Free For Keeps by Karen Booth

Allie in a black dress with a neckline just low enough to torture him. It showed off every inch of her curves, eclipsed only by her inner radiance. She scanned the crowd, her smile illuminating her face the instant their eyes connected. The chatter in the room faded as every guy within sight of Allie seemed to stop talking. Music played and although Cooper had spent hours making the playlist, he couldn’t for the life of him remember what the song was.
    He hurried over to her and had to stop himself from putting his arm around her waist and kissing her. He patted her on the back, which felt entirely wrong. Dammit. I hope that was okay. “Hey. You look amazing,” he muttered. Her sweet scent was overwhelming, plunging him into the depths of a desire to be alone with her. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
    “Thanks. Sorry I’m a little late. Things got crazy at the office.” Her forehead crinkled with worry.
    “Everything okay?” He touched her arm lightly and she seemed to relax with his touch.
    She looked up at him, her brown hair falling back behind her shoulders. “Yeah. It’s just normal insanity. I’ll figure it out.”
    “Are you sure? You seem stressed. Did you get that new account?”
    “We did.” Her lips pressed together in a thin line, as if she were holding back. “It’s just that something came up with Ian. It’s kind of a mess, but I can handle it.”
    “Ian? What the hell does he want?”
    “Nothing. It’s not important.” The expression on her face softened and she forced a smile. “Come on. It’s your big night and I should have a drink in my hand.”
    Cooper turned and ran flat into Brian and Phil.
    “Hi, I’m Brian,” his brother said, thrusting his hand at Allie. “This is Phil.”
    “I’m Allie. Nice to meet you both.”
    Brian none too subtly eyed Allie. “So, Coop tells me you’re in advertising. Very interesting. Must be fascinating work. Tell me all about it.”
    Cooper would have killed his brother with his eyes if he could have. Does he have to ask her a fucking essay question? Again, he wanted to put his arm around Allie, but thought better of it, worried he was going to start sending her mixed messages. He watched as she talked to Brian and Phil, her face animated, both guys’ eyes all over her. What am I doing? Is she my girlfriend? It feels like it, but I’d come off like a total idiot if I asked her.
    “I’m sure it’s no different than what you do,” Allie said. “I just try to keep the clients happy. I’m only as good as my last idea.”
    “How long have you been in the ad game?” Phil asked.
    She cleared her throat. “A while. Fifteen years or so between the other places I’ve worked before I started my own company.”
    “Impressive,” Phil answered, winking at Allie through his geeky glasses.
    What an ass. “Yeah. Brian, Phil, we’ll catch you guys later. I’m going to show Allie around the office.”
    After stopping by the kitchen to get her a beer, he led her to the conference room walled with frosted glass.
    “This is incredible,” Allie said. “Your designer did an amazing job.” She absentmindedly ran her fingers along her collarbone as she circled the table, sipping her drink.
    Cooper trailed her, watching her hand skimming along her own skin, which had a subtle shimmer. His gaze was drawn to her perfectly feminine silhouette. Electricity coursed through his belly and down his thighs.
    He’d spent the last year obsessing over the remodel. Moving the company had consumed him for the past six weeks. Still, at that moment, computers and new desks seemed like the most unimportant things on the planet. All I want to do is look at her. “I want to show you my office in a minute.” He placed his hand at her waist, the silky fabric of her dress making him crave the touch of her skin. He looked out over the sea of his employees, calculating the quickest route to his office, one that would involve being stopped by the fewest people. He