Page 18 of A Taste of Trouble

Did he mention she was also invaluable?

“Thank you, Maggie.”

“You only have a few minutes to prepare.” With that, she sashayed to the door. “Expect tea on your desk when you're done,” she called as she disappeared.

Going through his messages, Jake secretly hoped that he would see Liv's name scrawled across one of the pink message slips. Maybe she would be able to track him down. If she even wanted to track him down.

It wasn't just the deal he made with his boss that tied him to Liv. She wasn't like other women. Something pulled at him, something familiar. He just couldn't put his finger on it…yet.

When he looked in her eyes, he sensed her desire. He would do whatever it took to make his dream a reality, but now his motives were unclear. Liv was only supposed to be a mission. And when his mission was complete, she might very well be a client. In which case, sex would be out of the question.

Guilt clouded his desire.

The things he wanted to do to this woman. He could think of nothing but pleasuring her. How he would take her, drop her pants, and kneel before her, taking in her sweetness. Was the promise of a corner office and the job of his dreams worth a little strain in his boxers?

Jake skimmed through the file but nothing held his attention. Nothing was as interesting as Liv. He needed to know more about her. But she was going to be a tough nut to crack. He needed more ammo in his arsenal.

He opened a new Internet browser and typed in “Liv Crawford Toronto.”

The first item that came up on the search engine was her Facebook page. Pictures of her with family and friends. Jake recognized two of the people as the couple she was talking to at the bar the first time he saw her. There were also a lot of cupcakes and bakery links.

Next there was an article in a local newspaper featuring cupcakes…and Liv. She had publicity even before she had opened her doors. He was impressed.

He skimmed the article, finding out the name of her business, then searched Cupcake! and found a separate Twitter and Facebook account. Her latest posts talked about her grand opening in a few weeks.

He returned to the search list. There were University of Toronto affiliations

, a couple of blog posts and comments, and a link to the Sweet Creations website with her photo and bio.

Jake stared at her picture. The same rumbling he felt in his chest surfaced even when looking at a photograph. That flutter of hope he'd felt when he touched her delicate hand overtook him. Staring at her beautiful face, Jake knew at that moment he was in trouble.

“Jake, my boy!”

Jake just about jumped out of his skin and quickly clicked the X at the top of the computer screen to close the browser.

Looming in the doorway was his boss, Robert Shelton. “Are you ready for our meeting? I'm interested to see what your plans are.” Mr. Shelton was strong, larger-than-life, a real no-nonsense guy.

He walked in and settled in the black fabric chair with the confident ease Jake had always admired. Jake had been working for weeks on an upcoming book launch, and today was the final presentation to senior management. He'd arranged everything from swag bags to a signature cocktail. Promotion was his strength, and by the time the event was over, everyone would remember the author's name. But it wasn't the author or the book that turned him on—it was the thrill of promotion. And how much sweeter life would be if he had the opportunity to promote something he loved.

“I'm ready, sir. Just taking a few minutes to catch my breath.”

“Everything okay?” Shelton actually looked concerned.

“Sure, just a little tired or something.”

“Did a lovely lady keep you up all night?” The look on Jake's face must have confirmed his theory. “That's worth the fatigue. I've had many of those nights myself.” Robert was the quintessential ladies' man. A middle-aged bachelor with money and a fondness for middle-aged women who liked to spend said money. “It'll be our secret. I won't hold it against you this morning.”

Jake shook his head. “It's really not like that.”

“Well, don't tell me you just talked, because if that's the case, don't waste your time.”

What used to be a comment that would make him smile failed to resonate. Had Shelton always been so callous? “There wasn't any talking, either.”

Shelton looked confused. “Then there wasn't a woman?”

“No, there's a woman.” Possibly the most fascinating woman he'd ever met. “She's just been hard to shake.”

“Then shake harder. It's a mission in futility to pursue a woman for more than sex. You have the world by the balls, Jake. You can have anything and anyone you want.” Shelton pointed at him. “Don't forget that.”

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