Page 61 of A Taste of Trouble

Jake swelled with satisfaction. He'd gotten through to her. They'd connected, on a deeper level. Exactly what he needed to make her understand he was a better man. A man worth having around. A man she could share her life with. He wouldn't leave.

She kissed him once more.

He wrapped his arms around her, not caring about the people milling around. They were their own live art, Couple in Love.

His heart thudded. Love?

Jake didn't have time to contemplate the gravity of his thought. His phone rang from inside his pocket. He wasn't going to answer it, but given the time and day, he figured it was his sister.

When he glanced at the screen, he was surprised. It wasn't his sister, it was Shelton. Calling him on a weekend. He never bothered him on a weekend.

“Excuse me, I have to take this. It's…my boss.”

Shit! He k

new about the meeting.

“Of course. I'll look around.” She smiled and patted his chest then walked toward the back of the gallery.

“Mr. Shelton,” Jake said. “What can I do for you?”

“Jake.” His booming voice was no less intimidating over the phone. “I had lunch today with Lisa Marie from The Grande.” He did know about the meeting. But was he checking up on him? “We're old friends, you see, and she mentioned that you didn't attend the meeting yesterday. I specifically wanted you there.”

“I know, sir, it's just that something came up and I wasn't able to make it. I'm sure that Melanie did a great job.”

“Yes, Lisa Marie mentioned the meeting went very well.”

Jake tightened his fist and pumped it in the air. He knew he chose the right person.

“Maybe I should give Melanie the Vice President spot. She obviously doesn't mind working on the weekend.”

“What?” His stomach lurched. “Sir, you know how much I want this opportunity. And this is the first time in five years that I haven't attended a weekend meeting.” He shouldn't have to defend himself. He was a good worker, the best PR rep at the firm.

“I thought I did. We'll see if you can deliver. I really hope you don't disappoint me.”

Shelton hung up. Without even letting Jake respond to his last comment. Without letting him explain that he had the meeting arranged. It was just a matter of time. I really hope you don't disappoint me. He was in deep shit. He'd get Liv to the meeting. That wasn't a question. But what would happen after the meeting? Shelton would be able to tell there was something between them. Then where would he be? Probably on the unemployment line.

And if he was honest, he was a little disappointed himself. Shelton had checked up on him. He felt used. All these years, after the blood, sweat, and…no, not tears, but definitely blood and sweat, Shelton still didn't trust him. His mentor, the man he admired most in the world, had let him down.

“You're done with your call?” Liv sidled up to him and wrapped her arm around his waist. He didn't know how long he was standing there staring into nothingness.

“Is everything all right?”

He nodded. Her genuine concern made him feel a little better. But all the concern in the world wouldn't make him feel better about the fact that he was a lying ass.

He looked down at the beautiful eyes that stared back at him, and he couldn't imagine not being able to look into them ever again. That fear gripped him, pushing aside all the lies and guilt. If he only had so much time to spend with Liv, he was going to enjoy every minute of it.

“Will you come home with me, Jake?”

And her bed would be the perfect place to enjoy it.

After exposing his secret, Jake was comforted by the vulnerability in Liv's eyes. She was just as scared, just as uncertain about where they were headed.

“Of course.”

Liv squeezed her arms around him.

“But not before you get the full gallery experience.”

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