Page 21 of A Taste of Trouble

“What smile?” Now that he mentioned it, Liv did feel the pull of her cheeks. They sort of ached from the change in position.

“Honey, you're glowing,” Patti said. “Start talking.”

“I don't have any other details, other than…” The fact that she was a complete spaz and possibly ruined for a second time her best chance at some sex. “…maybe I might have ruined it, anyway.”

“Surprise, surprise,” Austin muttered.

“What do you mean, Liv? This would be a record, even for you.” Patti was the optimist of their group. Always hoping for the best.

“He was there when I got the call about the bank loan. I sort of freaked and then ran away.” She sighed and picked up a wet rag from the side counter and wiped down the surface. “I wouldn't be surprised if I never saw him again.”

“You don't know that,” Patti said. “Maybe he likes crazy, skittish girls.”

“The bank loan wasn't the only reason I freaked.” She should probably get all of the events out on the table. If she kept them in, how would she ever be able to get over wanting him so badly she would risk embarrassment? “Something happened.”

Austin's eyebrows rose on his forehead and Patti glanced his way. She had piqued their curiosity.

“We touched…he dropped his gloves and we…” How did she explain that when she touched him, everything else fell away? Everyone, everything around them faded into the background and all there was, was him. “When I touched his hand, it sparked.”

“A spark?” Patti asked.

“He's your religious experience.” Austin clapped his hands together in excitement. “You have to have sex with him. That's all there is to it. Next time you see him, you have to jump him.”

“I already tried that, Ozzie.” It still stung, being rebuffed. “I practically threw myself at him, and instead of taking me to his bed, he asked me out on a date. Twice.”

Austin's mouth curved into an ‘o' and he let his gaze drop to the floor.

“And do you know what the worst part is?” If she couldn't tell them, she couldn't tell anyone. “I can't stop fantasizing about him. This is the exact reason why I don't do relationships. It makes you crazy.” She threw her hands in the air. “But this will pass. I know it will.”

“Are you sure about that?” Patti asked.

“I know it. It was a fluke encounter. It just took me by surprise.”

All she needed to do was focus on the bakery. That would get her mind off unnecessary thoughts of the hot man. But even as she thought it, she knew she was kidding herself. And her friends knew it, too.

“He got to you.” Austin pointed at her. “Admit it.”

“It doesn't matter.” Liv circled the rag across the counter. “I won't be seeing him again.”

“I remember the way he was looking at you, Liv,” Patti added. “His eyes were devouring you like an animal.”

Austin nodded. “I agree.”

The jingle of the bell on the front door caught their attention.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Patti asked.

Liv shook her head and walked out into the storefront.

A gust of cold air swirled into the store as she emerged from behind the curtain. A man stepped inside, tall and ominous. The dark hair on his head was wet from the falling snow that had no doubt accumulated during the walk from his car.

“Can I help you?” Liv asked. “We're not quite open for business yet.”

“Are you Olivia Crawford?” His voice was stern, all business. He held a clipboard close to his chest. He had inspector written all over him.

Her stomach tightened.

Austin and Patti emerged from the kitchen but kept their distance.

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