Interview with Love by Lisa Y. Watson Page A

her head and said a silent prayer.
    â€œWatch the ball.”
    She raised her head and waited. The ball raced toward her. She held her breath. The bat connected with a deafening thwack. She watched it sail across the cage. The only thing that stopped it was the net surrounding the area. “I did it,” Sienna cried out, jumping around.
    Vaughn raced over and picked her up. He spun her in his arms. “You were awesome, Sienna. Perfect swing,” he said, proudly.
    She giggled as he twirled her. When he set her feet on the ground his hands moved to her waist to steady her.
    â€œThanks for the lesson,” she said, breathlessly.
    â€œThanks for being so teachable.” They smiled at one another for a few seconds. Clearing his throat, Vaughn released her and went to retrieve their drinks, her stuffed animal and tickets.
    They went back into the arcade to cash in the large mound of tickets. Sienna couldn’t choose what to get so they opted to redeem them another time.
    Deciding to call it a night, Sienna and Vaughn walked back to his car. She secured her stuffed animal in the back seat with a seatbelt. He laughed at that.
    â€œI’m not running the risk of my new buddy being hurt,” she said, protectively.
    He snickered. “I can see that.”
    They listened to music on the trip home. Sienna gazed at the stars overhead. Eventually, she turned to him. “Vaughn, I think it’s time I admitted that I enjoyed myself at Frankie’s—immensely.”
    His eyes didn’t leave the road, but he grinned in reaction. “I’m glad you did.”
    â€œI know you had your doubts.”
    â€œOnly in the five seconds it took to pass the car wash,” he admitted.
    They conversed on topics ranging from the economy and politics to their favorite cooking shows. By the time Vaughn pulled into Sienna’s driveway, they were having a heated debate about the longevity of reality television shows.
    Vaughn helped her and her prize out of the car.
    â€œSo, what are you going to name him or her?”
    â€œIt’s a him, and I’m not sure yet. Maybe Curtis.”
    He made a face as his gaze roamed over the large bear. “Curtis?”
    â€œOkay, maybe I’ll go back to the drawing board.”
    â€œGood idea,” he countered.
    After she retrieved her house key they mounted the steps to the front door. Sienna turned to face him. “Would you like to come in for a drink, or some coffee? I don’t drink coffee, but I have some. You know, in case company comes over and wants coffee. I try to be prepared.”
    The urge to tease her was too strong to ignore. “Yeah, I get that about you.”
    She wrinkled her nose at him. Vaughn pondered her invitation. He had to admit he enjoyed her company immensely and wasn’t ready for their evening to end either. Decision made he replied, “Actually, I’d love to come in.”
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    Almost an hour later they were in another heated debate. “You can’t put down a wild card and change the color if you already have that color in your hand.”
    â€œI can so.”
    â€œThat’s against the rules. You have to draw two cards.”
    â€œI do not. What kind of bootleg rules are you spouting?”
    Sienna looked indignant. I’m not making up rules. Just ask anyone that actually knows how to play Uno.”
    â€œYeah, right. I want to see the rules. Where’s your copy?”
    â€œI don’t have them anymore, but trust me you can’t do that.”
    â€œTrust you?” he snorted. “I don’t think so.” He batted the two cards she was shoving at him away.
    She laughed and tried again. “Cheater.”
    â€œYes, you are.”
    Reluctantly, Vaughn glanced at his watch. “It’s getting late, I’d better get going.”
    Sienna looked upside down at the clock on the table behind her. “It was late an hour ago.”
    He helped her put the