Tender Kisses by Sheryl Lister Read Free Book Online

anything he had on and the grease stain on the front of his white shirt. She wanted to stand him in front of a mirror. While Gordon came up with some good ideas, there was no way she’d ever allow him to be the face of her family’s company. Image was everything, and his... She shook her head.
    â€œIs there something you want to say to me?” Siobhan asked.
    â€œThe only reason you’re in this position is because your father owns the company. That job should’ve been mine,” he gritted out.
    â€œWhatever you say, Gordon.” Rather than stoop to his level, she just shook her head and walked out. She had more pressing things to deal with, like finding a way to decline that date with Justin. With Gordon gunning for her job, she had to stay on her toes. And that meant not being distracted by the mahogany Adonis.
    * * *
    Justin poured a second cup of coffee, hoping it would give him the jolt he needed, and took it outside to sip while sitting on the back deck. He’d lain awake for most of the night thinking about Siobhan and how much he wanted to kiss her again. Even his morning run had done nothing to clear his mind. He had sent her a text, but she hadn’t replied. Not that he thought she would.
    Even though she had seemed to enjoy their time together, she kept the ironclad control wrapped around her like a protective armor. Did she ever let her guard down enough to have some fun? And what would she be like if she let go? Downing the last of the liquid, he stood and went back inside to call Gray Home Safety. With any luck, he’d be able to get on the schedule by the end of the week. Justin retrieved the card from his office desk and punched in the number. Minutes later, he hung up, disappointed. The earliest appointment wasn’t for three weeks. In a way, it was a good thing since he still had a few things that he needed to work on. Now that the fog surrounding his brain had lifted, he went to work.
    Justin’s focus held for the first hour, but thoughts of Siobhan slowly crept into the forefront of his mind. She had probably started her workday, and if her job was as hectic as she said, he didn’t expect to hear from her anytime soon. Pushing the speculations aside, he shifted back into work mode, alternating between typing codes and testing the sensors. By the time he looked up again, more than three hours had passed. He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. He had been staring at the computer screen for so long the letters and numbers started to blur. Justin rubbed a hand across his forehead and rose to his feet. His cell rang in midstretch. A smile creased his face when he saw Siobhan’s name on the screen.
    â€œGood afternoon, Ms. Hunter.”
    There was a slight pause before she said, “Good afternoon, Justin.”
    â€œDid you get my text?”
    â€œYes, but it’s been a busy day, so I’m just able to return your call.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œSo what?”
    â€œWere you thinking of me this morning, too?”
    â€œI thought you wanted to discuss going on a date.”
    Justin chuckled. She didn’t let up for a second. “I do, but—”
    â€œOkay. I propose we go back to the same coffee shop.”
    â€œI was thinking of some place a little more upscale, like a real restaurant,” he said wryly.
    â€œThe coffee shop is fine. I can meet you there Wednesday or Thursday.”
    â€œAnd I can pick you up.”
    â€œThat won’t be necessary. I’ll most likely be leaving from work, so it just makes more sense for me to meet you there rather than driving home first.”
    When he dated a woman, he made it a practice to pick her up and take her back home, but Siobhan wouldn’t budge in her position, so Justin reluctantly agreed. “Okay. How about Wednesday at seven?”
    â€œLet’s make it seven thirty to be safe. I hate being late.”
    â€œThat works.”
    â€œI have to get