Off The Clock Read Online Free Page B

offered his arm again and she took it as they moved into the banquet hall.
    * * * *
    Two hours later, Cara was thoroughly enjoying herself. The champagne and good food relaxed her, and several guests seemed to enjoy speaking with her as she explained the planned renovations and programs the facility was going to offer.
    “I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep it up.” Austin’s deep voice murmured into her ear as he slid into the seat beside her. “The donations are pouring in and Ryan’s already asked if he can borrow you for one of his girlfriend’s fundraisers.”
    She gasped. “What did you tell him?” Her feet were killing her, and she’d escaped to the table in order to take off her shoes and devour more of the stuffed mushroom appetizers.
    “I told him to take it up with you during office hours.” Austin signaled a passing waiter who handed him another glass of champagne. “Oh, good, the band’s beginning to warm up. What’s your favorite slow song?”
    “S-slow song?” Cara gulped. “What happened to starting with the fast ones, to get everyone off their feet?”
    “I’ve got a confession.” Austin took another sip of his wine. “I can’t dance. But I do know how to safely hold a woman in my arms and sway to the music, or even propel her around the room.”
    Cara laughed. “You can ‘propel a woman around the room’?” She quoted his words back to him. “I’m sorry Austin, it just strikes me as funny.”
    “Go ahead, laugh at me.” Austin rolled his eyes and clasped his chest dramatically. “I love music, but it’s just my luck to have two left feet on the dance floor.”
    “That’s okay. I have a confession too.” She leaned closer. “I’m not sure I can get my shoes back on.”
    “See there? All the more reason to stay off the dance floor. But I must be seen on the floor at least once, so tell me your favorite slow song, and I’ll go up and request it.” He looked at her expectantly so Cara relented and told him. “Good. I like that one too. And don’t worry about your shoes. If you’ll look around, most of the other women are also barefoot.” Austin stood up and headed for the band.
    Cara looked around. Sure enough, several women were padding around in their stockinged feet. A glance at her watch told her she needed to cut back on her alcohol intake, as she’d promised her mother she’d return in time to read to her. Although, given past experience, Rosalie would probably be still in the past and not even remember her daughter. But if Doreen was able to bring her out of it…
    The band launched into a Beatles song, jolting Cara out of her reverie. As couples filled the dance floor, Austin returned and removed his tuxedo jacket.
    “Finally I can loosen this damn thing.” Off came the tie, and he rolled up his shirt sleeves and unbuttoned the tight collar. “Shall I take off my shoes too?” His mischievous smile lit up his face.
    “Oh no,” Cara laughed, shouting to be heard above the music. Her eyes took in the dark curls peeking out of his shirt. Austin Harmon was a handsome man, why had he chosen her to host this thing with him? He could probably have any woman he wanted. “I’m going to have to leave pretty soon, Austin.”
    “I know. Can you hang on for thirty minutes? They said they’d play our song in a half hour.”
    Our song . It had a nice ring to it, and Cara’s breath caught when he said it. Don’t be silly. He’s your boss, for God’s sake!
    “Excuse me. Cara? Can I have this dance?”
    Startled, Cara looked up into Grant Coleman’s silver eyes. “Where’s Marjorie?”
    “Dancing with her friends. Mind if I steal her for a moment, Austin?”
    “Only if you promise to bring her back,” Austin grinned.
    Hesitantly, Cara stood up and mindful of her stocking-clad feet, followed Grant to the dance floor
    * * * *
    Austin watched her as she moved her body in time with the music. Grant turned her at one point and he saw her animated,