Read Online Release Me by Ann Marie Walker, Amy K. Rogers - Free Book Online Page A

this job.”
    “I’ll remind you of that the first night I keep you at the office past midnight.”
    Colin laughed. “As long as you buy me breakfast after you use me and abuse me.”
    Allie smiled. Working with Colin was never going to be dull, that she knew for sure. And if his letters of recommendation were any indication, he was going to be a valuable asset as well. “Shall we?” she asked.
    “Lead the way, boss lady.”
    Colin followed Allie up the marble staircase to a reception area where they were immediately greeted by a server passing a tray of pink champagne. Allie took one and sipped it while taking a mental inventory of the room. Tuxedo-clad waiters passed trays of the usual fare of beef Wellington, crab cakes, and spring rolls, while event organizers busied themselves with the silent auction. The décor was elegant and understated with stately columns lining the atrium, bathed in up-lighting to draw the eye to the soaring glass ceiling. In the center of the room, linen-draped tables of ten were arranged around a dance floor where a band played customary songs. She was surprised to find guests were already dancing, but other than that everything about the event was exactly what she’d expected, right down the clusters of middle-aged women gossiping behind champagne flutes while their husbands congregated around the bar. Allie recognized most of them as friends of her parents. She glanced at her watch. With any luck dinner would be served soon, keeping the inane small talk to a minimum.
    “Alessandra,” a voice called out from behind her. Allie turned to find Elizabeth Prescott, her mother’s former doubles partner, cutting a path in her direction. She approached in a cloud of Chanel and greeted Allie with an air-kiss to each cheek. “Darling, you look beautiful considering the circumstances.”
    Allie briefly wondered why even a compliment somehow sounded like an insult when it came out of that woman’s mouth, before deciding it wasn’t worth the effort. “Thank you.” She took a gulp of champagne while listening to a scathing review of an event that had barely begun.
    “I mean, is it too much to ask for a decent Chardonnay? The ticket prices keep going up but they insist on serving the house wine.”
    Colin stepped forward, his hand touching Allie’s elbow. “Care to dance?” When he was met with Elizabeth’s questioning stare he simply flashed her a disarming smile. “Sorry, it’s just that I’m a huge Sinatra fan.”
    “If you’ll excuse me. I can’t very well say no to Sinatra, now can I?”
    Colin led her to the dance floor. “I hope I didn’t overstep there, but you had a decidedly pained expression on your face.”
    Allie laughed quietly. “Sounds like I need to work on my game face.”
    He pulled her into his arms and they glided effortlessly around the dance floor. It seemed Colin was not only a mind reader but a skilled dancer as well, traits that would no doubt prove invaluable at future events.
    “Swanky events aside, I think I’m going to like working for you.”
    Allie tilted her head back to look at him. “You haven’t seen me before coffee. You may change your mind.”
    “Ah, yes—cappuccino, skim milk, extra foam with a smattering of cinnamon. But that’s only in the afternoon. For the morning it’s a skinny vanilla latte, two pumps, light foam.” He grinned down at Allie’s wide eyes and shrugged. “I did my research.”
    “How did you—”
    His grin turned sheepish. “Okay, I grilled your friend before I put her call through this morning. She’s quite a trip, that one.”
    Allie shook her head and smiled. “Well, don’t believe a word she says. Except about the coffee; that part was right.”
    He chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind.” They twirled across the parquet floor, and for the first time in days Allie felt herself relax ever so slightly.
    “Dear lord, is that Taylor Kinney?” Colin asked.
    Allie followed his gaze to the bar. “Could be.