Tender Kisses Read Free Page A

ask?”
    Justin chuckled. “I asked how you liked your job, but we got a little sidetracked when you nearly ripped my head off.”
    â€œSorry about that,” she said contritely. “I love a challenge and my job provides that.”
    â€œSounds intriguing, but don’t the challenges become a hassle day in and day out?”
    â€œEvery day isn’t like that. Most times my day is stacked with meetings, working on press releases and fielding phone calls. And, as the oldest of five, putting out fires is second nature,” she added wryly.
    â€œI can imagine.”
    â€œDo you have any siblings?”
    â€œTwo younger sisters. Something we have in common—being the oldest...and putting out fires.”
    Siobhan laughed.
    â€œMaybe we can swap stories over coffee or dinner.”
    Her laughter faded. “Um, I don’t have time to date.”
    â€œWhy not? You’re a beautiful woman. I’m sure there are men lined up waiting to take you out.”
    She laughed him off. But in reality, over the past two years, the only men who seemed remotely interested in her had ulterior motives. “I think the song is over.” Actually, they had danced through at least three. “Thank you for the dance, Justin.” She turned to walk away, and he caught her hand.
    â€œMay I buy you a drink?”
    â€œNo, thank you. Have a good evening.” She wove her way through the crowd of people who flooded the dance floor in response to the sounds of a popular tune now playing. Siobhan exited the ballroom and ducked into the nearest bathroom. Her heart raced, and her hands shook.
    She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Obviously, the loose-fitting dress she had deliberately chosen to keep men at bay hadn’t deterred Justin. All while they danced, his gaze never left hers. At one point, he stared at her as if she were his favorite dessert, and for a moment, she allowed the thought to play around in her mind. Heat rose in her cheeks, and she fanned herself in an effort to cool off. Where in the world had that thought come from? Siobhan smoothed down the front of her gown, took a deep breath and left the bathroom. Rounding the corner, she hit a solid mass. Strong arms steadied her.
    â€œAre you okay, Siobhan?” Justin asked, still holding her.
    â€œYes. Fine. Sorry—I wasn’t watching where I was going. Thanks for the save. I need to speak to my friends before they leave.”
    â€œYou’re welcome. I’ll walk you over.”
    â€œHuh? Oh, you don’t need to do that. I’m sure there are some other people who you probably want to talk to about your products.”
    A lazy grin curved his mouth. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
    Yes! “No, nothing like that. I—”
    â€œGlad to hear it.” He extended his arm.
    Sighing inwardly, Siobhan hooked her arm in his and let him escort her back to the ballroom and over to her two friends and their husbands. She made introductions, and the men struck up a conversation.
    Kendra pulled Siobhan to the side. “Girl, you’d better snap up all that fine dark chocolate before some other woman does.”
    Cynthia giggled and nodded her head enthusiastically. “I agree. You two looked so good dancing together.”
    â€œI see some gorgeous godchildren in my future,” Kendra added.
    Siobhan snapped her head around. “Wait—what? Hold up a minute. Nobody’s having anybody’s babies,” she whispered tersely.
    â€œSiobhan?” Justin touched her arm.
    Glaring at Kendra once more, she turned. “Yes, Justin,” she said pleasantly.
    â€œI need to talk to someone real quick. Will you save me one more dance?”
    As much as she wanted to tell him no, with everyone staring at her, she couldn’t. “Sure.”
    He clasped her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you.”
    His heated gaze caused Siobhan’s breath to stall