Off The Clock Read Online Free PDF Page A

glowing face. Something inside him twisted. Damn it, why should I be jealous? She’s my assistant, after all. Yes, and it’s been a month since Leslie, and yet you haven’t even been on a date with anyone.
    I just needed some time before jumping back into the dating pool.
    Bullshit. You want to jump in that pool with Cara. Her skin felt so soft when you put that corsage on her…she felt something too, the way she blushed.
    Stop it! Besides, she has to leave. Probably has another date lined up. She’s only twenty-six; the night is still young.
    Yeah, and you were hoping the sight of you in your monkey suit would have her throwing herself at you, the way Leslie did last summer.
    Get over yourself, Harmon! The lady’s not interested. He continued to watch Cara dancing with Grant, and soon Grant’s fiancée Marjorie and her friends joined them. Other single men drifted over and Austin’s gut twisted when he saw two of the men jockeying for Cara’s attention. When the song ended, he saw her try to leave the dance floor, only to be pulled back by a third young man. Austin recognized him as the son of a congressman.
    Austin downed his drink and stood up. One fast dance wasn’t going to kill him, and most of the men were simply standing still and watching the women. He headed toward the circle and insinuated himself as Cara’s partner.
    Her eyes widened, and a big smile spread across her features.
    “Thought you couldn’t dance?” she shouted in his ear.
    “Please. You call this dancing? You’re doing all the moves, I’m just standing here.” He admired the way her dress swirled around her body as she moved, and noticed the modest swells of her breasts above the neckline. Austin had a sudden urge to dip his hands inside and see if they were as soft as he imagined. He felt his body responding and hoped it wasn’t noticeable. He was thrilled when Cara left the floor with him once the song was over.
    “Want another?” he asked her as he signaled the waiter for another drink.
    “Oh no. I’ve got to stop or I won’t be in any shape to drive. But I will take a glass of water.”
    Austin turned back around in time to see her sneak a peek at her watch, and his heart sank. What is with her obsession with time? Can’t she just relax and have some fun? Aloud, he reminded her about their dance. “Can’t turn into a pumpkin just yet.”
    Her cheeks turned pinker. “You mean that last one didn’t count?”
    “Hardly. It’s a Harmony House tradition that the owner must take the floor with his date, and then announce the pledge total. So, see? You are my date.” Austin nearly choked on his own words, but took a drink of champagne instead. Whoa, he’d better get a grip on his emotions!
    * * * *
    Cara gaped at him, but recovered enough to thank the waiter for the water. Austin considered this a date? She turned her head away from him and tried to calm the rising panic. Yes, she found him attractive. Yes, she enjoyed the light banter, even borderline flirting with him in the last week. But as for an actual date…no, she didn’t have time for romance, much less with a man who was her boss! Maybe the dress gave him the wrong impression? As soon as this ‘required dance’ is over, I’m leaving!
    Cara heard the first strains of “The Reason” by Hoobastank begin, and saw Austin stand and hold out his hand. She faced him, bit her lip, and placed her tiny hand in his.
    He led her to the center of the floor as most of the people on the floor left, leaving only a few couples. He held her at arm’s length for a few bars before moving closer to her. Cara stiffened when she felt the close contact with his torso at first, but relaxed as he began singing rather badly in her ear.
    Cara giggled and sang back to him, looking down every so often at their feet.
    “It’s okay,” he murmured. “I’ll just hold you like this.”
    “You’re doing fine. Just, ah, don’t sing?”
    “I’ll stop, but you keep on. You have a