baby."

She jumped, she hadn't been expecting him this soon. She asked, "Sean's already asleep?"

He nodded and leaned against the railing on the porch, "Do you want to know when I knew?"

Katherine wasn't sure if she wanted to know, "Clint..."

Clint pinned her with his gaze, "The second you left. I fought it and didn't want to believe it, but I knew then." He walked towards her and bent down in front of her, "I don't want to lose you again, baby."

Tears had formed in her eyes and were slowly trickling down her face, "I'll be here as long as you want me. I'm not going anywhere."

The look in his eyes stole her breath, his words made promises that she knew were real, "You willing to do forever with me, then?"

Three weeks later...

Katherine had never been happier in her life. It was the last game of Sean's T-Ball season and the kids were having fun. Not only that, the game was close. So close that as long as Sean's team kept the other team from scoring, they'd win.

She held her breath as the last batter hit the ball. She watched as it flew to center field, directly towards Sean. It was a pop-up. Clint and Sean had been working on those hits for a few weeks and Sean had gotten great at catching them. Everything seemed to go in slow motion.

Sean moved under the ball, setting his feet, opening his glove, and placing his other hand to cradle it once it hit inside the glove.

Katherine stood up just as Sean caught the ball. She laughed and almost cried at the same time at the look on her son's face. He was in shock that he caught it. If she could have, she would have run onto the field and hugged him, but she didn't have to. Clint was there.

She watched as Clint ran and picked up Sean, watched them laugh and all of his teammates run to congratulate him. Katherine saw the look of love and happiness pass between her son and Clint. Sometimes it was almost surreal. She never thought that it would happen.

Katherine waited by the dugout as the teams lined up to shake hands. The voice behind her shocked her to say the least.

"I can't believe he caught that." Taking a deep breath, she turned and faced her ex. He looked different. For the first time in years, he was in old jeans and a worn out t-shirt. He cupped her arm, "Hey, Katie."

It wasn't lost on her that he hadn't called her Katie in years. Actually, he stopped calling her that when they found out she was pregnant with Sean. She nodded in his direction then turned back towards the field, giving him her back. He chose to walk away from her son. She didn't have to play nice anymore. He was nothing to her.

Jake sighed, "Katie, can I talk to you?"

"Why, Jake? You walked away. Why are you even here?" She couldn't keep the anger out of her voice as she turned to face him.

He asked, "Are you happy?" He nodded his head towards Clint, "With him?"

Katherine was shocked. What did it matter to him? She searched his face, trying to understand why he was here. Why he was asking that question. She thought she saw some of the old Jake, the one she knew before he turned into the one she divorced. She nodded, "Yes, I'm happy. He makes me and Sean happy."

He still hadn't mentioned Sean or asked about him. How was that possible? She had to ask, "Did you ever care about Sean, or want him?"

At least he had the decency to look ashamed as he admitted, "Katie, I wanted you. When we had him, I knew it made you happy. At the same time, he took you from me. I just couldn't, well, can't handle that." He rubbed the back of his neck, "I don't know how to be a father, and I really don't want to be one."

"Wow." Katherine's jaw dropped. How did she not know he was that selfish? She stammered, "I...I...what am I supposed to say to that?"

He shrugged, "I don't know. I guess we really are through, aren't we?"

"Yeah, Jake, we were through the second I got pregnant and neither of us realized it."

Jake cleared his throat, "Listen, I'll leave you alone. I just needed to be sure. Katie, if you ever change your mind..."

"I won't, Jake. I'm sorry you feel the way you do. I wish you knew what you were missing out on with Sean, but there's no way to change that."

Jake stepped up to her and leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers, "I wish I could have been the man you deserved."

Clint chose that moment to walk up, "Get away from her, Jake."

Katherine heard the leashed fury in Clint's voice. Jake turned and faced Clint, "I'm going." He stood toe-to-toe with Clint, "Don't hurt her."

Clint growled, "You already did that enough for the both of us."

Sean's voice called out, "Dad!"

Both Clint and Jake turned to him, only Sean walked up to Clint and grabbed his hand, "Are we going to the pizza place again, Dad?"

Katherine held her breath. He'd asked a couple of days ago if he could call Clint dad, and both she and Clint told him that it was his choice. Clint told him that he would be honored to be called 'Dad' from him, but he didn't have to. They hadn't expected this situation though.

Clint nodded his head, "Yeah, little man."

Sean looked up and realized that Jake was there, but didn't say anything. He just stared at him. Jake spoke first, "So, you like Clint?"

Sean nodded. Katherine intervened, "You all about ready to go?"

In a small voice, Sean asked, "Are you mad at me?"

Jake bent down to Sean's level, "I'm not mad. I'm happy that you like Clint so much. I'm glad he'll be here for you." He sighed, "Listen, I'm going to be moving and won't be around, but Clint will be here for you. OK?" Sean nodded his head and Jake told him, "I'll see you around. Oh and by the way, that was the best catch I've ever seen."

Later that night, Clint was still so damn mad he couldn't see straight. How in the hell could Jake just walk away and act like it didn't matter? Sean didn't admit it, but Clint knew it hurt him that his real dad didn't want to be around him. He was a young child, but Sean was extremely intelligent. He knew what was going on.

Katherine was reading to Sean and he only hoped that he was OK. Clint paced in the kitchen. Then he decided to make his way up to Sean's room, just to see for his self, he had to know that he was OK.

He leaned against the door in time to hear Katherine explain, "Honey, sometimes people can be parents and have no idea how to actually follow through with it. You real dad, well, he just didn't know how to be one and he knows that. In a way, it's a good thing that he realizes that and is honest about it, even though it hurts us."

"But Mommy, Clint isn't a real dad. Will he not want to be a parent either?"

Clint walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, "Little man, you are stuck with me. The second I met you, I claimed you as mine. For good, bad, or even ugly, I'm your dad. No matter what, I'll be here for you."

"Like when you and Mommy were fighting and you were here and let me call her, even though she couldn't know you were sitting with me?"

Katherine gasped, "What?"

Clint chuckled, "Yeah, but that was supposed to be our secret." Sean giggled, and Clint told him, "Get some sleep. We're supposed to go fishing in the morning."

Clint had been with Sean when he was supposed to be with her aunt and uncle? How did that happen? She wanted to ask, but at the same time she was just grateful. Even when they were separated, he made a point to be with him.

Katherine walked downstairs and stood stock still at the foot of the steps. The entire living room was covered in candles. Every available surface had rose petals covering it. Clint stood in front of the window, looking outside with his hands in his pocket. He heard her intake of breath and turned to face her.

He held his hand out to her and slowly, Katherine made her way to him. As she stepped in front of him, tears streamed down her face when he went bent down on one knee.

"The moment I saw you on that couch in the office curled up to Sean, I knew you were special. It scared me to death, but I decided then that I wanted you. I never thought I'd fall in love with you like I have, but I'm yours, Katherine. I love you more than life itself. Not only that, I love your son, too. I want to be your friend, your lover, Sean's father, and most importantly, I want to be your husband." He pulled a ring from his pocket and held it out, "Will you marry me?"

Katherine wrapped her arms around him, "Yes."