Will looked at the crowd at the ad club Halloween party, already in full swing, searching for Savannah.

It wasn’t hard to spot a six foot redhead atop four inch heels wearing a green sequined dress as Jessica Rabbit.

He made his way over to her as she received a drink from the bartender. “Ah, there you are.”

She turned to face him. “I was beginning to wonder if you were coming.”

“Traffic.” He looked her up and down, a towering beauty. “You look absolutely stunning.”

She flashed a smile. “Why thank you, kind sir. You’re making good progress on compliments.”

“I didn’t have to consult your list for that one.”

“Awww, you’re such a sweetie. And you fill out that Mets uniform quite well.”

“Thanks.”

“But, speaking of the list—”

“I know, I know. I reviewed it. Along with the addendum you gave me specifically for the party.”

“And what did we learn?”

“Find something to compliment every woman, even if I think she looks like the cryptkeeper.”

“Those weren’t my words, and you need to hit the delete button on that particular term, but you obviously got the point. Give me an example of something you’d say to a woman you don’t find attractive.”

He looked around for a minute, then back at her. “I could say something nice about her jewelry, like, that’s a really beautiful watch. Family heirloom?”

“Very good. And as far as your own behavior at the party?”

“One glass of wine, now, then switch to club soda so that I’m fine to drive home when the thing ends at midnight. Because too much booze brings out the worst in me.”

“Annddd...”

“Don’t always talk shop. There’s more to life than advertising.”

“Continue...”

“Get people to talk about themselves rather than bragging on myself.”

“Finally...”

“Every time I meet a woman, note the color of her eyes.”

Savannah slowly nodded. “I can tell you’ve done your homework. Only wish I could stay till the end to make sure you behave.”

“Well, you can... if you’re willing to miss the bachelorette party for your friend.”

She gently patted him on the cheek. “Nice try. But it is a shame it’s on the same night.” She looked at her watch. “Well, I vote we mingle and maybe find some new clients. Divide and conquer.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

***

RORY SPOTTED WILL AND the redhead across the room, tapped Skylar on the arm and pointed at the bar. “Okay, now we know for sure she’s his girlfriend. That’s the third time I’ve seen them together. And I spotted her hair in his car.”

Skylar turned to look and nodded. “Is that revealing dress considered a costume? What the hell is she supposed to be?”

“Considering you’re in an original Star Trek uniform with the hem up to your ass, you’re one to talk about anything revealing.”

Skylar pointed at Rory’s shoes. “By the way, didn’t your Dorothy costume come with ruby slippers? Those don’t exactly go with the outfit.”

“Slippers were included, but they were way too small for my big feet and I didn’t discover that till I was getting dressed tonight. The only red shoes I’ve got are these sky-high strappy platforms from a previous life. They seemed like a good idea at the time. I was young and foolish.”

“It makes for an interesting look. Like you wanna hook up with the wizard when you get to Oz.”

“Very funny.”

“And look at him in the David Wright Mets jersey. I guess he wants women to think he’s Mister Right. More like Mister Wrong.”

“Good one.”

Skylar looked back at the redhead. “Damn, has that amazon got a body, or what?”

“She’s a big girl, but obviously doesn’t have an ounce of fat. She’d never be able to pull off that dress if she wasn’t fit. And look at him... getting her a drink and some hors d’oeuvres. She’s got him trained.”

“Probably because she could snap him like a twig if he doesn’t obey. Still, the relationship will not last long. She’ll grow sick of his attitude. The tiger cannot change his spots.”

“That’s a leopard. Tigers have stripes.”

“Whatever. A cat is a cat and can’t stop being a cat. Despite the recent polite behavior, deep down he’s still a world class jerk. Don’t let him fool you. He used that tactic in college with the few girls I know who went out with him. Which is why he never got a second date. Lured them in with kindness and turned into an ass before dinner was over. Mark my words, she’ll wake up one day, realize she can have any guy she wants and dump him. As for you, best to keep him at arm’s length. Strictly professional. He’s only polite to us because he needs us.”

Rory nodded. “You’re probably right.”

“What do you mean probably?” Skylar saw Rory was still staring at him. “Oh my God, I know that look. You’re interested in him!”

“Him? Nah. He’s just cute as hell with a killer body.”

“Fine, remember it’s totally superficial. And just to make sure you’re not falling off the wagon, I want to see you annoy him with something on the list.”

“I’ve already stolen his dessert and sang in his car.”

“Trust me.” She saw him heading their way. “And get ready, ‘cause here he comes. Time for Dorothy to act like the wicked bitch of the west.”

“Remember, he’s our partner and just paid us a small fortune.” Rory saw Will arrive in her peripheral vision and didn’t say anything while she searched her mind for something annoying to do.

“Ladies, good evening.”

Rory turned to face him trying not to smile. “Oh, hello Will. Didn’t know you were here.”

Skylar sipped her drink, then looked at him. “Hi, Will.”

“May I say you two have great costumes this evening.”

Skylar gave him a wary look. “I’ll save you the trouble of saying beam me up.”

He chuckled a bit. “I wasn’t going to say that, but I’m sure some guy at the party will before the night is over. And Rory, you make a good Dorothy.” He noticed her platforms and pointed at them. “Cool shoes.”

“Thanks.” She suddenly thought of something to annoy him. She grabbed his glass of wine and took a sip. “Where’s yours?”

He laughed again as he cocked his head at the other side of the room. “Back at the bar. Glad I could save you a trip.”

“Hey, while you’re heading over there, would you fix me a plate with some of those bacon-wrapped shrimp?”

“Sure, no problem. Skylar, can I get you anything? Another drink? Something to eat?”

“I’m good, Mister Met.”

“Fine. Be right back.” He turned and headed back to the bar.

Skylar shook her head. “I’m telling you, it’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers in real life. Either that or we need to call a priest because he’s possessed.”

***

RORY KNEW SHE HAD GONE over her limit as the party was due to end in fifteen minutes. Time to go home. She halfway staggered to the coat check room, bracing herself against the wall as she headed down a hallway. She pulled the claim stub from her pocket. She arrived and didn’t find anyone there but heard someone rustling about in the back. “Hello? Can I get my jacket?”

Some of the coats moved a bit as a man emerged.

Will.

“You moonlighting as a coat check girl?”

“Apparently she already went home, so we have to find our own. I just got mine. I can help you find yours if you like. What’s it look like?”

“It’s a lightweight jacket. Black.”

He shook his head. “Do New York women wear any other color?”

She shrugged. “Not really.”

He turned and saw most of the closet filled with black coats and jackets. “Great. Anything special about yours?”

“I’d better come back there and help. It’s got a red Macy’s tag on the inside collar.”

Will started to look through each black jacket as she made her way back into the coat room. The booze certainly lightened her mood for a treasure hunt. She pulled one jacket off a hangar, thinking it was hers, then saw a different tag. “Nope.”

Will held up a black jacket. “Macy’s tag, looks like it’s about your size. This it?”

“Think so.” Rory moved closer and inspected it, then reached into the pocket and found her brand of gum. “Yep. Thanks.”

He took it off the hangar and held it up to help her put it on. “Here ya go, Dorothy.”

“Thank you.” She turned around and he gently slipped it on her. She zipped it, then turned to face him. Rory found him looking at her with a slight smile, cute as hell in the somewhat dim light of the coat room.

And for a moment, his eyes looked right into her soul.

The combination of physical attraction and liquor took over in a flash. She moved toward him, grabbed his shoulders, pushed him back and used her size advantage to pin him against the wall. Rory was already taller but absolutely towered over him in her five-inch platform heels, so she took his chin, tilted it up and began to kiss him. She squeezed his shoulder muscles, then slid her hands slowly across his chest and rested them on his pecs.

Damn. I want this shirt. Off.

She moved her hands down his arms, stopping for a moment to savor the touch of his steel biceps. She grabbed his wrists, lifted them over his head and held them against the wall. He didn’t resist. Her heart rate skyrocketed as she kissed him for a good minute. Her eyes locked on his. Electricity off the charts.

Their lips parted for a moment, but she still held him in place. Rory gave him a seductive look. “You can’t get away.”

He smiled. “Who’s trying?”

She leaned forward and stared kissing him again.

And then it hit her.

What the HELL are you doing?

She let go of his wrists and quickly backed up, eyes wide as color flooded her cheeks. “Oh my God! Will, I have no idea what came over me. I didn’t mean... I shouldn’t have... I drank way too much tonight. This is totally unprofessional. Please forgive me. I am so, soooo sorry.”

He leaned back against the wall, smiled, and causally put his hands in his pockets. “I’m not.”

Her hands flew up to cover her face. “I have never been so embarrassed in my life. Will, you have to believe me. I don’t do stuff like this. In fact I never have. Too much booze. I should know by now I can’t hold my liquor. Please accept my sincere apology.”

“No apology necessary, Rory.” He moved toward her, took her shoulders and turned her toward the door. “C’mon, let’s get you home. Did you come with Skylar?”

“No, we took separate cars. But I’m in no condition to drive and my head is spinning. Could you get me a taxi?”

“How about I give you a ride home.”

“Really, Will, that’s very generous but—”

“Geez, Rory, it’s on the way to my house. You really wanna stay here for half an hour waiting for a cab while they close the place up?”

That thought was almost as painful as the embarrassment. “I guess you’re right.”

“Let’s go, Dorothy. Back to Kansas.”

***

SHE RODE WITH HER HEAD back, knowing she was in for one helluva hangover tomorrow. But wishing he’d drive faster so she wouldn’t have to spend another minute with a guy who had seen her totally embarrass herself.

Thankfully, he hadn’t said a word, touched her, or done anything in the way of putting the moves on her.

Then again, he had a gorgeous girlfriend.

Oh my God! Did she see me kissing him?

“Hey, Will, I just realized something. Didn’t you come with someone tonight?”

“No, why?”

“Oh, I thought I saw you talking with a woman. The same one I saw you with when I ran into you at the pool. The pretty redhead.”

“We came in separate cars. She had another party to attend. A bachelorette thing.”

“Oh, okay. All of a sudden it hit me that you’re driving me home and leaving a girl at the party.”

“Nope, you’re my only passenger tonight.”

“Will, when you get to my house there’s a shovel in the garage. Please dig a hole so I can crawl in—”

“Rory, stop. Forget it, okay?”

“Are you gonna forget it?”

“No comment.”

“Will, please. It never happened. Say it.”

“Fine, Rory. It never happened. We shall never speak of this again.”

“Thank you.” She sat up as he pulled up in front of her house. He got out of the car, walked around to her side, opened the door and extended his hand. She took it, got out, unsteady on her platforms, and immediately the world began to spin. “Whoa.”

“You okay?”

“I just need to sleep it off.”

“Sure, I’ve been there. Lean on me.” He slipped an arm around her waist and steadied her. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders, getting a good feel of his ripped muscles through his shirt.

Damn.

She took two steps, got dizzy and began to fall.

“Think you need a ride, Rory. C’mon, I’ll carry you the rest of the way.” He bent down to pick her up.

“You’ll hurt yourself, Will. I’m bigger than you—”

He easily scooped her up and started carrying her down the long brick walkway toward the front door. She succumbed to her spinning head, resting it on his shoulder and breathing in his earthy cologne as her arms instinctively held on, wrapping around his neck.

Again, those muscles.

Good God, the guy really is chiseled out of granite.

He made it to the steps and started to head up.

“Will, I can make it the rest of the way.”

“Quiet, Dorothy.”

“You can’t carry me up the steps. I’m too heavy. I’m not some ninety pound waif.”

“Pffft. You’re light as a feather.” He effortlessly went up the steps to the front door, carrying her 130 pounds like she weighed nothing. She couldn’t help but be amazed at his strength, but then again after seeing him at the pool she knew he was solid muscle. She looked up at him and he smiled at her. “Almost there.” He wasn’t even breathing heavy as he reached the door. She fished the key from her pocket and opened it.

“Where to, Dorothy? Bedroom? Couch? Oz?”

She wanted to collapse on her bed but the last thing she needed was Will Prescott in her bedroom. “The couch will be fine.”

He brought her over to the living room and set her down on the couch. “You sure you’re gonna be okay?”

“Like I said, need to sleep it off. But damn, I am gonna pay for this tomorrow.” Suddenly she heard a meow from the kitchen. She looked in that direction and saw Hemingway standing next to his dish. “Aw hell, someone wants his regular midnight snack.”

She started to get up but Will put up a hand. “I’ll get it, Rory. What do you give him?”

“Handful of treats. The bag is on the counter.”

“No problem.” He walked to the kitchen, looked around, found the treats and shook some into his hand, then crouched down and held it toward Hemingway. The cat moved toward him and eagerly gobbled them up, then licked his hand and nuzzled him. “Ah, you like those, huh?” He stroked the cat’s head. “You keep an eye on your human tonight, okay, tiger?” He got up and started opening cabinets.

“What are you looking for?”

“Rory, where do you keep your glasses?”

“Cabinet above the dishwasher.”

He opened it, grabbed a glass, filled it with water, walked back to Rory and handed her the glass. “Drink as much water as you possible can and it will help with the hangover.”

She took a sip. “Thanks.”

“The whole glass.”

She gave him a salute. “Yes, doctor.” Then drained the rest of the glass and handed it to him. “There. Do I get a gold star?”

“Yeah. Need anything else?”

“I’m good.”

“You sure you wanna sleep on the couch? You’ll get a backache to go with the hangover. Let me get you to your bed.”

“I’ve slept here before. It’s very comfortable. Really Will, I’m fine. Thank you for everything.”

“Well, if you’re sure you’re okay, I’ll take off.” She half expected him to lean down and kiss her, but he simply headed toward the door. “G’night.”

“Night, Will.” He left and locked the door behind him.

Rory lay back with her head on a pillow. Hemingway jumped on the couch, climbed on her chest, and gave her the same look Will had given her in the coat closet. She started to pet the cat. “Now don’t get jealous, Hemingway. Nothing happened. Really. He’s just a man who gave me a ride home and happens to be seriously cute. You’re still the number one guy in my life.”

But she couldn’t get the memory of the kiss out of her head as she fell asleep with the cat lying on her chest.

***

THE MAN HITTING THE large Chinese gong continued to hammer away until Rory woke up and realized the gong was actually the doorbell. She got up from the couch, her head feeling like it weighed twenty pounds, and shuffled to the door bleary-eyed. She opened it and found A.J., whose face tightened immediately.

“Morning, Dorothy. You’re sure as hell not in Kansas anymore.”

“I know, I look like shit. I don’t even have to check the mirror. C’mon in.” A.J. entered and Rory shut the door. “What brings you by, anyway?”

A.J. held up a small cardboard box. “I noticed your name on our list of deliveries. Someone ordered coffee and pastries for you.”

Rory looked in the box as they headed toward the kitchen. “Smells wonderful. Good timing, I’m starved. Who sent it?”

“Don’t know. My sister took the order. Said it was a cute guy.”

“Then I’ve got a pretty good idea who it is.”

A.J. placed the box on the kitchen table and began to unpack it as Rory took a seat. “So, you met someone last night?”

“Not exactly. I, uh, got pretty hammered at the ad club Halloween party, didn’t want to drive and a guy gave me a ride home. Guess he knew I’d have a hangover and sent this over.”

A.J. slid a plate with a pastry in front of Rory. “Damn, that was nice. This man have a name?”

Rory took a big bite of the pastry and talked through the crumbs. “Will Prescott. It’s the guy we’re partnering with on a client. I pointed him out at the restaurant the other night.”

“Ah, he was a cutie.” She got two cups from the cupboard, poured the coffee and sat next to her. “So, does this have possibilities?”

“None. He’s got a girlfriend. That smoking hot redhead he was with at the restaurant.”

“Hold on a minute, back up. Why is he driving you home if he’s got her?”

“What am I, chopped liver?”

“Sorry, that came out wrong. I meant, why wasn’t his girlfriend with him? Or was she, with you in the back seat?”

“They came in separate cars to the party since she had some bachelorette thing to go to. And it’s a good thing she left early because I, uh... I kissed him.”

A.J.’s eyes widened. “Oh really? Trying to steal another man’s girl? That’s not like you, Rory.”

She shook her head. “I wasn’t trying to steal him. It was a case of too much booze, him being very cute. I got caught up in the moment. We were in the coat closet together, and it just happened.”

A.J. laughed. “Reliving that episode you had in eighth grade, huh?”

“Very funny. I don’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed. Thankfully he was pretty cool about it.” She looked at the pastry. “Damn, I need to send him a thank you for getting me home. That’s the second time he’s given me a ride, and now this. Let’s get one of your cheesecakes over to his office on Monday morning.”

“Sure, no problem. You want one in the shape of a heart?”

“Yeah, right. Funny, Skylar keeps telling me he’s this incredible jerk, and other than the first time I met him he’s been a perfect gentleman.”

A.J. took a bite of her pastry, then had a sip of coffee. “Doesn’t sound like any jerk I’ve dated. Any guy who does what he did and then is thoughtful enough to send over breakfast because he knew you’d be hungover... well, I’d say that girlfriend of his is pretty lucky.”

Rory slowly nodded. “Yeah. Maybe so.”