Off The Clock Read Online Free PDF

lovely voice.”
    Cara laughed. “I’m glad someone thinks so.” She resumed singing the song, and at the end, she acted on impulse and pulled away from Austin, held his left hand and twirled under it.
    Austin swept her back against his arm, tipping her backwards.
    Breathless, Cara stared into his dark brown eyes and felt a change come over her. Here was a man whose quiet passion showed in his eyes, and maybe it was crazy, but when the band segued into the next song, she moved into his arms again.
    “Shall I dip you again?” he teased, as the song was about to end.
    “Sure.” She picked up her head and stepped back, waiting for the right musical cue. When Austin bent her over his arm and lifted her back up, Cara’s eyes met his as he bent his head for a brief kiss.
    Startled, Cara backed away, holding her fingers to her lips. She retreated to the table while Austin took the stage to announce the final tally on the donations. It was more than anyone in the facility had hoped for, and she jumped when she heard Austin say her name.
    “…and if it hadn’t been for Ms. Ziegler and her organizational skills, none of this would have happened. So here’s to you, Cara.” Austin raised his glass in a toast and gave the microphone back to the band.
    He rejoined her. “Want to take a walk with me?”
    “Yes. We need to talk.” She reached under the table for her shoes with one hand and grabbed her gold purse with the other. She brushed ahead of him and headed for the office area.
    Austin captured her once inside the darkened office and swung her into his arms for another kiss. Her shoes hit the floor as she moaned, and felt his tongue slip past her teeth.
    Cara struggled and tore her mouth from his. “Wait. This can’t be happening.”
    “Why not? I’ve enjoyed the past two weeks of getting to know you. I’d like to get to know you a little better, that’s all.” Austin pulled her back and covered her mouth with his.
    She hesitated a moment. How long had it been since her last kiss? It’d been two years since David had broken up with her, not understanding her responsibilities to her mother. With a muffled groan, Cara tossed her purse to the floor and twined her arms around his neck. Moisture pooled between her thighs as his tongue explored the corners of her mouth. She eagerly returned the kiss, and was rewarded when one of Austin’s hands slid upwards to palm her breast. Cara didn’t pull away; soon his cool fingers slid inside her bodice and nudged the lace of her bra aside. She moaned when he rolled the nipple between two fingers and pressed herself closer to him. Dimly in the background, she heard the vague tones of Bette Midler singing “Wind Beneath My Wings.”
    “Wait. My phone’s ringing. Austin,” she pleaded and forced herself to pull away.
    “Can’t you ignore it?” He panted, reaching for her waist.
    “I can’t. This one is important.” Cara stepped to the side and fumbled with the clasp with shaking hands. Doreen wouldn’t have called unless something happened! One look at the clock on the outside told her it was past ten o’clock. “Hi, it’s Cara.” She cleared her throat to sound normal. “I’m sorry, Doreen, I just looked at the clock–What?” She reached back for Austin’s hand to steady herself. “Oh my god, which hospital? Thanks. I’ll be right there.” She snapped her phone shut and whirled around. “I have to go.”
    “Wait a moment, Cara. Hospital? Let me go with you.”
    Cara shook her head as she tried to shove her feet into her shoes. “No, this is something I have to do. It’s my responsibility. Besides, you have guests.” She gave up on her shoes and picked up her coat.
    “Here.” Austin helped her when she struggled with finding the sleeves and fastened the buttons on the lapel. “Cara, you’re shaking. Let me take you. You’re in no shape to drive.”
    “Neither are you,” she pointed out. “You’re still drinking champagne. I’ll be fine.”