For Keeps Read Free Page A

curving around the glass. “Things are going surprisingly well. We have a handful of new clients, a few proposals out right now.”
    “What’s in the box?”
    “I have a huge presentation due on Tuesday. It’s one of my old clients. They’re not happy now that my old agency is so big. If I get the account, it’ll be the third that left to work with me again. That’s pretty gratifying.”
    “Doesn’t that piss off the Grim Reaper? I thought you said he’s a big shot now that the company expanded.”
    “Big shot isn’t the half of it. He’s the Senior VP of accounts. He was just another marketing guy two years ago. Luckily, he hasn’t said anything. They’re so big now, maybe he won’t notice.”
    Allie had winced when she mentioned Ian, and it made him feel oddly protective of her. He didn’t just dislike the guy because he was once Allie’s boyfriend. He’d only met him once, but that had been enough.
    “Don’t worry. Send me after him if it’s a problem.” He winked at her and although her reaction was an immediate smile, he regretted it. You’re always winking. Stop acting like a goon. He needed to get his act together. Quick. “You’re beautiful in this light, you know.”
    The shade of pink that swept across her cheeks was ripe with a warm glow. “You don’t look half bad yourself.” She bit her lower lip and cast her eyes at him for a moment before shying away.
    “I’m not just saying that,” he said, taking another bite of his steak, but no longer hungry for food. His stomach twitched with anticipation. Just make a move already.
     
    After dinner, they cleared the table and Allie got out flour and eggs. “I thought it’d be fun to make crepes. I should’ve made the batter before you got here, but there wasn’t enough time.” She turned as Cooper placed the dinner plates in the dishwasher. “Thanks for cleaning up.”
    “No problem.” He shut the stainless door and wiped his hands on a kitchen towel. “What can I do to help?”
    “You can get the butter out of the fridge. I need two tablespoons melted.”
    “Got it. Now what?” He wagged the stick back and forth.
    She eyed him, loving the playful smile across his face that unfortunately highlighted the boyish quality of his charms. “Look at the lines.” She ran her finger along the parchment wrapping. “Cut off two tablespoons, put it in a bowl and pop it in the microwave for thirty seconds.”
    “That much I can manage.”
    His bangs flopped down onto his forehead as he worked. His profile was strong and something about that particular view of his mouth left her breathless. It didn’t take much to imagine gently tugging on his lower lip with her teeth, sinking into him, their tongues tangling. Staring at him, thinking naughty thoughts may have been an ill-advised plan, but after a glass and a half of merlot, she could no longer keep her brain from the course it longed to take.
    “I need you to drizzle in the butter while I beat this,” she murmured.
    He pulled the bowl from the microwave and flashed his eyes at her. “Yes ma’am.”
    Her eyes clamped shut for an instant. No you don’t. Please don’t call me ma’am. She whisked the batter and he parked a hand on her lower back, streaming the golden-yellow butter into the bowl.
    “Like this?” he asked.
    Oh yeah, like that. His hand was scorching through her thin cotton t-shirt. “Yes,” she answered. A rough huff of air escaped her lips as he applied more pressure when the final drops spiraled down into the bowl. He’s driving me crazy. “I was thinking Nutella in the crepes. Does that sound okay?” Please say yes. Chocolate might help at this point.
    “It all sounds good to me.” His voice was as rich as the butter in the bowl. “Over here, right?” A pang of disappointment hit her when he lightened his touch and stepped away. He was only gone for an instant, but she missed his touch all that time.
    “The batter needs to sit.” Allie turned as Cooper