Tender Kisses Read Free Page B

in her lungs. He smiled then sauntered off with the sexiest walk she had ever seen on a man. She didn’t realize she had been holding her breath until Cynthia’s voice broke through her thoughts.
    â€œGirl,” she said slowly, “do not let that man get away. I don’t care if he’s pitching an idea or not.”
    â€œAmen, sister. Amen ,” Kendra said, shaking her head. “He looks like a man who could curl your toes in the bedroom.”
    Siobhan’s gaze followed Justin until he disappeared in the crowd. She could still feel the tingling in her palm and rubbed her other hand over the spot, hoping to erase the feeling. “The only thing he’s getting is that one dance. Nothing more.”
    True to his word, Justin returned a while later for the dance. Siobhan steeled herself against the unwanted sensations that coursed through her when he wrapped his arm around her waist and moved his body close to hers. She silently prayed for the song to end, although this time for a different reason. Everything about this man turned her on, and she didn’t want to be turned on . Before the last note faded away, she backed out of his arms. “I think I’m going to call it a night. It was very nice to meet you, Justin.”
    â€œI’ll walk you out.” Without waiting for her response, Justin entwined their fingers and led her out and toward the front of the hotel. “Did you valet park?”
    â€œYes.” She tried to disengage their hands, but he tightened his grip and kept walking. “Justin, you really don’t have to walk me out.”
    A sexy grin tipped the corners of Justin’s mouth. “If I don’t walk you out, I can’t persuade you to meet me for coffee tomorrow.”
    â€œI told you already that I’m busy and don’t have time to date.”
    â€œTrue, but I’m not asking you out on a date. Think of it as two people with a similar past hanging out and sharing stories. Do you have your ticket?” he asked as they pushed through the front door.
    He released her hand. Siobhan reached in her purse for the ticket and handed it to the valet.
    â€œDo you live in the area?”
    â€œNot too far away. Why?”
    Justin pulled a card and pen from his pocket, wrote something on the back and handed it to her. “This is the address of a nearby coffee shop. Since you’re local, it shouldn’t be too far for you. I’d love it if you met me there tomorrow morning. Is eleven a good time?”
    She stared at the card for several seconds then took it. “No promises.”
    â€œMa’am, your car,” the valet said.
    â€œThank you.” Facing Justin, she said, “Good night.”
    â€œGood night, Siobhan. I’ve enjoyed your company tonight.”
    He squeezed her hand again, this time rubbing his thumb in small circles on her palm. She almost melted in a heap on the concrete. She hurried around to the driver’s side of her car and slid in behind the wheel. She could still see him standing there as she pulled off. There was no way she planned to be at that coffee shop in the morning. Justin Cartwright was a temptation she couldn’t afford.
    * * *
    Justin waited until the taillights of Siobhan’s Lexus SUV disappeared before going back inside. He searched the ballroom for Mr. Gray or his partner Mr. Whitcomb but didn’t see either man. Making some discreet inquiries, he located both men standing in a group. As soon as there was a break in the conversation and the small gathering dispersed, Justin headed over.
    â€œGood evening, Mr. Gray.” Justin extended his hand.
    Mr. Gray shook Justin’s hand. “Good evening, young man. Have we met?”
    â€œNo, sir. My name is Justin Cartwright, and I was hoping to talk to you about an in-home alert system I’m working on.”
    â€œWell, I’m always looking for something new and exciting, but aren’t there a