A Taste of Trouble

by Gina Gordon

  His head fell forward and he nuzzled her neck, tickling her with the graze of his teeth against her damp skin. And then he bit down.

  Her body jerked, and she moaned, the spark of erotic pain hurtling her over the edge of pleasure. And when her orgasm hit, it was so deep and so strong that she couldn't breathe. Her eyes rolled back and her eyelids quivered. She spaced out for a second, maybe two.

  Jake's groan sounded against her ear as he came with one last thrust, his mouth fused to her neck. When he rolled off her body, his strong arm took her with him, cradling her back against him. He sighed softly and Liv melted into his embrace. She'd let him conquer her. She'd let him in.

  And she had no idea where they were going from here.

  Chapter Eleven

  Jake awoke to the sun casting a soft yellow haze over the room. He rolled over to find Liv facing him, laying half on her stomach, with one of her knees lifted toward her chest. She'd tucked one arm under the pillow and the other rested under her chin.

  She looked different. Gone was the steel armor she used to hide, presenting that cool and controlled woman to the world. Although, she hadn't looked like that last night.

  Watching her, a sense of peace swept over him, and he was satisfied with his decision to stay.

  What would she do when she found him in her apartment? What kind of message was he giving by staying? Liv was probably expecting to be alone. Maybe this was coming on too strong. Jake had no idea how she felt about him, but he knew what was in his heart.

  Liv could be “the one.”

  No. After last night, he knew she was the one.

  Rubbing his hands over his face and through his hair, Jake sat up.

  The one. And every minute they spent together had been built on a lie. He was a liar.

  His stomach lurched. He'd done it. He'd slept with her. What woman would ever forgive a man for getting into her pants under false pretenses? But they weren't false. From the very first time he'd laid eyes on her, there was an instant connection. That night by her car, he had felt her excitement. There were times when their eyes connected and he knew exactly what she wanted. The sex was more than just two bodies lying together. Everything he thought, everything he felt toward Liv, was the truth. Except for the reason why they met in the first place.

  He fisted his hand. Damn it! How did he get himself into this mess? He was usually so controlled. So logical. But the woman sleeping soundly next to him did something to his brain.

  He would just have to do everything in his power to make her realize he wanted her. Really wanted her, and not his promotion.

  Jake reached across the bed, gently brushing a piece of hair off her face. Last night changed the dynamic of their relationship. Could he even call it a relationship? He had claimed her in every way possible. And now she was his.

  He'd gotten her to let go. She admitted there was something more between them. Halfway through, he freaked, unable to let her see his intentions. He thought he'd taken care of that by turning her away from him, but when she grabbed on, pulling him closer, she'd broken him down.

  They'd made love, connected. More deeply than he'd ever experienced. He only hoped that when she woke up, she'd remember just how much he belonged. But if she didn't, then with everything he had in him, he was going to do whatever it took to keep her.

  He glanced around the room. Pink. It looked like a bottle of Pepto Bismol had exploded—pink comforter, pink curtains, pink area rug, there was even a pink bra jumbled between the bed sheets. He laughed. She hadn't been wearing that last night.

  If Liv was controlled and methodical at work, her bedroom was the exact opposite. Clothes spilled out of every drawer. Books were piled high on the nightstand. There was even a half drunk glass of what looked like iced tea sitting on a plate with crumbs.

  Jake crept out of bed. She looked so peaceful he didn't want to wake her. Luckily, he found his boxers and pants on the floor near the bed. He had placed them at arm's reach when he got up in the middle of the night to dispose of the condom. He liked seeing his clothes lying on her floor, jumbled with hers. He couldn't help but smile as he pulled on his pants. It felt right, being in this room in the light of day.

  After visiting the bathroom, Jake decided to take a look around the rest of the condo. It followed the same chaotic decorating scheme as her bedroom—but with a lot less pink.

  Across from the bathroom there was a spare bedroom that was practically empty. No roommates, good sign. Walking into the main area, there was a surprisingly large kitchen off to the right with a bulky island in the middle. The rest of the condo functioned as a living room and dining room. There was a dark wood table with four leather chairs that looked extremely comfortable. The table was littered with papers and more books. A large white couch faced the wall by the bedroom doors, with a matching oversized chair next to it. The furniture surrounded a glass coffee table. The back wall had a flat screen plasma television equipped with a pretty high-tech speaker system and a Blu-ray disc player. Not at all what he'd expected to find.

  The most interesting part of the room was the section of overloaded bookshelves that lined the entire side wall. There were hundreds. He skimmed through the titles and wasn't surprised to find an alarming number of romance novels, another reason why he found her so fascinating. At first meeting, no one would guess the self-proclaimed relationship-phobic would read about happy endings. She just proved you could never judge a book by its cover.

  This morning, he would push for a decision about the book launch. And if she needed a little coaxing, well, then maybe it was time for him to open up. It was time for her to learn about the real Jake. There was no turning back. By sleeping with Liv, he had just committed himself to proving to her that she meant more than just a one-night stand. She meant more than just sex.

  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?

  “I'm not working this weekend,” Liv blurted. “I have a few loose ends to take care of, but for the most part, I've given myself the weekend off. I was just going to stay in and watch movies, order food, and—”

  Jake turned to face her. “Read?”

  His look was inquisitive but mocking at the same time. He was teasing her again.

  “Yeah, and read.”

  “I'd be up for a movie and some food,” he said. “But probably not the reading.”

  “Okay.” The fact that he was here in the morning was confusing enough, but agreeing to spend the day together?

  He changed directions and headed to the kitchen. “Do you need a refill?”

  “No thanks.” Liv was thankful for his decision to forego the shirt. He looked perfect just as he was. She, on the other hand… “Do you mind if I have a quick shower?”

  “Not at all. Actually,” he filled his mug, “would you mind if I did the same when you're done?”

  “Of course.” Walking backward, she kept her eyes on him the whole time. “I'll be quick.”

  “Take your time. I'll just snoop around your bookshelf again and find something else to tease you about.”

  Chuckling, she turned and headed into the bathroom.

  If she was going to pursue anyone it might as well be him. She wasn't looking for permanent. And Jake wasn't the type of guy who stuck around for the long haul. This could be the perfect situation. He would leave and she would be ready for it.

  Prepared.

  No expectations.

  No way for her to get hurt.

  Chapter Twelve

  It wasn't really a habit for Liv to put on makeup just to lounge around the house, but this was a special occasion. There was an unbelievably hot man waiting for her—an unbelievably hot man who would be in her shower next. Making sure she was presentable, she stepped out of the bathroom into her bedroom to grab some clothes.

  Liv took a good ten minutes to find an outfit. She didn't want to dress up too much, but she didn't want to be too casual. She settled on a pair of black yoga pants and long V-neck wool sweater with a tank top underneath. She entered the living room, still running the towel through her wet hair.

  Jake was sitting on the couch flipping through the channels. “This is a pretty sweet setup you have here.”

  “I do enjoy my TV, but it's really because of Brett. When Patti lived here, he was sick and tired of the crappy television-watching experience, so he hooked us up with all the bells and whistles. When Patti moved in with him, I was lucky enough to keep it all. I don't know what I would do without my DVR. With working nights, I'm never home to watch my favorite shows.” You're rambling again. Shut up. “The shower is ready for you. I left some clean towels in there, and I found an extra toothbrush. Use whatever you want.”

  “Thanks.” Jake slipped off the couch and sauntered to where she stood. Leaning closer, he whispered, “Pick a movie for us to watch after my shower.”

  Just the simple heat of his breath on her skin made her head spin. And it continued to spin even as he walked away, stepped into the bathroom, and closed the door behind him.

  A minute later, Liv heard the water running. She was just about to search the menu on the television for a movie when the phone rang. She had a feeling she knew who it was. “Hello.”

  “So, how was he?”

  “How's it going, Ozzie?” Liv couldn't help the roll of her eyes. “It's pretty late. I expected your call a while ago.”

  “Do not distract from the hot topic. How was it?”

  “Good.”

  “Good?” he squealed. “Unacceptable answer.”

  “All right, all right. It was…mind blowing.” Liv heard the water shut off in the bathroom. She would have to cut this short.

  “I knew it. Honey, that man is the finest thing I've ever seen. I'm so proud of you. This is a new beginning for you. First the bakery, and soon your love life will finally be on track.”

  Without the background noise of the water, Liv whispered into the phone, “Okay, don't get all sentimental on me. Yes, it was great and he was great and the bakery is going to be great, yada, yada, yada.”

  “Why are you whispering?”

  “I'm not whispering.” She had to get him off the phone.

  “You are so whispering. What's wrong?”

  “Nothing. I just have a headache from last night so stop talking so loud.”

  “Well excuse me, grumpy. Fine, I will let you off the hook for now. But be prepared to put the events of the evening into sentences eventually.”

  “All right.”

  “Remember, I want details. I'm talking dirty, uncensored—”

  “Hey Liv, did you find us a movie?”

  She whipped around to find Jake standing in the living room, his chest glistening, his lower half covered by only a towel. Oh. My. God. She was mesmerized by the sight of him, and so flustered that she dropped the phone.

  She quickly picked it up and thrust it back to her ear.
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  “Who was that?” Austin asked.

  “No one,” Liv choked out.

  “Sorry, you're on the phone,” Jake whispered. “I'll take a look.” Walking over to the coffee table, he picked up the remote and started flipping through the movies on demand.

  She turned around and lowered her voice. “It's no one. Just the television.”

  “Liar! He's still there, isn't he?”

  She didn't reply.

  “He is!”

  Liv casually laughed, making light of the situation. Austin was so dead.

  “I thought he didn't stay the night? What is he doing there? Are you guys on a date? This is unbelievable.”

  “Okay, Ozzie. I'll do that. I have to go now. I'll call you later.” Austin's yammering continued even as she put down the receiver.

  “That was Austin. He was just calling to…uh—”

  “Get details.” Tilting his head back, he shot her a wide grin.

  “Pretty much.” She had to give him credit. Despite the awkwardness of this situation, he really was trying his best to make this normal. Not many men could make channel surfing sexy, but standing there in just a towel, Jake definitely brought out the sexy.

  “Isn't it fantastic that you don't even have to leave the house to rent a movie anymore?” Jake said.

  Who really cared about a movie when she had the Hollywood equivalent of a leading man right here in her living room?

  “It looks like we have a few to choose from,” he continued. “We have funny, action, or chick flicks. What do you think?”

  “Definitely funny.”

  “Exactly what I was hoping for. I'm going to go and get dressed. Since I only have my work clothes, can I borrow a T-shirt? If you have one that'll fit me.”

  “Sure. I have tons of T-shirts from the bar. You can look in the bottom drawer of my dresser.”

  “Thanks.” Before heading to her bedroom, he tossed the remote on the couch.

  Were clothes really necessary? She wouldn't be offended by naked movie time. Liv tensed. Did she just give him permission to go through her drawers?