Free For Keeps by Karen Booth Page B

work? I never should’ve mentioned Ian. “Oh.” She separated herself from him slightly and her shoulders felt as if they were frozen. “I’m sorry. I know I’m not very fun all the time.”
    “What? No. That’s not what I’m saying. You’re very fun. It’s just that being out there in the office with you, I wanted to show you off and I realized that I haven’t done anything to give me the right to do that. You’re so amazing. You deserve more than me just showing up on your doorstep for dinner and sex.”
    She swallowed, her pulse racing. “I thought you wanted to keep things loose.”
    “I do. I mean, I’m busy and you’re busy and it’s easier that way, but then I see my brother undressing you with his eyes and I want to kill him.”
    Her cheeks flooded with warmth. “That’s silly. He was not.”
    “Yes, he was. So was Phil. And Mark in accounting.” He shook his head. “Assholes. I’m sorry about that.” He tugged her closer. “Being with you in that situation made me see how much I want you for myself. I know that makes me sound like a macho jerk.”
    “No, it doesn’t. It’s sweet.” Goose bumps spread along her arms as she considered his words. “Are you saying you want more? Because we agreed that we would preserve our friendship above all.” Everything her sister had said rang in her head. “Regardless, I think we need to clarify what we’re doing.”
    He took a deep breath and peered into her eyes in a way that made her feel transparent. “I want you and I don’t mean sex. I want to be with you. You’re the only person I want to talk to at the end of the day. You’re the only person I want to spend my weekends with. The question is what do you want? Because none of that matters unless you’re happy.”
    Even with the pained tone of his voice, Allie felt the crappiest parts of her day fall away. He wants to make me happy. No man had ever said that to her. “I feel the same way. All I wanted to do after my bad day was call you. I want to be with you too.”
    “Not just for sex, right?” He smiled wide and their eyes connected. His chiseled features were so pleasing in the soft light of the room. He tightened his grip on her waist and lowered his mouth to the corner of hers. “Does this mean I get to call you my girlfriend?” He nuzzled her ear with his nose.
    She wondered when the alarm clock would go off and she’d wake from what felt like a very unlikely dream. If anyone had said that she and Cooper would end up discussing a relationship, she would have sent them to see a psychiatrist. “As long as I get to call you my boyfriend.”
    * * * * *
     
    Allie giggled when Cooper stumbled on the last stair to the second floor of their building.
    “Is that funny?” he asked, towing her along with his hand as he walked backward to her door.
    “Maybe. A little.” The most frustratingly innocent look appeared on her face. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh. You can’t help the fact that you have gigantic feet.”
    He leaned against her door and pulled her close, digging his hand into her silky hair. “You know what they say about guys with big feet.”
    “They trip a lot?” Leaning into him, she raised her chin. Her full raspberry-pink lips were the most alluring invitation.
    “I might have to get you back for that one.” He pressed his lips against hers and she rose to her tiptoes. Their tongues playfully circled.
    “Mmm. Revenge sex. Sounds good. Would you like to come inside or shall I undress you in the hall?” Allie whispered with hot breath against his neck.
    The rush of electricity to his cock made it nearly impossible to remain standing. “Inside. Please.” He stood behind her as she unlocked the door, drawing in the scent of her hair and caressing her hip with his hand. No time was wasted once they were inside.
    She dropped her keys onto the entry table, where they made a terrible clatter. He took her purse and tossed it onto the chair. It promptly tumbled