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 sheâd ever allow him to be the face of her familyâs company. Image was everything, and his... She shook her head.
âIs there something you want to say to me?â Siobhan asked.
âThe only reason youâre in this position is because your father owns the company. That job shouldâve been mine,â he gritted out.
âWhatever you say, Gordon.â 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. Heâd 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 hadnât 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, heâd 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 wasnât 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.
Justinâs 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 didnât 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 Siobhanâs name on the screen.
âGood afternoon, Ms. Hunter.â
There was a slight pause before she said, âGood afternoon, Justin.â
âDid you get my text?â
âYes, but itâs been a busy day, so Iâm just able to return your call.â
âSo?â
âSo what?â
âWere you thinking of me this morning, too?â
âI thought you wanted to discuss going on a date.â
Justin chuckled. She didnât let up for a second. âI do, butââ
âOkay. I propose we go back to the same coffee shop.â
âI was thinking of some place a little more upscale, like a real restaurant,â he said wryly.
âThe coffee shop is fine. I can meet you there Wednesday or Thursday.â
âAnd I can pick you up.â
âThat wonât be necessary. Iâll most likely be leaving from work, so it just makes more sense for me to meet you there rather than driving home first.â
When he dated a woman, he made it a practice to pick her up and take her back home, but Siobhan wouldnât budge in her position, so Justin reluctantly agreed. âOkay. How about Wednesday at seven?â
âLetâs make it seven thirty to be safe. I hate being late.â
âThat works.â
âI have to get
Learning to Kill: Stories