Tender Kisses (9 page)

“I figured you hadn't eaten, so I brought you some of the chicken soup I made.”

This time a real smile bloomed on her face. “Thanks, Brandon. I take back everything I said about you.”

He gave her a puzzled look. “I don't recall you saying anything.”

“That's because you weren't in the car with me.”

He laughed and gestured with his head toward the house. “Lock up.”

“I will. Good night.” She glanced back at him after she opened the door, and he waved her in. Closing and locking the door, she shuffled to the kitchen, dropped the tote and her purse in a kitchen chair and set the bag with her soup on the counter.

The delicious smell wafted across her nose as soon as she removed the container from the bag, and her stomach growled. She shook her head thinking about Brandon while eating. All her brothers, and father, watched over and protected her and Morgan. After every family gathering, at least one followed them home, and they never left until she and her sister had closed the door. She noticed similar qualities in Justin and realized he would probably fit in well with her family.

Justin.
“Oh, shoot.” She was supposed to call Justin to let him know she'd arrived home. She reached over, fished her cell out of her purse and pushed the redial button.

“I was just about to drive over,” Justin said by way of greeting.

“Sorry—I was talking to my brother. I'm home now, so you don't need to come over.”
Although, if he does, I might sleep better tonight...

“Maybe you should talk to your boss. I understand having to do overtime hours, but there's no reason you should be working this late so often. And I bet he or she is at home relaxing.”

Technically,
she
was the boss. “It's not that bad, and my boss doesn't require all the overtime. I just like to keep ahead of the game.”

“When do you relax? I mean, you're working on the weekends when I call and late during the week.”

“I do relax.”

“I hope so. I won't hold you because I know you're going to be up and in your office early. Promise me you'll leave at least close to regular time tomorrow.”

“I promise.” Not as if she'd have much choice since Brandon was determined to camp out until she left or drag her out, if necessary.

“Good night, sweet lady. Sleep well.”

“You, too.” The endearment seeped into the cracks of the wall around her heart. Picking up her spoon, Siobhan finished her soup and prepared for bed.

She sat in her office the next morning feeling a little better. Her headache had subsided, and for the first time all week, she had slept five hours. Talking to Justin had been the only thing she had done differently from the other nights. His voice had a way of soothing her and...

That
couldn't
be why
.
Refusing to travel any further down this line of reasoning, she spun around in her chair and snatched up a document.

True to his word, Brandon appeared in her office doorway at exactly four forty-five. Siobhan had already packed up in anticipation. She stood and rounded her desk.
“Happy?”

“Yep. Let's go. Mom call you about dinner on Sunday?” he asked as they left.

“No. When did she call you?”

“About an hour ago.”

Her cell rang. They looked at each other and laughed. “Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, honey. What's so funny?”

“Brandon was just asking if you'd called, and the phone rang.”

“Oh. Well, you know I'm making my rounds. I assume you're coming early, as always. Any chance you'll be bringing a date?”

“Um...no, but I'll be there early.”

Her mother sighed. “One of these days, I'm going to get a yes from you or one of your siblings.”

“See you on Sunday, Mom.” Siobhan hurried to end the call and met Brandon's smiling face.

“She wanted to know if you were bringing a date, too?”

She nodded. “I thought you were dating someone.”

“Correction—I'm seeing someone
loosely
. No way am I bringing her to a family dinner. I don't want her getting any ideas.”

“That's a shame. If a guy said he was dating Morgan or me
loosely
, you, Khalil and Malcolm would have a heart attack and try to kill the guy. She could be someone's sister, too.”

“Hey, I told her up front I wasn't in the market for anything serious. She said she wasn't, either, so it was her choice to proceed. What about you? Are you still seeing that guy?”

“Loosely,”
she answered with a laugh and opened her car door. “See you on Sunday.”

He kissed her cheek. “Drive safe.”

Before she could pull out of the lot, her cell rang again. “Hey, Justin.”

“Hey. I want to make sure you're not staying late tonight, and if you are, to let you know that I'm coming to hang out with you.”

“You'll be happy to know that I am in my car and getting ready to pull out of the lot.”

“Yep, I'm happy. I'd be happier if we could have dinner together tonight, but you need to rest.”

“It has been a long week.”
In more ways than one.

“I'm going to hang up because I don't want you driving while on the phone. I'll talk to you tomorrow.”

Siobhan couldn't stop the smile that spread across her lips. Justin was different from the men she had gone out with in the past. They were either intimidated by her direct speech or bent over backward to try to please her, thinking it would get them on the fast track to her family's wealth. Most times, she could figure out which category they fit into within a few moments of conversation. But she couldn't get a read on Justin. He didn't seem put off by her candor at all, and that piqued her curiosity.

* * *

Siobhan jerked upright in her bed at the sound of the doorbell. She glanced over at the clock and muttered, “It is eight o'clock on a Saturday morning.” The only people who showed up at her place this early were her brothers. Siobhan knew it wasn't her sister because Morgan was not a morning person. She staggered sleepily to the front door and snatched it open.

“One of you big heads had better have a good reason to be ringing my doorbell at this—” The rest of her rant died in her throat when she saw Justin leaning against the column with that knee-weakening smile, and looking downright mouthwatering in a pair of jeans and a navy T-shirt that outlined every muscle in his upper body.

She wanted to strangle him.

Chapter 9

“G
ood morning, sunshine,” Justin said, his smile widening. His gaze slid lazily down her body and back up.

His frank appraisal reminded Siobhan that she had come to the door wearing a skimpy tank top and too-short shorts, her normal sleeping attire. She took a step behind the door. “What are you doing here so early?”

“I came to kidnap you.”

“
Excuse
me?”

He repeated himself. “Don't worry—being kidnapped isn't always a bad thing.”

She scraped a hand over her hair. Was he serious? “I don't see how being kidnapped is a good thing.”

His voice dropped an octave. “That's because you've never been kidnapped by me.”

Oh, Lord!

“You've been working hard all week, and I want to give you a chance to relax. What do you say, beautiful?”

With him standing there looking so good, saying no was the furthest thing from her mind. She opened the door wider to let him in. “Okay. Give me thirty minutes to get ready.”

“Take your time, and don't worry about breakfast. It's the first thing on the list this morning.”

“First thing? Justin Cartwright, what are you planning?”

He grinned. “It's a surprise. We're turning off our cell phones and we're gonna have fun,
big
fun.” She stood there staring at him and trying to guess what he had up his sleeve.

“Weren't you going to get dressed?”

Siobhan backed away slowly, turned around and headed down the hallway. She showered quickly and went through her closet trying to find something to wear. While searching, she questioned her sanity. She did not do
spontaneous
. And turning off her cell phone... She planned everything down to the minute. So why didn't she tell him she wasn't going unless he gave her the day's itinerary? And how long did he plan on them being gone? Siobhan inhaled deeply and resumed her search. She could do this. She assumed something casual would work since he had on jeans. It was the middle of April, but the temperatures had been unseasonably warm, near eighty degrees. She slid into a pair of black jeans and a short-sleeved faux wrap black-and-white-print top. Siobhan chose a pair of comfortable walking shoes that were still cute.

Justin stood when she entered the living room. “You look great.”

“Thanks. Is this okay? Since I have no idea what you've planned, I wasn't sure what to wear.”

“It's perfect, but I have something in mind a little later that might require a change of clothes. It doesn't have to be too dressy, just business casual.”

She placed her hands on her hips. “I don't know if I like this, especially not having my phone.” She wasn't used to giving up control and felt a moment of panic.

He closed the distance between them and kissed her. “I didn't say not to bring it, just to turn it off for a while, and I'll do the same. I want you to enjoy yourself today, and for us to spend some uninterrupted time together. But if you feel uneasy at any time while we're out, just let me know and we'll come back.”

Their gazes held as Siobhan debated what to do. Finally, she nodded. What could it hurt to have a little fun for a few hours? “I'll be right back.” She went to pack a small bag, which, her being a woman, included two changes of clothes, makeup and toiletries in case she needed to freshen up.

“Ready?” Justin asked when she returned.

“Yes.” She said the word, but not being in the driver's seat had butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Justin drove them to a nearby restaurant, and after they'd ordered and received their food, Siobhan began to feel antsy. “So, what's next?”

He smiled with amusement. “We're not even done with breakfast yet. You hate not being in control of everything, don't you?”

“That's not true—I just like knowing where I'm going.”

He laughed. “Siobhan, I've learned something about you in these last few weeks. You have a need to control every circumstance around you, and when that doesn't happen, it makes you feel uncomfortable.”

She sat stunned. In a matter of seconds, he'd uncovered her innermost feelings.

Justin grasped her hand. “I'm not asking you to change who you are, baby, but it's okay to loosen the reins a little every now and again.”

Siobhan had existed this way for so long, she wasn't sure if she even knew
how
to let go.

He must have sensed her turmoil because he said, “I thought we'd go to the Santa Monica Pier for a while.”

She smiled. “Thank you. I guess that's about all I'm going to get in the way of today's schedule, huh?”

Justin shrugged. “Can't give away all my secrets, but rest assured I plan to show you a good time.”

“I can deal with that.” They finished their meals while conversing softly.

On the way to the pier, Siobhan relaxed and watched the passing scenery. A smile curved her lips. Kendra and Cynthia would probably pass out when she told them she had gone on an
unplanned
date. It was still early when they arrived, and the amusement park and most of the shops didn't open until eleven.

“Let's go for a walk. You might want to bring your jacket, in case you get cold.”

She slipped into the jacket with Justin's help, and they strolled down the path at a leisurely pace, eventually ending on the beach.

He pulled her to stand in front of him and wrapped his arms around her middle. “I don't think I planned this right.”

She angled her head to look up at him. “What do you mean?”

A wolfish grin appeared on his face. “We should've come at night.”

Siobhan whipped her head back around toward the water without commenting. A slow heat started between her legs when she remembered what he'd said—and
done
—after their movie date.

“What do you think?”

“I think you're outrageous.”

Justin nuzzled her neck and chuckled. “So, no sex on the beach?”

“No.”

“You sure? I can promise you an incredible experience.”

His hot words nearly turned Siobhan's legs to molten lava. And she had no doubt he could back it up. “How do you know it'll be incredible?” she challenged. “Have you done it before?”

“I've never done it, never even thought about it until I met you. And it can only be incredible with an extraordinary and beautiful woman like you.”

Just like that, her wall dropped two notches. “I think I'd like a little more privacy.”

“Anywhere you want it.”

They stood watching the waves awhile longer, each lost in thought.

“I see the carousel is open now. Want to ride?”

“Can't come to the pier and not ride the carousel,” she said with a smile.

“Do you want to sit on one of the benches?” Justin asked when it was their turn to ride.

“I don't think so. You have to ride the horse, Justin.”

He viewed the wooden horses and other animals with distrust. “How about I stand next to you to make sure you don't fall off?”

“Okay.” He helped her up, and the ride started. She was transported back in time to when her family came to the pier every summer. With each revolution, her stress level diminished, and two rides later, Siobhan was having so much fun, she completely forgot about time. The temperatures warmed, so she took off her jacket and tied it around her waist. They continued the fun at the amusement park with the roller coaster, tower ride and Ferris wheel. And she ate a funnel cake, reliving another moment from her childhood.

“I've worked up an appetite with all these rides.”

She laughed. “Men are always hungry.” She realized the unintentional double entendre the moment it left her mouth, and Justin's smile confirmed it. Siobhan playfully socked him on the shoulder. “That's not what I meant, and you know it.”

“I didn't say a word.” He mimicked zipping his lips.

“You didn't have to. That smile said it all.”

Justin tried to keep a straight face but couldn't, and laughter spilled from his lips. “Come on.” They had a quick bite, and then he checked his watch. “We need to get going.”

She really wanted to ask where, but since she was trying to adopt a go-with-the-flow type of attitude today, she swallowed the question.

In the car, he adjusted the airflow. “Make yourself comfortable. It's going to be a while before we get to our next stop.”

Siobhan stared at him curiously as he wove through the traffic. Moments later, Michael Jackson's “Billie Jean” came through the speakers. She smiled over at him and settled more comfortably in the Audi's leather seat. She must have dozed off because the next she knew they were crossing the California-Nevada state line. “Vegas?”

“Yep. You said you wanted to go again.” A short time later, he pulled into the Mandalay Bay Resort parking lot. “It's a quarter to six now, and we have just enough time to check in and change.”

Check in?
He planned for them to stay overnight? In the same room?

“Siobhan?”

His voice shattered her reverie. “Huh? Oh.” He stood at her open door with his hand extended. He helped her out of the car, and she reached back inside to grab her jacket while he removed their bags from the trunk. It didn't take long to check in, and she was left speechless by the suite's elegance—king-size bed, living room and a wall of windows overlooking the Strip. The bathroom had double sinks, a large glass shower and a soaking tub large enough for two. Siobhan startled slightly when Justin came up behind her.

“Is this okay?”

“It's beautiful, but I didn't expect to be gone overnight or the whole weekend.”

“I booked the room for one night, and like I told you earlier, I'll take you back whenever you're ready.”

This suite wasn't cheap, but he was willing to lose his money for her comfort. There went another notch. “No, it's fine.” She didn't want him to waste his money, she rationalized.

“You can change first.”

She nodded, picked up her bag and went into the bathroom. Emotions bubbled up within her, and she braced her hands on the sink and bowed her head. This man made it almost impossible to remain unmoved.

* * *

As soon as he heard the shower running, Justin made a quick trip downstairs to pick up tickets for the show. He rushed back upstairs, stretched out on the bed and waited for Siobhan to change. He couldn't believe the transformation. The straitlaced, restrained businesswoman whom he'd met that first night—and just about every time they'd gone out—had been replaced with a fun-loving siren who turned him on even more. He still sensed some hesitancy on her part, however, and he wanted to do everything in his power to give her a weekend she would never forget.

“Your turn.”

He sat up at the sound of her voice and did a slow appraisal. She wore a pair of white slacks, a green top and matching low-heeled green pumps. She had applied minimal makeup that accentuated her light brown eyes and had slicked her ear-length curly hair back on one side. Justin slowly rose from the bed and approached her. He kissed her cheek, being careful not to smudge her makeup. “You are absolutely gorgeous.”

“Thank you.”

“I'll be right back.” Justin smiled the whole time while showering and dressing. Fifteen minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom.

“Don't you look handsome,” Siobhan said, sauntering his way and draping her arms around his neck.

“What, this old outfit?” he teased, glancing down at the black slacks and pale purple dress shirt.

She laughed. “I'm really enjoying this trip. So, where to next?”

“Ah, so you're finally getting the hang of this fun stuff. See, I told you being kidnapped isn't so bad.”

“Nope. I might have to let you kidnap me more often.”

“Don't tempt me, woman. Keep talking like that and I may never let you go.” Where had that come from?

Her eyebrows shot up, and he heard her sharp intake of breath.

The atmosphere went from playful to serious in an instant. “We should get going.” They took the elevator down and walked through the casino, passing various shops. Several other people were headed in the same direction. Justin stopped. “You said you missed out on a show the last time you came to Vegas, and I know how much you like Michael Jackson, so I figured this would be the best of both worlds.” He handed her the tickets.

Siobhan's eyes lit up and she let out a squeal. “
Oh. My. God!
I can't believe it.”

She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss that left him gasping for breath and drew the attention of some passersby.

One older man chuckled and said, “Your wife must love Michael Jackson.”

Not bothering to correct the assumption, Justin said, “She does.”

Siobhan was too excited to notice and grabbed Justin's hand, tugging him in the direction of the theater. “Where are we sitting?”

“You have the tickets.”

She giggled and waved them in the air. “Oh, yeah.” She studied the tickets and then whipped her head around. “Row D?”

He nodded and laughed.

Once they reached their seats and she realized they were in the center section, she did a little shimmy in her seat. “This is
fantastic
. I still can't believe it.” She reached up and cupped his jaw. “Thank you, Justin. I will never, ever forget this night.”

Those strange emotions surfaced again. “You're welcome.”

He was falling for this woman and wasn't sure whether a casual, no-strings-attached relationship was really what he wanted anymore.

* * *

Siobhan bounced in her seat, waiting for the show to begin. Their seats were in the fourth row, so close that she could see everything. Moments later the lights went down and the music began. Between the aerial performances, acrobatics and amazing dance choreography going on simultaneously, she didn't know where to settle her gaze first. She and Justin clapped and sang along to their favorite songs, and were held spellbound by a woman on a rope, hanging from the ceiling dancing to “Dirty Diana.” Siobhan leaned over and whispered, “She has phenomenal body strength.”