Page 48 of A Taste of Trouble

He only hoped than when the shit hit the fan, he'd given enough of himself to prove that he was in this…forever.

…

Liv woke up with pleasurable pain. Her sore muscles screamed as she rolled over, blocking the harsh sun that filtered through the window.

She kicked the covers off, disappointment overwhelming her, as she stared at the empty space where Jake should have been. She'd known exactly what she was getting into. The chemistry between them was so electric and they seemed to be in tune with each other's needs. And after all that talk of possession and letting go, Liv was disappointed that he'd proved her right.

Staying just wasn't his style.

Liv rolled out of bed and searched through her dresser for some clothes. She found her favorite pair of track pants—favorite, yet ready for the garbage. The small hole in the crotch just added character. Next she threw on an old burgundy Florida State T-shirt.

Glancing on top of her dresser, she cringed at the sight of a used plate and glass. She hoped that he had been in such a rush to leave the premises that he hadn't noticed her messiness. She picked up the dirty dishes and walked out of her bedroom toward the kitchen. She was barely past the doorway when she froze.

He moved from shelf to shelf, inspecting her books. Oh God! Wait… Jake did stay overnight. Had he been that drunk? Too drunk to leave in the middle of the night? That had to be it.

He finally noticed her standing in the doorway and turned, flashing her the most perfect smile. Intoxicating, actually. Two minutes staring at that smile would be enough to send anyone on a trip.

“You're up,” he said.

Liv slowly lifted her chin off the floor. “Hi.”

“I didn't want to wake you. You looked so comfortable.” He motioned to her bookshelves. “I hope you don't mind. I'm being sort of nosy, but it's hard not to want to browse. This is the most extensive book collection I've ever seen.”

“I like books.” Was she a Neanderthal?

“I can see that.”

Why is he still here? It's a sign. Don't screw this up, Liv. Well, inevitably you will screw this up, but for now, you need to talk to him. “Ah….you're still here.” Seconds

passed. “Not that I mind, but…” Just stop yammering. “Would you like some coffee?” She juggled the cup and plate in her hands as she headed over to the kitchen.

“I'd love some.”

After setting down the items, she turned for the bathroom. “I'll just be a minute.”

She glanced in the mirror and grimaced. “I look horrible.” Her hair was standing up in the back and it looked like a bird had nested in it. Although, who could blame it after being rubbed up against a mattress with such enthusiasm? Her face had last night's makeup caked on, and her breath…good thing he was far away. Liv pulled her hair into a ponytail, brushed her teeth, and scoured her face before heading to the kitchen.

Jake was already standing by the island, the coffee pot in his hand. “I made myself useful.”

After fixing a cup for Liv and then one for himself, Jake sauntered into the living room and headed straight for the bookshelves.

He glanced over the titles, so confident and sure of himself. He was the type of man who knew exactly what he wanted out of life. And that body, it was incredible. His back was perfection, not a blemish to be found. His shoulders were broad, sculpted. Liv wondered how many times a week he went to the gym to make it look like he didn't go to the gym.

Visions of the night before took over her brain and she was getting hot all over again. Something about this guy just made her want to strip off all of his clothes and ride him until they were both sated. Focus. He was just a guy. A regular guy who would walk out that door as soon as he swallowed his last bit of coffee and would never be heard from again. She had to face the truth: her own track record was not at all promising. Liv loved her alone time, and she definitely didn't want a strange guy interrupting that, did she?

“Have you made a decision about the book launch?” Silence fell between them. Think of something to say. He tapped his coffee mug with his finger. You're going to screw this up.

She had promised him she'd think about it. Even though she knew the answer the very first time he asked. “Yes. I'd love to go with you.”

He simply smiled his delight at her answer and it gave her all the reassurance she needed.

“I guess I better get going.” He laid his coffee mug on the dining room table. “I'm sure you have a lot of stuff to do today with your opening coming next week.” He headed to the bedroom, hesitated in the doorway like he wanted to say something, but changed his mind.

Was she really going to let him leave?

You're going to have to let someone in sometime. She heard Austin's words ringing in her head. But it couldn't be Jake. He'd leave her, eventually. All men left. Letting him leave now would be saving her from trouble down the road. Besides, she had to focus on her business. Although she was mostly set for Monday morning's opening, she still couldn't afford any distractions, and he would certainly be a distraction.

Ask him to stay. Six simple words. Will. You. Stay. Here. With. Me. Simple but loaded. What if he said no? What if he said yes?

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