Tender Kisses by Sheryl Lister Page B

calendar. “I can do Wednesday or Friday.”
    Siobhan checked hers. “Wednesday works for me. Can we go around one? I have a meeting at eleven with my staff, and although it should only last an hour, with Gordon and his constant complaints, who knows how long it’ll last.”
    â€œIs he still mad because you got the director’s job?” Kendra asked with surprise. “That was over a year ago.”
    She pushed her chair back and stood. “Yes. He’s just waiting for me to make one little mistake, and I have to stay on top of my game, which is another reason I don’t have time for a relationship.”
    â€œDon’t forget my anniversary party next Friday,” Kendra said. “You should bring Justin.”
    â€œI don’t think so. I have to go.” They agreed to a time and place for lunch next week, and Siobhan headed back to her office.
    She worked steadily throughout the afternoon and into the evening, stopping only once to get a cup of green tea.
    â€œTime to pack up and go home, Siobhan.”
    She glanced up to see Brandon standing in the doorway with his arms folded. “I still have a few more things to do. Are you leaving?”
    â€œYes, and so are you. It’s almost eight.” Brandon straightened his tall frame and walked into the office. “You can wipe that frown off your face because it doesn’t work on me. Now pack it up and let’s go.”
    Siobhan glared at him, and he had the nerve to smile. “In case you forgot, I’m the oldest. And I see you’re still here.”
    â€œI was only here waiting for you.”
    â€œWhy? I don’t need a babysitter.”
    â€œThat’s debatable,” he muttered.
    â€œI heard that.”
    â€œGood—now come on. I’m supposed to be meeting Khalil and Malcolm at the gym to play basketball in thirty minutes.”
    â€œThen don’t let me keep you.”
    Brandon released a deep sigh. “Vonnie, you have five minutes to get your stuff or I’m calling Dad. You know what he said.”
    Siobhan jumped to her feet. “Seriously, Brandon. That’s just wrong.” Their father had told them on several occasions that there was more to life than working, and that he didn’t want them staying at the office past normal business hours on a regular basis. Of course, he’d fussed at Siobhan already four times in the past two weeks.
    He pulled out his cell. “What’s it going to be?”
    She rolled her eyes and started shoving folders in her tote bag, all the while muttering about what he could do with his threat. She slung the tote on her shoulder and stormed past him. “And lock my door.”
    He chuckled and followed her out. As they rode down in the elevator, he asked, “Are you still seeing that guy from the fund-raiser?”
    His question reminded her that Justin had never responded to her text. Had he got it, or was he purposely ignoring her? She felt bad about canceling, but it couldn’t be helped. “I saw him a couple of times. It’s no big thing.”
    â€œIf you say so. I’m telling you now, if he pulls the same crap as Arthur, we’re kicking his ass. We backed off because you asked us to last time, but we won’t stand for someone hurting you again.”
    â€œSince I don’t plan to start seeing him exclusively, you have nothing to worry about.”
    They exited the elevator in the underground garage, and he walked Siobhan to her car. Bending slightly, he placed a kiss on her temple. “Just be careful.”
    â€œI will. Tell Khalil I’ll try to get in there one evening next week, if he’s going to be there.”
    â€œI can come work out with you, if he’s busy. Just let me know.”
    â€œI will. See you later.” Siobhan got in the car, started it and backed out of the lot. She shook her head. It had taken days of pleading and threatening to tell their parents