Read Justin for Free Online Page B

was hurt.”
    Amber sighed. “That’s a ridiculous reason, you know.”
    He nodded. “I know.” He rubbed his hand up and down her arm. “Will you go with me?”
    She shook her head. “I really don’t think it’s a good idea. I’d have to cancel several students, and it wouldn’t be fair to them.”
    “ When was the last time you took a vacation? A real vacation. Not one where you’re trying to buy more horses or doing anything but having fun.”
    She shrugged. “I think it was before my father died.”
    “ You’re going. If I have to kidnap you, you’re going. Cancel your students. You need a break.” His tone of voice brooked no argument.
    Sarah watched the entire exchange with wide eyes. He was just as bossy as Justin in his own way. She looked at Justin to find he was watching her. She raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”
    “ I’m so glad I can just order you to go on a business trip and I don’t have to kidnap you.”
    She choked back a laugh. “I guess that’s one way to look at it.”
    Justin pulled something out of his pocket, but she couldn’t tell what it was. Cody held his hand out, and Justin dropped a Life Saver onto it. He offered one to each of the women.
    Sarah’s eyes widened. “Is that why you always taste like butterscotch?” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she blushed.
    Cody looked at Justin. “So, your assistant knows you always taste like butterscotch huh?”
    Justin shook his head, and Cody took the hint for once, dropping the subject.
    Cody paid for the meal and they all stood to leave. As they were walking out, Sarah whispered to Amber, “So, are you going?”
    “ I guess so. I don’t know why, but I’m going.” She paused. “Honestly I think it’s going to be fun. I do need a break.”
    Sarah hugged Amber. “I’m glad you’re going.”
    Amber grinned. “Me too. It’ll be easier knowing I’ll at least know someone there.”
    “ I guess I’ll see you tomorrow night then.”
    “ Guess so.”
    She got into the car with Justin who drove in silence back to her apartment. “Thanks for dinner. I enjoyed it.” She opened the door to get out, and frowned when she saw Justin do the same. “You don’t have to walk me up.”
    Justin shrugged. “Since this is the first time you’ve gone out with me voluntarily, I feel like I should treat it like a real date.”
    She stopped and looked at him for a moment and nodded. She’d thought about telling him he was her boss, but then she remembered what her mother had said. She wanted a real chance with this man. It didn’t make sense to keep him at arm’s length just because he was her boss.
    She led up the stairs and unlocked her door. “Would you like to come in?” She bit her lip while she waited for his answer.
    A half grin lifted the corners of his mouth and he nodded. “I’d love to.”
    Her apartment was tiny and the furnishings were all used from a Goodwill store, but she refused to be embarrassed. “Have a seat.”
    He sat down on her couch and leaned back. She sat in the chair perpendicular to him, but he shook his head, catching her hand and pulling her onto the couch with him. “Have I told you how mesmerized I am by your eyes? They’re amazing.”
    She’d always thought her eyes were odd, so she was surprised to hear that. She shook her head slowly. “No.”
    “ I feel like I could drown in them.” His hand came up to cup her cheek, and she knew he was going to kiss her again. Her tongue came out to lick her lips.
    His head lowered slowly toward hers giving her a chance to back away if she wanted to, but she lifted her lips toward his. She’d thought about their first kiss over and over in the days since they’d met. How could kissing him be so different than any other kiss she’d ever received? It wasn’t just the butterscotch, either.
    His lips brushed against hers lightly. She reached up and wound her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
    His hands went to the middle of her back,