by Gina Gordon
“I wish I could do more to help out,” Liv said with a sigh. “But I know you'll have no trouble finding someone with exceptional talent to take my place.” Was it awful that deep down Liv hoped the person who did help Nancy wasn't as talented? She wanted to hold that special place in Nancy's heart forever.
“I know, dear.” Nancy chuckled, but it seemed forced. “This business isn't easy. Honestly, I don't know how you think you can pull this off.”
Liv drew away in shock. She glanced at Corey, who looked at them with disinterest. She had no understanding of how much that comment stung.
“I think you should have waited,” Nancy added.
“But I had a good teacher and there is plenty of business for everyone.” Liv had come to expect a great deal of support and guidance from Nancy. She needed some sage advice, but it seemed as if her mentor was checking out on her.
“That's a very naïve outlook, Olivia. Competition is first and foremost your number one obstacle. Don't take it lightly.”
Competition was healthy, she knew that. It kept you on your game. But it wasn't until this very moment that Liv realized her biggest competition would be Nancy. Nervousness settled in but it didn't have the chance to spread when Nancy got down to business. “Let's get started. We have a lot of work to do.”
Two hundred and fifty cupcakes and eighty cookies later, Corey and Liv were on their way to the finish line.
Liv grabbed one of the small, pre-wrapped boxes from the storage room. It was covered in pink paper with a green ribbon tied in a bow. Inside, a Styrofoam insert waited for the cookies to be placed in a beautiful arrangement. Liv loved the idea of a cookie bouquet. Once baked, and before they completely cooled, Liv pushed a white, wax-covered stick into the cookie. Once the cookies had set, they would be arranged like a bouquet of flowers.
“How are we coming along?” Nancy waltzed back into the kitchen.
“Sweet baskets made, cupcakes baked, and we've already started on the bouquets.” Liv rhymed off the items on her fingers.
“Thank you, Liv.” Sidling around the room, Nancy hugged her daughter from behind. “You're being so helpful. Thank you, too.”
“Yeah, yeah. You're just lucky that Liv was here today. She makes this place bearable,” Corey sniped.
“On that bright and sunny note,” Nancy said, cheerfully. “Look at these bouquets. You're an absolute genius.”
Liv stood a little taller as her chest filled with pride. And she wasn't too proud to admit her ego inflated just a tiny bit as well. She winked at her mentor. “I had a good teacher.”
Nancy left once again and, with Corey by her side, Liv got to work on decorating the cupcakes. Before too long, rich navy blue buttercream icing sat on top of chocolate cake.
As she piped the sweet icing, Liv thought about Jake. Her new business. Leaving behind everything at McLean's to start on her own. She sighed. Why couldn't life be as easy as baking?
Baking was simple, an exact science. Life, on the other hand, was messy. Not inviting anyone else into her life kept it simple. That was why, despite the gnawing feeling inside, she should be happy that Jake rebuffed her advances. Sex could get messy. A book launch party, on the other hand, was casual and not at all intimidating.
She picked up a plain cupcake and piped the icing onto the smooth surface. Jake and that almost kiss made it difficult for her to keep her head on straight.
“What's with you today?”
Liv emerged from her own thoughts and found Corey staring. “Nothing.”
“Yeah, right. Have you noticed what you've done to that cupcake?”
Liv cringed when she saw the horrific blobs of icing on top of the cupcake. She could normally decorate in her sleep. Maybe her encounter with Jake affected her a little more deeply than she acknowledged.
“Plus,” Corey continued, “You haven't stopped smiling the whole time you've been here. It's a little creepy. You were looking at that cupcake like you wanted to kiss it.”
“I do love cupcakes.” Liv tried to shrug off Corey's comment with a joke, but had a feeling the conversation wasn't done.
“What's his name?”
For a young one, she sure was intuitive, but Corey didn't need to know she was on the mark. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
“Whatever. You've gone gaga over some dude. Admit it.”
“I'm not gaga.” Maybe just a little bit. “I did meet a man…but I'm keeping it casual and that's that.” Despite the chemistry and the ease with which they connected, Liv knew Jake was dangerous.
“That is not that. He's got his hooks in you.”
“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.
She picked an assortment of cupcakes from the showcase—red ones, chocolate ones, white ones. He'd eaten more than his share of sweets as a child and now, in his adult years, he steered clear. But he had to admit they looked irresistible.
While Nancy filled the tray, Jake wiggled his fingers in anticipation. He was here for information; instead he was purchasing cupcakes. He was completely chickening out on the Liv front. “Nancy…” He had no idea why he was so nervous, but his stomach was about to take flight. “Is—”
The bang of the swinging white doors caught his attention and his stomach leapt at the sight of the woman sliding through. “Nancy, can I see the invoice for the Sullivan or—”
When their eyes locked, her jaw dropped. She straightened and snapped her mouth closed. She smoothed her hands down her apron then through her hair, even made a swipe to her chin as if knowing she'd be wearing ingredients.
There was something different about her. She was…radiant.
Liv's hair was messy and pulled onto the top of her head with a plastic clip. A small smudge of what looked like flour caressed the creamy skin along her jaw line. And her face—her face was just as familiar as the intoxicating scent. He could never forget those black eyes—eyes that hypnotized him, pulling him under her spell, drowning him in a haze of desire.
Nancy barely noticed the interaction, and kept filling the trays with cupcakes.
“Remember me?” he asked.
Liv cocked her hip and her lips curled up in a smile. Hell, yeah. She remembered him, all right. Her eyes gave that away.
“Olivia? Do you two know each other?” Nancy peered over the top of the showcase.
Olivia? Of course it made sense that her full name would be Olivia, but he'd never thought about her beyond his own fantasies. He failed to think about the little things that made her the woman standing before him. But seeing her, wide-eyed and warm, he wanted to know everything about her.
When Liv finally noticed Nancy waiting for an answer, she said, “This is Jake…” Her eyes darted back to him, looking for help.
“Miller.”
“Jake Miller.” Liv widened her smile. He noticed her eyes take in the entire length of his body.
“Hello, Olivia.” He loved to say her full name.
After a few beats of awkward silence, Nancy placed the filled containers on the counter and closed them up, affixing a sticker to the top of the plastic. “You're all set, Jake.”
“Great.” He pulled out his debit card and Nancy entered his order.
While Nancy keyed in his information, Liv said, “I guess you were in the mood for something sweet.”
“I've been craving something sweet since last night. Thought you'd be the perfect person to help me.”
A blush spread across her face and she pulled her bottom lip into her mouth with her teeth. Had she been thinking about him as much as he'd been thinking about her? As in… All. Night. Long?
Nancy cleared her throat then said, “If you're all done, Olivia, why don't you walk your friend out?”
Liv nodded then slipped through the swinging door and returned with her coat and purse. She whispered something to the smiling young girl who followed her out. Liv kept motioning for her to keep quiet, but the girl was too hard to control. Eventually Liv pressed her hand against her mouth to keep her from talking and spat out what sounded like, “fine.”
Liv pulled the girl closer to the counter. “Jake, this is Corey. Corey, this is Jake.”
“So nice to meet you, Jake. I've heard—”
“We're going now.” Liv pulled the girl away before she had the chance to extend her hand.
Jake winked. “Nice to meet you, ladies.”
They were walking out together. This could be considered a pre-date.
This was exactly what he needed to make his move. Exactly what he needed to find out what made this woman tick. Information he could use to get close to her. Information he could use to keep her close. But she was more than just cupcakes. And even if he didn't have a mission, he'd want to learn all about this woman…for himself.
Jake grabbed his bag and followed Liv out the door, ecstatic that he'd showed up at the perfect time.
Chapter Four
Liv set out into the cold afternoon air with a hot man by her side, and she couldn't stop the butterflies from fluttering in her stomach.
The street bustled with traffic. Cars whizzed by and people scurried to their next destinations in a hurry. The air was crisp and Liv noticed the sniffle in her nose as it leaked from the cold. She cursed herself for not keeping tissues in her purse.
They stood outside the door, silent, then Liv began a slow walk backward. “I live just down the street.” She pointed south.
Jake followed, matching her step for step. “Lucky for you I'm headed that way.”
She cocked her head to the side and faced forward settling beside his solid frame. “I've come to the conclusion that you might be stalking me.” Not that she minded. He could stalk her anytime.
“I thought the least I could do was tell you my last name. You know, so you can stalk me a little if you want, too.”
Holy cupcake. The quiver that rippled through her body at the sight of his sensual lips curling up in a smile was enough to measure on the Richter scale. She was in serious danger.
Approaching a corner, they stopped to wait for the light to change and Liv stuffed her hands into her pockets and changed the subject. “It was worth your while. Whoever's getting those cupcakes is getting the best in the city.”
“I plan on eating these all myself.” He leaned closer. “I don't like to share.”
She wouldn't want to share him, either. Never. Ever.
“Did you go to school for this stuff?” He held out the bag, gesturing to the baked goods.
“Pastry school?”
He nodded.
She should have, but she opted for real life experience instead. She'd ruined enough cupcakes to know what it took to make it. “No. I've taken a few workshops to keep my skill set up, but I'm mostly self-taught.”
“Self-taught?” When he raised his eyebrow in curiosity, the scar on his forehead was more pronounced. She liked that he was imperfect. It made the fact that he was interested more believable. “Impressive.”
“What can I say, I'm a genius with a piping bag.”
Liv had to fist her hand in her pocket to keep from smacking her forehead. A genius with a piping bag? She stole a glance at Jake. It seemed she wasn't the only one who thought she sounded like a complete dork. He covered up his stifled laugh with a cough. The light turned and they walked with the crowd across the street. Liv was hyper-aware of his body beside hers. He had the uncanny ability to make her completely at ease yet severely uncomfortable. Especially with all his questions. Time to turn the tables.
“So you know all about my occupations. What do you do?”
“I work in public relations for Weston Communications.” She could tell by the look in his eyes that he wasn't enthusiastic about his job. They didn't sparkle like they should when someone loves what they do.
Liv saw that sparkle every day in the mirror when she thought about her bakery. “Your job sounds exciting. And you're so lucky to work with famous authors. I love to read. Do you—”
A car horn blared, cutting off her words. Which was perfect timing as far as she was concerned. Her mouth was running away from her again.
But Jake didn't seem to mind. He smiled. “I love publicity, but I'll admit, I don't go all fan boy over the authors.”
“Too ba
d. I'd love that job. Although, I could see myself as more of an editor.” Very few people knew about her love—obsession—with books.
“So…” He sidestepped a woman and a stroller, then sidled back to their conversation. “I know you love cupcakes and that you're starting your own business. I know you like romance books. What other books do you like to read?”
“Are you always this nosy?” Liv wasn't one to give away the details of her life so freely. But there was nothing threatening about Jake. No ulterior motive in his eyes, no sarcasm in his tone.
“Not usually.” He shot her a sly grin. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered twice as fast to keep up with the quick beat of her heart. Could it be that the womanizer was just an act? If he claimed that he wasn't normally nosy, why did he show up at the bakery?
Maybe she should reopen the Sleep with Jake Miller case. But this time, she should find out exactly where his head was.
She fidgeted with the inside of her pockets. “Why did you come to the bakery today?”
He let out a long, slow breath. A cloud of white puffed out and settled in front of his face as they came to another corner and stopped for the light. He turned, his face giving nothing away. “I wanted to see you.”
Liv's heart skipped a beat. A few beats. Holy cupcake, she was in serious trouble.
Jake dug inside his pocket for his gloves but his fingers must have already been frozen because he fumbled, and they fell to the sidewalk. Quickly, Liv bent down to pick them up.
He crouched at the same time, his own hand reaching to pick up the gloves. Their fingers briefly touched, but long enough to send a shock through her body. Her breath caught as they both let go of the gloves and they dropped to the ground a second time.
Always so cool and confident, at this moment, his hand twitched, hovering over the gloves. He rubbed it, in the same spot where Liv's hand had touched.
Her body tingled from the electric sensation and she wondered if he felt it, too. The spark. Austin was right. Seconds passed and still they crouched. His eyes softened, his shock finally replaced by a tender stare.
