A Taste of Trouble (5 page)

“Remember me?” he asked.

Liv cocked her hip and her lips curled up in a smile. Hell, yeah. She remembered him, all right. Her eyes gave that away.

“Olivia? Do you two know each other?” Nancy peered over the top of the showcase.

Olivia? Of course it made sense that her full name would be Olivia, but he'd never thought about her beyond his own fantasies. He failed to think about the little things that made her the woman standing before him. But seeing her, wide-eyed and warm, he wanted to know everything about her.

When Liv finally noticed Nancy waiting for an answer, she said, “This is Jake…” Her eyes darted back to him, looking for help.

“Miller.”

“Jake Miller.” Liv widened her smile. He noticed her eyes take in the entire length of his body.

“Hello, Olivia.” He loved to say her full name.

After a few beats of awkward silence, Nancy placed the filled containers on the counter and closed them up, affixing a sticker to the top of the plastic. “You're all set, Jake.”

“Great.” He pulled out his debit card and Nancy entered his order.

While Nancy keyed in his information, Liv said, “I guess you were in the mood for something sweet.”

“I've been craving something sweet since last night. Thought you'd be the perfect person to help me.”

A blush spread across her face and she pulled her bottom lip into her mouth with her teeth. Had she been thinking about him as much as he'd been thinking about her? As in… All. Night. Long?

Nancy cleared her throat then said, “If you're all done, Olivia, why don't you walk your friend out?”

Liv nodded then slipped through the swinging door and returned with her coat and purse. She whispered something to the smiling young girl who followed her out. Liv kept motioning for her to keep quiet, but the girl was too hard to control. Eventually Liv pressed her hand against her mouth to keep her from talking and spat out what sounded like, “fine.”

Liv pulled the girl closer to the counter. “Jake, this is Corey. Corey, this is Jake.”

“So nice to meet you, Jake. I've heard—”

“We're going now.” Liv pulled the girl away before she had the chance to extend her hand.

Jake winked. “Nice to meet you, ladies.”

They were walking out together. This could be considered a pre-date.

This was exactly what he needed to make his move. Exactly what he needed to find out what made this woman tick. Information he could use to get close to her. Information he could use to
keep
her close. But she was more than just cupcakes. And even if he didn't have a mission, he'd want to learn all about this woman…for himself.

Jake grabbed his bag and followed Liv out the door, ecstatic that he'd showed up at the perfect time.

Chapter Four

Liv set out into the cold afternoon air with a hot man by her side, and she couldn't stop the butterflies from fluttering in her stomach.

The street bustled with traffic. Cars whizzed by and people scurried to their next destinations in a hurry. The air was crisp and Liv noticed the sniffle in her nose as it leaked from the cold. She cursed herself for not keeping tissues in her purse.

They stood outside the door, silent, then Liv began a slow walk backward. “I live just down the street.” She pointed south.

Jake followed, matching her step for step. “Lucky for you I'm headed that way.”

She cocked her head to the side and faced forward settling beside his solid frame. “I've come to the conclusion that you might be stalking me.” Not that she minded. He could stalk her anytime.

“I thought the least I could do was tell you my last name. You know, so
you
can stalk me a little if you want, too.”

Holy cupcake. The quiver that rippled through her body at the sight of his sensual lips curling up in a smile was enough to measure on the Richter scale. She was in serious danger.

Approaching a corner, they stopped to wait for the light to change and Liv stuffed her hands into her pockets and changed the subject. “It was worth your while. Whoever's getting those cupcakes is getting the best in the city.”

“I plan on eating these all myself.” He leaned closer. “I don't like to share.”

She wouldn't want to share him, either. Never. Ever.

“Did you go to school for this stuff?” He held out the bag, gesturing to the baked goods.

“Pastry school?”

He nodded.

She should have, but she opted for real life experience instead. She'd ruined enough cupcakes to know what it took to make it. “No. I've taken a few workshops to keep my skill set up, but I'm mostly self-taught.”

“Self-taught?” When he raised his eyebrow in curiosity, the scar on his forehead was more pronounced. She liked that he was imperfect. It made the fact that he was interested more believable. “Impressive.”

“What can I say, I'm a genius with a piping bag.”

Liv had to fist her hand in her pocket to keep from smacking her forehead.
A genius with a piping bag?
She stole a glance at Jake. It seemed she wasn't the only one who thought she sounded like a complete dork. He covered up his stifled laugh with a cough. The light turned and they walked with the crowd across the street. Liv was hyper-aware of his body beside hers. He had the uncanny ability to make her completely at ease yet severely uncomfortable. Especially with all his questions. Time to turn the tables.

“So you know all about my occupations. What do you do?”

“I work in public relations for Weston Communications.” She could tell by the look in his eyes that he wasn't enthusiastic about his job. They didn't sparkle like they should when someone loves what they do.

Liv saw that sparkle every day in the mirror when she thought about her bakery. “Your job sounds exciting. And you're so lucky to work with famous authors. I love to read. Do you—”

A car horn blared, cutting off her words. Which was perfect timing as far as she was concerned. Her mouth was running away from her again.

But Jake didn't seem to mind. He smiled. “I love publicity, but I'll admit, I don't go all fan boy over the authors.”

“Too bad. I'd love that job. Although, I could see myself as more of an editor.” Very few people knew about her love—obsession—with books.

“So…” He sidestepped a woman and a stroller, then sidled back to their conversation. “I know you love cupcakes and that you're starting your own business. I know you like romance books. What other books do you like to read?”

“Are you always this nosy?” Liv wasn't one to give away the details of her life so freely. But there was nothing threatening about Jake. No ulterior motive in his eyes, no sarcasm in his tone.

“Not usually.” He shot her a sly grin. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered twice as fast to keep up with the quick beat of her heart. Could it be that the womanizer was just an act? If he claimed that he wasn't normally nosy, why did he show up at the bakery?

Maybe she should reopen the
Sleep with Jake Miller
case. But this time, she should find out exactly where his head was.

She fidgeted with the inside of her pockets. “Why did you come to the bakery today?”

He let out a long, slow breath. A cloud of white puffed out and settled in front of his face as they came to another corner and stopped for the light. He turned, his face giving nothing away. “I wanted to see you.”

Liv's heart skipped a beat. A few beats. Holy cupcake, she was in serious trouble.

Jake dug inside his pocket for his gloves but his fingers must have already been frozen because he fumbled, and they fell to the sidewalk. Quickly, Liv bent down to pick them up.

He crouched at the same time, his own hand reaching to pick up the gloves. Their fingers briefly touched, but long enough to send a shock through her body. Her breath caught as they both let go of the gloves and they dropped to the ground a second time.

Always so cool and confident, at this moment, his hand twitched, hovering over the gloves. He rubbed it, in the same spot where Liv's hand had touched.

Her body tingled from the electric sensation and she wondered if he felt it, too. The spark. Austin was right. Seconds passed and still they crouched. His eyes softened, his shock finally replaced by a tender stare.

He reached out to sweep a strand of her hair that had fallen across her face. She turned her head and nuzzled her cheek against his palm. He was a stranger, but he touched her as if they were old lovers.

“Looks like you're just as clumsy as I am.”

When she tried to respond, there was no air in her lungs. “I…I guess so.”

Liv took the opportunity to study him while Jake reached to pick up his gloves. His lush, kissable lips. The way they were parted in a slight smile. The way the natural light picked up golden-brown flecks in his soulful eyes.

Liv couldn't stop the lustful thoughts racing around in her brain. That simple touch was telling her that she wanted this man. He was definitely her last chance for casual, no-strings fun before she got so busy she didn't have time to sleep. But she didn't think her ego could take another hit.

When they stood, he slowly lowered his gaze, taking in her curves from head to toe. She knew not much was visible underneath her winter coat, but that didn't stop the pull of desire coiling in her belly at the heat of his stare and the curve of his lips.

They continued their walk in silence, both of them staring straight ahead, but that didn't stop Liv from stealing glances. Jake looked deep in thought, like the little mouse on the wheel of his brain was working overtime.

They finally reached her building. “This is me.” Liv pointed to the revolving door. “Thanks for the company.”

“My pleasure.” He closed some of the space between them. She was hoping for a kiss. A caress across her cheek. Anything.

“I better get to work.” Instead of putting on his gloves, he had crammed his hands in his pockets.

“Yeah.”

They hardly knew each other, but Liv felt the electricity between them. Neither of them could break their stare, and despite the change in him, he still managed to give her a knee-weakening smile.
Damn!

“You've got a killer smile, you know that?” Killer was right. She had no doubt it could decimate any line of defense blocking his way between a woman's legs. “I bet you can get any woman to do anything you want just by smiling.”

He shrugged. “I can hold my own.”

“You must be a very lucky man.” She only hoped he'd make her just as lucky.

His smile got even bigger. His shoulders had loosened, his neck a little more exposed to the elements now that they weren't shoved up to his ears. “All this talk about my smile and now I can't stop.”

“I don't mind.” Staring at this man for an extended period of time was a recipe for self-satisfaction. Liv had a feeling she would be seeing his face again while she stroked between her legs.

“So if your theory is correct, then I should be able to get
you
to do whatever I want?” he asked. He was definitely more at ease, his charming side emerging from the silence. Which worked for Liv. Maybe this time she wouldn't have to go out on a limb.

“I suppose so.” Liv looked him straight in the eye, hoping he would take her bait. “Why don't you tell me what you want me to do? We'll see what happens.”

“All right.” He rested his bag gently on the ground and rubbed his hands together, his smile wide and bright. One of two things was going to happen. He was either going to take the safe route, or make her job a lot easier. “Before we go to the book launch, I want you to go to dinner with me.”

Safe.

“Mmm…dinner?”

Nodding, he watched her, his eyes darting back and forth. His hand fisted at his side.

No chance. A date was the last thing on Liv's mind right now. “I don't think so.”

“Ah, come on.” He lifted his hand up and rubbed the back of his neck. “You're supposed to humor me.” He pointed to his mouth with both index fingers. “Smile. Remember?” His grin was now forced. “Anything I want.”

“I know, but…” Liv was going to have to take matters into her own hands. “Do you know what I want?”

“What's that?”

Leaning in, Liv crooked her finger, motioning him closer.
What the hell. Here goes nothing.
She eyed her last chance for fun with a seductive glance. “I think you should go to work.”

His smile faded.

“And when you're done, come back here, where I'll be waiting for you—”

Liv tumbled forward as someone bumped into her walking out of her building. She pressed into Jake, chest to stomach. He was so tall, so warm. Although his smile had faded, it was replaced with desire, the heat of his stare causing the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end.

“You were saying…”

Liv shook off her fumble.
Focus! This is not sexy.

She regrouped and stepped back. “I…” Screw it. So much for being sexy.

Liv questioned her game. Her heart pounded. The seconds ticked; they felt like hours. She wanted to have fun with Jake, and during his silence, she realized just how disappointed she would be if she never saw him again.

“Have dinner with me,” he said again.

He wanted to take it slow. A little romance first. She might as well enjoy the journey to rumpled clothing and sweaty sheets. But his detour just didn't equate with the man she'd thought he was.

“Maybe I was mistaken when I painted you with the love 'em and leave 'em brush.” Maybe the womanizer persona
was
all an act.

He groaned. “We can still have fun. Dinner is fun. Movies are a blast.”

“Just let me…” She fiddled in her bag and pulled out her ringing phone. She recognized the number right away. “I have to get this. Hold your thought. Hello.”

“Liv? It's Teresa.” Her financial planner from the bank. “I'm sorry to bother you, but I have some bad news.” She paused. A pause was never good. “I couldn't get the loan for you.”

Liv's heart sank. Her cushion. The money she didn't necessarily need—which was why she waited so long to apply for it in the first place—but wanted as a security blanket, nonetheless, had been denied.

“Teresa, I don't understand. I thought it was just a matter of paperwork.”

“I'm sorry, Liv. I thought so, too. I did everything I could. I even tried to pull a few strings, but…it wasn't enough.”

“Oh…” Tears stung her eyes but she refused to let them fall. “Thank you for letting me know.”

“See you soon, Liv. I'm so sorry.”

Liv nodded even though Teresa couldn't see her gesture. She pressed her finger on the red button and ended her call.

“Liv?” Jake's deep voice sounded so far away. “Is everything all right?”

She nodded.

“I have to go.” The moment she took her mind off the bakery… She should have known better. Her plan to leave relationships and men to the side was the right move. Always.

“Liv, wait,” Jake called after her.

“Forget what I said.” She didn't even turn around as she raced to the revolving door. “I…I don't have time for this.”

Liv took the quick elevator ride up to her condo. It was fine. This was just a little blip in her plan. And a major reminder of the fact that she needed to focus.

Walking into her sacred space, she threw her keys on the side table, threw her jacket on the floor, and kicked her shoes, somewhere. Her need for order didn't apply in her own home. Nobody was here to see it. It was the one place where she could be herself with no worry about who was watching, what people were thinking, or what people wanted her to be.

Liv answered to no one and made her own decisions. A man wasn't necessary to make her life complete. She didn't need a man to rely on for shelter, food, money. Achieving that all on her own made it that much sweeter.

She eyed her condo, proud of what she'd accomplished. Even though she lived on her own, her place was fully furnished, comfortable, and inviting. Her decor was minimalistic. Her clothes were draped over anything they could, and stacks of books lay everywhere, despite having one entire wall lined with bookshelf after bookshelf. Reading took the place of relationships. It was a way to escape.

She took a few steps into her sanctuary and detoured left into her kitchen. Her cupboards were full of nothing but flour and sugar, her fridge bare except for beer, butter, eggs, and several Tupperware containers of cupcakes and leftover icing.

She grabbed a beer from her fridge and popped the cap with a bottle opener. Heading over to the couch, she settled into the soft, white cushion and took a long swig from the bottle. The book she had started yesterday waited for her on the wood coffee table. For tonight, she would drown herself in romance. Her heart couldn't get broken reading a book.

Tomorrow was a new day. She'd worry about advertising options, furniture orders, and her budget when the sun came up. Now that she had been denied her loan, she was going to have to account for every penny. She couldn't afford mistakes or unexpected events.