by Gina Gordon
Pulling away, he ripped off his T-shirt and threw it to the ground.
Her mouth watered at the sight of him even though she had seen his body many times. He pulled down his track pants, exposing his length. She gripped it, intoxicated by the feel of his smooth skin.
He placed his camera on the night table then reached inside the drawer and pulled out a condom. He groaned when she pressed her tongue against him.
In no time he was sheathed, and in one sweet movement he was inside her. His mouth came down on hers, and their lips mingled. His arms bracketed her head, keeping her in place as he pumped in a steady rhythm.
This time, they watched each other, their eyes locked in some kind of dare. A race to see who could let themselves go first. Something in his eyes was different tonight. More than just the fact that he'd revealed his vulnerability. He was gentle. Appreciative. Savoring. As if this was the last time they would ever be together.
Liv knew there would be no turning back from this encounter. She had been standing on a precipice for the last two weeks, holding on tight to her heart, afraid to let it go, afraid to leave it in his hands. She had laid bare what little she had left protected. But now, staring into the green depths of his eyes, Liv knew she would be safe with him.
Pressure continued to build inside her stomach, coiling tighter and tighter. His mouth found her neck and he suckled gently, his lips and the scrape of his teeth taking her over the edge. He followed not a minute later, quietly whispering her name as he shook with release.
This was nothing like the all-consuming, vigorous, hungry sex sessions they'd had in the past.
But somehow it made her want him even more.
Chapter Twenty
Jake scanned the ballroom and let out a sigh of relief. He and his team had worked on this book launch party for months. His job was done. At least concerning the launch. There was still that pesky mission to have Liv meet up with his boss.
High tables were scattered around the room, draped in embellished white cloth. Small votive candles flickered in the middle of the tables to promote an intimate setting. They gave off a spicy scent that wafted throughout the room. An elaborate buffet of hors d'oeuvres sat to the right—seafood, breads, and cheeses were only a few of the items that covered the twenty-foot table.
The entrance had been designed as an archway, silver trees on either side, a white carpet leading into the ballroom. The theme matched perfectly with the historical fairy tale romance book being promoted.
The star of the evening had read an excerpt and thanked the publisher for her success, and with the obligatory speeches and thank yous over with, the guests were free to mix and mingle. Of course, his boss had missed the entire night so far. He was late—even later than fashionably late—but at least it gave Jake more time to muster up the courage to tell Liv the truth. If he could only pry her away from the other guests long enough to warn her, make her understand that he wanted to be with her, despite what might look like an underhanded situation.
Pride swelled in his chest as he watched her from across the room. That black dress was out of this world. The neckline fit straight across but dipped in the back, exposing her sleek back all the way to her bottom. She had been the object of many stares tonight. But she only had eyes for him.
He'd also never seen her so enthusiastic. To his surprise, she worked the room with grace and engaged in conversation with ease. There was no need for him to be attached to her side the whole evening—a trait that Jake found refreshing.
Liv caught his eye from across the room and leveled him with her smile. It wasn't just a look of happiness. It was happiness wrapped in appreciation tied with…love? Maybe not love, but there was something behind that smile. The friendship sail had definitely passed, and they were on their way to developing something meaningful, something lasting.
His attention was drawn from Liv by the sound of a crowd forming at the entrance to the ballroom. There was only one person who could captivate a crowd like that: Robert Shelton. He had finally arrived. It seemed Jake's plan to educate Liv on his feelings would have to wait. His most important job of the night was going to take place any minute.
And he felt like hell.
Jake rushed over to where she stood, in a crowd of her own, and joined the conversation already in progress. Or at least he tried. It was hard to discuss books you'd never read.
He finally caught her eye and motioned for them to step away.
“Do you know who that was?” she squealed. “That was Liz Feeney.” The look on her face was priceless.
“So I take it you're having a good time?”
“Uh, yeah.” She jokingly slapped his bicep with the back of her hand. “I can't believe I'm here.”
“Tonight is all about you. And later…” He pulled her closer and whispered in her ear. “It's all about you and me in bed.” She released a slow breath against his neck, her fingers curled into his bicep. If there was a later. He'd give anything to skip to that part of the night. To completely bypass the next few minutes, where her meeting with Shelton could shatter all of the progress he had made. But…he had a mission to complete.
He wasn't ready to make the introduction. He wanted Liv to himself for a few minutes longer.
Jake grabbed two glasses of champagne from a waiter and directed Liv to one of the empty tables in the corner of the room.
“It's quiet over here,” he said as he clinked his glass with hers. Before he had a chance to say anything else, a booming voice sounded from behind them and Liv jumped.
“Jake, my boy.” A hand clapped on his shoulder.
He tensed, hoping like hell that the introduction would go well, but the grip of Liv's hand on his arm tightened. And tightened. Her fingernails dug into his skin.
He knew Shelton was a little intimidating at times, but she shouldn't be nervous. It was time to break that ice. “Liv, this is my boss.”
“Robert Shelton.” He held out his hand to Liv. “Hello, Olivia.”
Jake tensed and looked between the two of them. Although he knew they had already met, why was he calling her Olivia? She hated that. “I think you two have already met,” Jake said, running a hand through his hair.
When he finally turned to look at Liv, his mouth dropped open. All of the color had drained from her face, her smile wiped clean. Instead of the glow of excitement that washed over her not two minutes ago, horror took its place. And it was directed at Shelton.
Robert waved over the waiter and picked up his own glass of champagne. A few moments passed before anything was said.
Finally, Jake ran the back of his finger down her arm. “Liv?” Her eyes were wide with fright. Definitely an unexpected reaction. “So, how do you two know each other?”
She turned to face him, but was still unable to speak, not even a small squeak of speechlessness. Shaking her hands to get her attention, he tried to jolt her out of her shocked state. “Liv?”
This was not how he expected this meeting to unfold. There was something strange going on between them. Why was she so horrified? What had he done to her?
“It's nice to see you, Olivia.” Shelton was trying to make an effort.
Her shocked expression finally faded as she slammed a look of disgust Shelton's way. And in that moment, Jake understood why Shelton approached while they were alone in the corner of the room. So as not to attract attention, because right now, he looked uncomfortable, his confidence replaced with fear.
And just as suddenly as Liv's mood changed, so did the realization that Shelton and Liv had a deeper connection. Liv had been brief when she discussed her personal life, but from the little he did know, there was only one man who could elicit such a disgusted look. He stared between them, hoping like hell that there was no resemblance.
His stomach churned. He should have known from the moment they met; there was no denying the similarity. Liv's black, soulful eyes were the same eyes that made him trust Shelton all those years ago.
Robert Shelton was her father.<
br />
Shelton's voice brought Jake back to the action. “I heard you have your own business.” He gave a half smile. He wavered. Just like his conversation. “You look wonderful.” And now he was resorting to compliments.
Tears now ran down her face. Jake wanted to wipe them away, but she bolted from the room. His gaze followed her out the doors, then settled on Shelton. Shame darkened his face. The man who was always so boisterous was now at a loss for words.
He had so many questions. For Liv, and for Shelton. Looking at the terror on Liv's face made him feel even more awful. He was responsible for that look. If he hadn't agreed to Shelton's terms, if he hadn't believed in the man so whole-heartedly, this meeting would never have taken place.
He had been betrayed by a man he trusted for the last ten years. But he'd deal with Shelton later. This meeting was no longer about him. Concern for his employment status just didn't matter anymore.
Without another thought, he took off through the ballroom, hoping he could catch up to Liv before she got away.
…
Liv burst through the revolving door of the hotel into the darkness. The light from the streetlamps was blinding. Harsh sounds from the street traffic whizzed inside her head. She frantically searched for a place to hide, turning her head from one end of the street to the other.
The moment grabbed her, overwhelming her to the point of dizziness, and she stumbled into a cement plant holder.
Could it be him? Most of the memories she had left of him were from staring at old photos—photos that her mother didn't know were hidden in the basement. Despite the gray hair that peppered the sides and his clean-shaven face, he looked just as she remembered.
All these years, Liv could never figure out why he looked so unhappy in every single picture. But seeing him tonight, her father, she'd finally figured it out. They made him unhappy. Liv and her mother. Tonight, he had been confident, sure of himself, and the smile that was initially on his face had been bright and sincere. She could never remember a time when he looked that way.
She bent over the edge of the cement, trying to catch her breath, her thoughts spinning out of control. Jake knew her father. He knew all along. It all made sense now, why he wanted her at this book launch so badly. But, he had looked genuinely confused during the encounter. As if he had no idea of the gravity of the situation.
No matter. How could he lead her into the lion's den knowing how much she hated her father? The man who'd left her mother high and dry. The reason why she refrained from intimate relationships her entire life.
She hadn't noticed her fingernails digging into the frozen dirt in the planter until warm, strong hands encased hers and pulled them out. Jake.
“Liv?” Just the sound of his voice calmed her jumping nerves, but she pushed it aside. She was too angry. “Are you all right?”
Her strength was diminished, so she allowed him to take hold of her, and fell limp into his embrace. Her handbag that rested on her arm squished between their bodies.
“Liv, talk to me. What's going on?”
Like he didn't know. “You brought me here on purpose, didn't you?” Her anger gave her a second wind and she pushed out of his arms. “What's in it for you?”
He hung his head in shame and mumbled, “Vice President.”
She'd give him credit for being honest. But the betrayal stung too deep.
“I can't do this.” Tears continued to spill down her cheeks as she hugged herself, trying to avoid the feel of curious stares from passersby.
“What are you talking about? What do you mean you can't do this?” His eyes were frantic, lined with confusion. He stepped forward and grabbed her elbows, as if trying to shake out an answer. “Please tell—”
“I can't!” She ripped free of his grip. “I can't be with you. Every time I look at you, I'll see him.”
“Are you breaking up with me?” His eyes narrowed and he pierced her with a stone-cold glare.
“You can't break up with someone you aren't actually in a relationship with.” It was still early in the game. He would get over her soon enough and find someone else who would love him. Not that he deserved it. He had betrayed her. Anger consumed her. “I've been kidding myself this whole time, but tonight just proved to me that I was right all along.”
She took a step to leave, but he blocked her path. “I don't want to lose you, Liv.”
“There's no point. You're too close to him and I can't be a part of that.”
This time, when she walked away, he didn't stop her. With her back to him, Liv tried to catch her breath. She needed to get away from this place, as far away as her feet would take her.
“We're the same, you and I,” he called. “We both want something more for ourselves. We're both intent on following our dreams.”
She whirled around. “That may be, but at least I'm not following mine at someone else's expense.”
She would never be able to forgive him for that. She'd never be able to forgive herself for letting down her guard and believing a man she should have kept at a distance from the beginning.
He clenched his fists. “We fit. You can't deny that.”
The high-pitched blare of a car horn turned their attention to the street. Two men yelled from their cars, profanities that Liv wished she could throw back at Jake.
She sighed. “We fit in bed. I think we can both agree that's the extent of this relationship.”
His foot kicked at the sidewalk and, tucked his hands tightly inside his pockets. He seemed to have calmed down, the sadness returning to his face. “What could I say to make it any better?”
“Good-bye, Jake.” She admired him one more time before she turned and walked away.
She didn't look back. Instead, she continued to the end of the street and turned the corner. He didn't run after her. He didn't call her name. And it broke her heart.
Liv slumped against the brick wall of the building, trying desperately to catch her breath. It caught in her throat, unable to reach her lungs.
She shivered, realizing that she'd left without her coat. The rough brick scraped at her bare back. She wrapped her arms around her body, pulled away from the wall, and settled her mind.
This was all a bad dream. It had to be. She'd wake up with Jake beside her. She'd tell him and they would laugh. There was no way Jake knew her father. There was no way her father would use another person to try and get close to her. He was a coward when she was ten years old, leaving without a good-bye or an explanation. And he was still a coward.
But even more debilitating than the events that had just unfolded was the fact that she wanted Jake beside her. What a time to finally realize that. Right after she never wanted to look him the eye again.
Her BlackBerry chirped from inside her purse and she groaned. She wasn't in the mood to handle Jake. But curiosity got the best of her and she rummaged through her purse to find her phone. An unexpected name appeared on the call display.
Liv answered. “Corey? What's the matter?”
The teenager's voice was frantic on the other end. “She did it. She did it,” Corey blubbered. “The bank, newspaper ad, all of it…”
“Corey? Corey, what are you talking about?”
“My mom. She did it.” The young girl sobbed. She was hysterical.
“Nancy?” So her suspicions were valid. “She did what, Corey?”
“I heard her talking to some man. She arranged with him to make sure you didn't pass the health inspection. She said that she couldn't have you working on your own. That you would put her out of business.”
Liv's head spun. Jesus, the kid had horrific timing. This was so not the phone call she needed right now.
That feeling of dread crept back into her body, only this time, she was right. This time, she had a reason to fear that things were going to take a turn for the worse, because they already had. In her personal life. And now in her professional life.
Liv listened to Corey's labored breathing on the other end of the phone.
“Corey? Are you sure this is what you heard?”
“I swear, Liv. I heard her say all of those things. I'm so angry!” she screamed.
“It's okay.” It wasn't, but this was a lot for a teenager to take in. Especially a teenager who had learned that her mother wasn't the person she thought she was. Liv knew exactly how she felt. “Corey, I have to go. I'll talk with you later. There's…I need to go.”
So far, the day was shaping up to be the worst one of her life. She'd trusted Jake. Despite the nagging in her brain that said she needed to keep her distance. She'd trusted Nancy as a teacher and friend. A wave of nausea spread through her stomach, causing the hors d'oeuvres she'd wolfed at the party to make another appearance. When problems surfaced, she regrouped and moved on. She was a fighter. She wouldn't let them get the best of her. Not her father. Not Nancy. Especially not Jake Miller. She needed him least of all.
Five in the morning came very early. And Liv had a new day to start. When she walked into her bakery tomorrow, she'd begin the life she planned on from the beginning.
On her own.
Liv hailed a cab and made her way home. She didn't remember the ride—she didn't even remember walking into her building. But when the elevator dinged, she stepped out. The whoosh of the doors sounded behind her as she hesitated, unsure of her final destination.
She eyed the door to her left. Patti and Brett would likely be home, and it was early enough to knock. Her entire world was falling apart. She could use the comfort of friends right now.
Turning to the right, Liv looked toward her own door. On the ground, leaning against the gray corridor wall, was an object wrapped in brown paper. A red ribbon was tied around its width, then again lengthwise, as the ends met to form a bow in the top left corner.
Seeing the package waiting for her made the decision easy.
She walked the few steps to her door, willing to put money on who she thought left the package. She dug her keys out of her purse and opened the door, heading straight to her dining room table.
As she pulled at one end of the ribbon the knot released, making it easier for her to attack the brown paper. Dark wood peeked out from behind the wrapping, an over-sized frame with cream-colored matting stared back at her, a sepia-toned picture capturing her attention.
