Free Tender Kisses by Sheryl Lister Page A

continued to kiss her greedily, feeding from the sweetness of her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss with equal passion, surprising him and forcing a low growl from his throat. She rocked her bottom against him, and he grew harder with each movement. His erection throbbed, and fire shot through his veins. Justin felt his control slipping and tried to slow down.
    Siobhan’s response to him confirmed what he already knew. At some point, they would end up sleeping together—the chemistry between them was too strong to deny—and when it happened, he didn’t want her to have any regrets. Somehow he found the strength to end the kiss. He eased back, and they shared a smile. She rested her head on his shoulder, and he let his head drop back against the sofa, closed his eyes and waited for his galloping heart to slow.
    At length, he sat up. “I’d better get going.” When she lifted her head, he couldn’t resist one more kiss.
    She scooted off his lap and stood.
    He came to his feet and took her hand. “Walk me to the door.” Once there, he gathered her in his embrace once more. “I’ll call you.”
    â€œOkay.”
    He placed a gentle kiss on her lips and released her. “Sleep well, baby.” He opened the door and, without waiting for a response from her, sauntered down the walkway to his car.
    The crisp night air did nothing to cool his insides, and neither did the thirty-minute drive to his house. What he needed was a good run, but no one went running in LA after midnight. Instead, he showered and headed for his office. Justin sat staring at the computer screen and thinking about Siobhan. Normally, he wouldn’t waste time on any woman who sent out as many conflicting signals as Siobhan did, but everything about her fascinated him. And now that he’d tasted the fire beneath her icy exterior, walking away was the furthest thing from his mind.
    Without thinking, Justin picked up his cell and typed: Are u asleep? The minutes ticked off while he waited for a response. When none came, he assumed Siobhan had been able to sleep after all, so he turned his attention to the list of codes on his screen. His cell buzzed, and his fingers froze on the keyboard. He unlocked the screen and read Siobhan’s reply: No, can’t sleep.
    Why not?
    Thinking about that movie...thanks to u.
    Me? U agreed. But if ur afraid, I’d be more than happy to come over and protect u.
    That won’t be necessary. I’m a big girl & I can take care of myself.
    So, when are we going out again? I’ll let u pick the movie.
    I don’t know if that’s a good idea.
    Not a date, just two people having a good time. No commitments.
    There was a slight delay, and then Siobhan replied: I’ll let you know. Good night.
    Good night.
    He tossed the cell on the desk. Justin wasn’t looking for a long-term relationship any more than Siobhan, but a short affair? That he could handle.
    * * *
    Siobhan powered off her cell, plugged it into the charger and climbed into bed. She reached up to turn off the lamp and pulled the sheet over her body. She should have ignored his text and let him think she had gone to bed. She was wide-awake, but not for the reason she’d told him. True, she had never been a big fan of thrillers, but that movie hadn’t come close to stirring up the raw emotions Justin had in her. Even though he had left her house more than two hours ago, she could still feel his hands all over her body. And every time he kissed her, she lost more and more of her willpower. She shook her head. Being around Justin was dangerous to her well-being.
    He made her feel things she didn’t want to feel and do the things she used to enjoy—everything she had purposely put aside since Malcolm’s accident. Siobhan closed her eyes to shut out the memories that refused to stay buried. Tonight they came back in full force—from her choosing