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retrieved her purse. “My lips are sealed.”
    She grabbed her purse out of his hands, clutching it to her chest for a moment, before tucking it under one arm and moving to the corner. “Good. Let’s keep it that way. Can you restart the elevator now?”
    He cursed himself for being such an impulsive idiot. “Look being called a boy ticks me off. I get called that a lot in this business. People think I haven’t worked hard enough to get where I am. I’m sorry if I was outa line.” He couldn’t believe he’d already apologized to this woman twice in one night. Especially since he wasn’t one bit sorry about the kiss.
    The hard set of her mouth softened but she didn’t meet his eyes. “It’s okay. It was just a kiss. No big deal.”
    He grimaced. “No big deal? Kick a man when he’s down why don’t you?” He pushed the button and the elevator continued toward the first floor.
    “Don’t worry.” Meredith turned to face the doors. “You’ll get better as you mature.”
    * * *
    ‘80’s tunes had replaced the Spanish guitar in the downstairs bar and Viv and Celia were dancing with three men in suits when Meredith found them. She pointed them out to Kelly. “Those are my friends. The crazy ones.”
    A huge smile lit Kelly’s face. “Those guys they’re dancing with are my investors. I didn’t think those guys knew how to dance.”
    “My friends have that effect on people.”
    “They sound like my kinda people.” He watched for a moment before speaking again. “I’m going to go shake some hands, see if I can find Shelby. I’ll be back in a few.”
    “Good. My friends will shoot me if I don’t introduce them to you.” She watched him walk away. There was no denying he filled out a pair of jeans like nobody’s business. As soon as he was out of sight, she dropped into the nearest chair. Her lips still buzzed from his kiss. Just thinking about it threatened to knock her off her heels. And she wanted to think about it. Wanted to relive the way he tasted, the way little sparks of heat shot down to her belly when he’d held her, the way her knees went liquid and her head filled with fireworks. That hadn’t happened in a long time, even with Michael, may he rest in peace. Maybe it was just the sangria.
    Part of her felt bad for snapping at Kelly for what he’d done but she knew it was for the best. He was too young. And no man needed to be involved with her. It wasn’t healthy. For them or her. Love led to heartache and she’d traveled that road too many times in her life.
    But my, oh my, the boy could kiss.
    “I said what are you doing sitting here all by yourself?”
    Meredith looked up. Viv waited for an answer. “Sorry, I guess I was daydreaming.”
    “You?” Celia asked.
    Meredith stood up. “What? I can’t daydream?”
    Celia laughed. “Did it involve a cowboy in the kitchen?”
    Thankfully, Viv spoke before Meredith had to answer. “Why are you sitting by yourself?”
    “I had a little too much sangria.” And a little too much kissing. Her pulse sped up again.
    “Daydreaming and drinking?” Celia tsked. “Someone mark this day on the calendar.”
    “Oh hush. I drink.” Teasing about drinking she could handle. If they found out about the kiss...
    Celia rolled her eyes. “Yes, you have that half glass of champagne at New Year’s.”
    “Where’s the cowboy?” Viv glanced around.
    Saved by the queen bee again. “He’s mingling.”
    “Did you talk to his sister?”
    “No, she hasn’t shown up yet.”
    Celia grabbed her hand. “Then let’s go dance. Those suits are cute.”
    Meredith followed without protest. Must be the alcohol making her so agreeable.
    An hour later, they headed for the bar in desperate need of something cold. Kelly showed up as their drinks arrived. “Having fun?”
    “Tons,” Celia volunteered. Her face lit up. “You’re the cowboy. Kelly. The chef.”
    “Guilty of all three. I take it y’all are friends of the good doctor?”
    Meredith