Love Required Read Online Free Page A

salad dressing. Can I get some from you?”
    She thought it was a bit odd, and she gave him a questioning look. “Difficult? Did my staff not give you any with your salad?” While awaiting his answer, she mentally tried to come up with another way to double check that the salads had dressing next time.
    “No, the salads all had dressing on them,” he replied.
    “Oh, okay. So then you just need more?” she asked as she moved to the side to open the refrigerator for the dressing.
    “Yes, please. Can I have a few small cups? I’m sure that after I come back with one, Allie will send me back for more,” he said as he shook his head and then mumbled, “It’s going to be a long night.”
    Tori huffed a laugh at him, “It can’t be all that bad. You’re at a party after all.” Returning to the counter, she pulled a plate out and lined it with small serving cups for the dressing.
    “What did you just say?” the tux asked, almost hopefully.
    She stopped what she was doing and looked up at him, trying not to get lost in those bright hazel eyes of his. “I said, it can’t be all that bad?”
    “No, the other part,” he insisted, his tone laced with excitement.
    “I think I said, you’re at a party after all,” she replied in a questioning tone, not sure what he was getting at.
    “Exactly! Thank you,” he declared as his arms stretched out to his sides, giving her a glimpse of his impressive wingspan.
    Still not quite sure what was going on, she raised her eyebrows as she said, “Glad I could help?”
    Dropping her attention back to the dressing cups, she proceeded to fill them. A moment later he was around the counter and in her personal space. Momentarily startled by his size, she stepped back and looked up at him as he said, “Come with me, I need you.”
    Tori choked on her words before clearing her throat. “Excuse me?”
    He gave his head a shake and then smiled down at her with a laugh, “I’m sorry. Can you come out to our table? I need you to say that to my friend.”
    “Okaaay,” she said as she moved over to rinse her hands off in the sink. “So long as it only takes a minute, and I’m not causing anyone any trouble.”
    The tux smiled and nodded. “It will be quick, and you won’t be causing any trouble. In fact, you’ll be helping me.”
    Drying her hands off on a towel, she slipped off her apron and set it on the counter before turning to follow the tux out of the kitchen. She almost ran into him as he stayed rooted in place. Looking up at his face, he was still smiling as he said, “My name’s Jason, by the way.”
    She dropped her gaze to his outstretched hand. It was a large, strong-looking hand. The type of hand that could inflict a lot of pain and damage if it were attached to the wrong kind of man. Hesitantly, she slipped her smaller hand into his, preparing herself for his strength. What she felt instead was the warm, gentle touch of his fingers wrap around hers before he gave it a small shake.
    Staring at their joined hands, she was surprised that she didn’t feel any hesitation or fear. Just warmth. He was still holding her hand when she looked back up at him in question, but his own questioning stare forced her to realize she hadn’t responded to him. She spoke up, “Oh, sorry. Tori … my name is Tori.”
    He gave her hand another gentle squeeze before letting go. “Nice to meet you, Tori.”
     

CHAPTER TWO
    JASON made his way out of the kitchen toward his table of family and friends. He shortened his long stride so Tori didn’t have to chase after him. She was a tiny thing , he thought. Smiling to himself, he glanced back as they weaved between tables and chairs on their way to the front of the room. He noticed she stopped to speak with one of the waiters before she resumed following him. He felt rude having her trail behind him, but there was no way to make it between the obstacles without going single file.
    When they made it through the first group of tables and