Page 12 of A Taste of Trouble

“What do you know, you're a kid?” High school relationships were a far cry from what Liv and Jake had. Might have? Would never have.

“I know more than you give me credit for.” Corey put down her piping bag and crept closer. “I know that if you're thinking about him here, in this bakery, then you've got it bad. I've never seen you let anything mess with your baking.”

Corey was right. She was a kid, but she was still right.

“His name's Jake.”

“Sexy name. I like him already.” Corey coaxed, “Tell me more.”

“He's attractive, sexy as hell, and…it could never be serious.”

“You don't want him to be your boyfriend.”

“I don't have time for a boyfriend. I'm going to be too busy with the bakery.” That was her go-to answer. She didn't want to have to explain to everyone that her father had ruined her for all men. She had adored him, and when he left, he'd taken away her ability to trust and love the opposite sex. He'd taken with him a piece of her heart.

“Well, that's just stupid.” Corey waved her off then returned to the rest of the cupcakes that needed her attention.

“Most decisions adults make are stupid, Corey. Just remember that when you're my age and try to be the exception.”

Liv ran her hand down Corey's head, the netting of her hairnet rough against her skin. She had made so many stupid decisions she could no longer count them. But she was going to make damn sure that the bakery was decision number one in a long line of correct choices.

…

Jake parked his car in the underground garage, but instead of heading up to his office, he walked through the underground concourse to street level and made the twenty-minute walk to Sweet Creations bakery. He was definitely in the mood for something sweet.

He had no idea if Liv was even at the bakery. Especially if she was in the middle of opening her own. But he needed to continue his pursuit—his mission. At least that's what his head told him. The lower half of his body knew he had a zillion plans to finalize, but he wanted—needed—to see Liv again.

He strode to the door and took a deep breath before he pushed through. The jingle of a bell announced his arrival. Stepping inside, Jake was hit hard by an overpowering scent—a familiar scent, like chocolate and vanilla. Instantly, he was taken back to the bar and the sweet smell that lingered whenever Liv walked by.

“Young man?” The lustful images in his mind disappeared at the sound of a high-pitched female voice. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

Jake must have looked ridiculous standing there, a mischievous grin tugging at his cheek. The woman behind the counter was middle-aged, petite with a bright smile, her shiny black hair curling around her face.

Jake approached the counter. “I'm uh…I…” Did he ask for Liv? Or did he just pretend he was a customer? He should at least buy something. Even though the something sweet he craved wasn't in that showcase.

“Is this your first time here? I'm Nancy, the owner.” She extended her hand across the counter.

“Jake. Nice to meet you, Nancy.”

“Shall I recommend something?”

Liv was lucky to have such a wonderful boss. “That would be great.”

“Are you on your way to an office?”

He nodded.

“Lots of ladies?”

He nodded again. Christ! Even c

avemen had more words in their vocabulary than Jake did at this moment.

“Take a dozen cupcakes. You'll be the talk of the water cooler for days.”

On most days, Jake already was the talk of the water cooler, but he knew first-hand the chaos that ensued when treats weren't distributed evenly. “Better make it two dozen. I've witnessed the fallout when there aren't enough treats in the meeting rooms.”

Nancy giggled.

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