For Keeps

by Karen Booth

  He inhaled her sweet scent and could wait no longer, digging his fingers into the downy hair at her nape. He rose to his feet and took her along with him, her slender frame arching into his. Allie tugged at his t-shirt, pushing it up his back. He pulled his arm into the sleeve, allowing their kiss to break for only an instant as he gathered the shirt over his head.

  Allie let out the most intoxicating sigh as she spread her hands across his chest. The look in her eyes and languid bat of her lashes spoke of her appreciation for his body, causing his cock to strain against the confines of his pants. He made a marked effort to go slowly as he unbuttoned her black cardigan sweater. Each step closer to having her undressed was a milestone to be celebrated.

  “We could multitask,” she said, grinning impishly before she went for the button on his jeans.

  “Go on,” he croaked as she unzipped him.

  “I haven’t taken a shower yet either.” She pushed his pants to the floor.

  He reached down and grabbed her ass, lifting her with little effort until she wrapped her legs around his waist. He wasted no time getting them to the bathroom although he had to make a concerted effort to sidestep her furniture, as she wouldn’t stop tearing into him with her lips.

  He gently set her on the bathroom counter and stepped back to open the glass shower door and turn on the water. Her bra and other clothes needed to go, but he froze for an instant when he truly saw her beauty in the soft light filtering in through the window.

  “You’re gorgeous,” he said, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand. “I want to see you from every angle,” he said, tugging on her hips.

  He turned her to face the mirror and swept her hair aside. Kissing the gentle slope of her neck, he unhooked her bra and the lacy black cups tipped forward, baring her creamy, full breasts. She bit her lower lip. His cock, now wedged between them, twitched in anticipation.

  Her small, dark nipples beaded tightly as he grazed them with his fingers. She raised her arms and clasped her hands behind his neck as he explored her breasts. Her eyes caught his in their reflection and she didn’t shy away, her eyelids merely fluttered.

  So hot. He unbuttoned her jeans and pushed them past her hips, revealing a pair of sheer black panties. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the mirror as she stretched her torso and neck to kiss him. He poked a finger beneath the waistband of her panties and traveled lower. He knew he hit the magic spot when she gasped and hopped up on to her tiptoes. Her breast swelled with heat beneath his other hand.

  Allie ground her ass against his crotch, creating hot friction. The temperature in the bathroom quickly climbed and he took her hand. She turned and leaned against the counter, gesturing with a single nod. He took the hint and slipped her panties past her hips. She did the same for him and his cock bobbed with approval.

  They stepped into the spray together, sultry moisture heightening every sense. Cooper wished he had another set of hands to experience every inch of Allie at once. Their lips worked together as if neither could get enough, jaws slack, tongues no longer timid, lips unrestrained. Her lithe fingers gripped his cock with such artistry that he broke the seal of their kiss. Cooper’s head dropped back and he got a face full of spray as her pumping pace felt impossibly good.

  She peppered his chest with kisses and he dug his fingers into her dripping hair. His legs quaked when she began to twist with every stroke, palming the head with her other hand in perfectly synchronous circles. At that moment, she could have asked him for anything at all and he would have clawed for the pen to sign on the dotted line, no questions asked.

  His breaths grew shorter as she worked her magic with slender, gifted fingers, the top of her head now pressed into the center of his chest. Although her mouth or pussy would both be unbelievable alternatives, her hand felt so damn good that he didn’t dare suggest a change. It was as if she understood every cue his body was giving, changing her pace when he wanted it most. He was right there, teetering on the brink and choking back a lion’s roar.

  Allie delivered an innocent string of words with a purr. “Do you like it when I stroke you like that?”

  He clutched at her shoulders and wrestled with the pleasure bubbling beneath his skin. He groaned, startled that he was missing his chance to say something dirty in response. Words were useless. His balls hugged his body and energy swelled in his cock before it rocketed out of him in long, steady pulses.

  His breathing slowed and Allie reached up and wrapped her hands around his neck. She kissed him deeply, pressing her hips into his. “How was that?” she asked, skimming her lips to his jaw.

  “Incredible.” He swayed, still getting his bearings, eager to return the favor.

  Cooper maneuvered Allie to the teak bench at the end of the shower and encouraged her to sit with a gentle tug on her arms. As he adjusted the showerhead to spray her chest and lower, she admired the perfect curve of his muscular ass before he turned back. He knelt before her with a sweet and seductive look on his face that made her pulse quicken.

  Curving his hands around her waist, he worked his lips softly against hers as the warm water pattered them both. He raked his fingertips down her left hip and then her thigh before hitching her calf over his shoulder. Her breath caught in her throat as he lower his head between her legs.

  The sensations he created with his mouth were almost too much to take He employed a soft touch, kissing her tender folds before he spread them farther with his hands and zeroed in on her clit. He sucked carefully, flicking and swirling with his tongue. Allie made no pretense of quieting her appreciation, moaning and gasping as he took her higher. She raked her fingers into the twists of his wet hair, massaging his scalp as encouragement.

  Her thoughts became a kaleidoscope. All she could feel was pleasure swirling, painted in brilliant color. From the tips of her toes to the top of her head, every nerve ending was ignited and bristling for release. He drove two fingers inside her, spiraling thrusts, sending her sailing for the finish line. With a few more intent licks, he pushed her over the edge into a lovely, lazy drift back down to earth.

  Cooper kissed her inner thigh and she realized that she’d kept an iron grip on his head. She cupped her hands behind his ears, bringing his face to hers, kissing him passionately as he remained on his knees. She wrapped her legs around his waist, wanting him as close as possible.

  “You’re unreal. I don’t know how any woman ever let you out of her sight after getting that treatment.”

  He smiled and rubbed his thumb along her cheek. “Not every woman gets the Cooper Hale special.”

  “Is that what you call it?” she asked, half laughing.

  “I have no idea. I just thought it sounded snappy.”

  She kissed him on the forehead before she stood and grabbed the soap, turning it in her hands. “Whatever you call it, it’s spectacular. It’s been a while.” She twisted her lips as she realized she’d said more than she wanted to.

  “Let me guess.” Cooper took the bar of soap from her and she spread handfuls of citrus-scented lather across his chest. “The Grim Reaper wasn’t a fan of the oral exam?”

  She worked the suds over his strong shoulders, committing every contour to memory. “Let’s say he was fine with receiving, but not giving.” She smiled as Cooper gripped her rib cage with one hand and painted her breasts in soapy, creamy white with the other. Her body responded to his touch, tingling and tightening.

  “His loss.” He wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck and the sensitive spot right below her ear. Their torsos skated over each other, slick with lustrous bubbles. “I might have to make up for his shortcomings.”

  Her body warmed, even when it was tropical in the shower steam. “You already have, but that still sounds promising.”

  “It’ll just have to be later. I need a nap. You have completely worn me out.”

  Chapter Six

  The minute Allie finished her presentation late Tuesday afternoon, she felt as though she were being b
uoyed by helium balloons.

  Julie Nichols, founder and president of Valeti Cookies, smiled wide and nodded in approval. “Fantastic stuff. I knew I’d be happy I called you,” she said, tucking a legal pad into a brown leather shoulder bag.

  Allie led her out into the modest yet expertly decorated reception area. “Please call me with any questions. I know that some of the creative is a little outside what you’ve been doing, but I think it’s important for you to be bold right now. Valeti is growing so quickly. You need to make sure people see a strong image.”

  Julie grinned again. “As far as I’m concerned, this is all a formality. I still have to run everything by Greg and Nancy after they get back from their trip, but I know they’re going to love everything you showed me today. Great job. I’ll be in touch.”

  Allie held the office door and silently squealed as it closed.

  Patty the receptionist gave her a thumbs-up before answering the phone, “Flynn Agency. How may I direct your call?”

  Allie strode into her office and glided into her chair, allowing it to spin once. “Holy shit,” she muttered to no one.

  After several phone calls and a quick meeting with her art department, she hopped into a cab. It was a beautiful day, sun shining and warm, but not hot yet. She asked the driver to let her out a few blocks before her building to enjoy the day. Striding down the city sidewalk, she thought to herself that she’d never felt so accomplished in her professional life. Even nailing a big account at her old company wasn’t the same—it wasn’t hers and hers alone.

  After she got home, she opened a bottle of cabernet, slipped into jeans and turned on some music. Standing at the fridge, she saw how badly her dinner options were lacking. Salad or salad? I need to go grocery shopping, big-time. Her phone buzzed on the kitchen island with a text from Cooper.

  I can hear you down there.

  Spying on me?

  You’re so damn loud.

  Sorry about the noisy corkscrew. She snickered.

  You have wine?

  In hand.

  I ordered pizza. I could feed you for once.

  Is this a proposition?

  Whatever you want.

  Allie tapped the plastic case of her phone with her nails. Seeing Cooper could be the perfect ending to what had already been a damn good day.

  He stood in his doorway listening to the telltale sound of flip-flops on the stairs. Allie reached the third floor with the bottle of wine in one hand and her half-full wineglass in the other.

  “What took you so long?” he quipped.

  Her entire face lit up when she smiled, putting his body, especially everything south of the waistband of his jeans, into launch mode. “Traffic was a bitch.”

  His hands snaked around her waist the instant she was inside his apartment. He kissed her softly, drinking in the taste of her mouth before pulling back and licking his lower lip. “Merlot?”

  “Cabernet,” she answered.

  “I need to get you to teach me more about wine. I’m such an idiot with anything other than beer.”

  “Tasting it on someone else’s lips isn’t exactly the preferred way to learn about it.”

  “I don’t know,” he replied as the apartment intercom buzzed. He lurched for it and pressed the button. “I prefer it that way.”

  Cooper paid the pizza guy and carried the box into the living room, the aroma of pepperoni filling the air. He placed the pizza on the coffee table where Allie had set out plates and napkins.

  She patted the cotton cover of his futon. “Now that I’m sitting on this thing, I can’t believe you didn’t buy a real couch a long time ago.”

  He put a slice of pizza on her plate and handed it to her. “I know. Typical lazy guy. The sad thing is that I fall asleep on this thing every night watching TV or playing video games.”

  Allie looped her tongue around the melted mozzarella that bridged her mouth and pizza. It was the most enticing image he’d seen since they’d showered together a couple of days before. “Did you order anything other than the sofa and armchairs?” she asked.

  “No. Why?”

  “Lamps? Throw pillows?”

  He cocked his eyebrow. “Sounds like your department.”

  She shook her head in dismay. “Obviously Melanie didn’t do her job. She should have distracted you with her beauty while talking you into a bunch of expensive home accessories.”

  “She was too busy trying to talk me into having a drink with her.” Why the fuck would you say that? He cleared his throat. “Not that I was interested.” Nice save, asshole.

  Allie shrugged, looking up at the ceiling as if pretending she didn’t have a care in the world. “I’m surprised. She’s beautiful.”

  He hated seeing the uncertain look on her face. It was so unlike the Allie he adored. “She’s not that great.” That didn’t seem to improve the situation as she set her plate down on the table and wiped her mouth while avoiding eye contact. “You know, we didn’t get to have a real shopping date that day. Do you want to try again on Saturday? There must be some throw pillows that need a good home. I could take you to lunch.”

  She managed half of a smile. “Okay. That would be nice.”

  “Oh, I forgot to ask if you want to come by the new office on Friday night. We’re moving in on Thursday and having a little get-together with employees and their spouses and significant others.” His shoulders tensed as he realized he’d lumped her in with the wives and girlfriends when he and Allie had discussed no such thing. “I’d love to have you come. If you want. I mean, no big deal.” Shut the fuck up. You’re being such an ass.

  “Um, sure,” she answered with an uncharacteristic squeak in her voice. “Sounds fun.”

  The call Allie had been waiting for came Friday morning. Valeti Cookies loved her initial proposal, officially wanted to hire the Flynn Agency and had already fired her old firm. Hours later, she was still having a hard time wiping the mile-wide grin off her face.

  Her office line buzzed. “Ms. Flynn? Ian Tanner is on the phone for you.”

  Allie’s heart balled up like an animal hiding from its mortal enemy. Oh shit. When her pulse sputtered back, it felt as if it couldn’t settle on a speed. “Did he say what he was calling about?”

  “I asked, but he said it was private.”

  “Okay. Thanks.” She sucked in a deep breath and pressed the button for line two. “Ian. What can I do for you?”

  “Come now, Allie. Don’t I warrant a friendly hello?” The unflappable metallic tone of his voice sent chills through her.

  “Fine,” she snipped. “Hello. How are you?”

  “I’m wonderful. And you?”

  Please. Can we just cut the crap? “Fabulous. What do you want?”

  There was a pregnant pause on the other end of the line. “I’m calling to congratulate you.”

  No you’re not. “Oh really? Whatever for?”

  “I’ve known you too long to play these games, Allie. Valeti Cookies?”

  She swallowed and held her chin high to bolster her confidence. “Yes, well, thank you.”

  “Well done. Very well played too. Took them right out from under our noses. We didn’t even know they were unhappy. It would’ve been nice if they’d given us a chance to do better.”

  “That’s between you and them. I only know your new creative team was coming up with some pretty weak concepts.”

  “Of course, I’m not only calling about Valeti. Don’t forget you have two other new clients. Clients you stole from me.”

  “I didn’t steal anything. Those clients sought me out. And they’re blips on the map compared to some of your new accounts. Didn’t you just sign another car company?”

  “Allie, let me explain something to you.”

  Please, yes. Fucking explain something to me.

  “It’s all about perception in advertising,” he continued.

  No shit, Sherlock.

  “And right now, the perception is that Allie Flynn’s new agency is
slowly and methodically stealing our clients.”

  “Not my problem.” Heat flamed in her cheeks. “And these are three of your smallest accounts, none of them were happy, and they all came to me.”

  “There’s a perception that I’m asleep at the wheel. Or even worse, people are starting to wonder if you and I are in cahoots. It’s not good.”

  “If you want, I’ll buy a billboard that says that you and I have no involvement with each other whatsoever. I have no interest in the rest of your accounts.”

  “Well, I have a great interest in you.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?” A headache came to a rapid boil behind her eyes.

  “It means that you’re making me look bad. Very bad. And the only way I can see to put an end to this is to acquire your agency. You retain your role as founder and president. We’d use you to work on some of the more boutique clients we have. Niche marketing, if you will. I could put a nice chunk of change in your wallet.”

  “No way. Forget it. I’m just getting started. I’ve worked way too hard for this.”

  “And I’m not accepting that as an answer. I went to bat for you when the new regime came on board. I’m the one who told them they were lucky to have you. I put my ass on the line when I insisted that you shouldn’t have to sign the noncompete clause on your new contract.”

  The blood drained from her face. Ian had helped her fight that battle even when he’d known she was considering starting her own company. Not having to sign the noncompete clause had prevented a twenty-four-month hold on her plans. It was easily the most generous thing he’d done for her over the course of their relationship. “I’m sorry. You know I appreciate what you did for me, but I got these clients fair and square. I didn’t steal them.”

  “I’m glad you acknowledge that I did you a favor. I think we can both agree that you owe me one.”