The flurry of items bouncing around her brain didn't stop her from thinking about Jake—his sweet smile and hard chest. She gave herself permission to recount their meeting, every last detail, in slow, embarrassing motion.
Yes, tomorrow was a new day. And who knew what the world had in store for her? But she knew with great certainty that it could not involve Jake Miller.
…
Jake wandered through the revolving door of his office building in a haze.
The sun reflected off the hundreds of glass panels that made up the walls of the main lobby. On a usual day, the sun wasn't an issue. But today, after that heart stopping experience with Liv, the sun was blinding.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the elevator and knuckled the button to his floor. He'd stopped to get a coffee, but even that was no match for the war waging in his brain. The image of Liv's soft, fresh skin, rosy from the cold morning air, was too hard to shake. The cuteness of her fidgeting, the way she tried her best to get her appearance together to make an impression. But none of that topped the feel of her. Her electric touch that sent him hurtling back to his childhood, a sentimental moment too hard to ignore.
Jake had taken his grandmother's death hard, but his grandfather had taken it harder. Especially during the last year of her life, when she didn't even recognize her own husband's face. From that moment on, the old man wasn't the same, as if she'd taken a piece of his soul, taken the light out of his eyes.
He knew right then and there that he wouldn't settle until he found the one who put that same look in
his
eyes. That he wouldn't settle for anything less than his soul mate. Sensing Jake's conflict, his grandfather had left him with words of wisdom.
“Don't run away from love, Jakey. Sometimes it can be the only thing that gets you through the day. Your grandmother may be gone, but I wouldn't change a thing. The moment she stumbled into my life, I was taken. There was a spark between us that could be felt from miles away. Six months later, we were married. You're young. Have fun. The right woman will come along, and when she does, she'll shock the hell right out of you.”
When Jake touched Liv, he understood what his grandfather had tried to explain. He just never expected it in the literal sense. All these years, Jake moved from woman to woman, hunting for that spark. And until this morning, his search had turned up empty-handed. But his grandfather forgot to tell him the most important thing—what did he do when he found it?
He'd dropped the ball this morning when she freaked out and ran. Granted, she'd had a crisis, and whatever it was, she needed some space. He had no problem giving it to her, but allowing Liv to blow him off wasn't going to get him any closer to solidifying his dream.
He was getting sloppy, letting his libido take over whenever she was near. There would be plenty of time for sex
after
he set up the meeting with Shelton.
He stepped off the elevator and made the quick walk to his office. He stopped at his assistant's desk and placed the bag of goodies on the end.
Her fingers moved over the keyboard quickly as she said, “Good morning, Jake,” without even looking over from her screen. “Your meeting with Mr. Shelton is at ten and you're a little late, but…” She finally noticed the bag. “What's this?”
Maggie Shane was a middle-aged woman who had worked at Weston for almost twenty years. When she wasn't coddling and fussing over Jake, she was desperately trying to set him up with one of her daughters. But he couldn't ask for anyone better.
“I stopped on my way in and bought some cupcakes.”
“This is so sweet.” She peeked into the bag. “And so uncharacteristic.” She cocked her head and stared at him long and hard. “Are you feeling all right? You don't look so good.”
“I'm feeling great.” He turned and meandered into his office and Maggie was right on his heels, huddling in the doorway with a folder held tight to her body.
“You do look a little under the weather.” She eyed the paper coffee cup in his hands. “You shouldn't be drinking coffee if you're sick. You need some tea. I'll have some ready for you after your meeting.”
“I'm fine, Maggie, really. You don't have to do that.” He knew his words wouldn't be acknowledged.
“Nonsense. That's what I'm here for.”
“You're not here to be my servant.” Many of his coworkers took advantage of their assistants, especially assistants who had as much experience as Maggie. They were old school, believing that coffee runs—or in this case, tea—were part of the job description. Jake never took her generosity for granted.
“I am no one's servant, young man.” She braced herself, legs shoulder-width apart, hands on hips. “But I am here to make sure you get your job done. And if that means bringing you tea, so be it.”
“Fair enough.”
Maggie stepped through the doorway. “Here are your messages. I've copied your presentation to this flash drive, and here are the most recent details for the venue. Caterer and equipment rentals are also in there for your review.” She placed the items on his desk.
Did he mention she was also invaluable?
“Thank you, Maggie.”
“You only have a few minutes to prepare.” With that, she sashayed to the door. “Expect tea on your desk when you're done,” she called as she disappeared.
Going through his messages, Jake secretly hoped that he would see Liv's name scrawled across one of the pink message slips. Maybe she would be able to track him down. If she even wanted to track him down.
It wasn't just the deal he made with his boss that tied him to Liv. She wasn't like other women. Something pulled at him, something familiar. He just couldn't put his finger on it…yet.
When he looked in her eyes, he sensed her desire. He would do whatever it took to make his dream a reality, but now his motives were unclear. Liv was only supposed to be a mission. And when his mission was complete, she might very well be a client. In which case, sex would be out of the question.
Guilt clouded his desire.
The things he wanted to do to this woman. He could think of nothing but pleasuring her. How he would take her, drop her pants, and kneel before her, taking in her sweetness. Was the promise of a corner office and the job of his dreams worth a little strain in his boxers?
Jake skimmed through the file but nothing held his attention. Nothing was as interesting as Liv. He needed to know more about her. But she was going to be a tough nut to crack. He needed more ammo in his arsenal.
He opened a new Internet browser and typed in “Liv Crawford Toronto.”
The first item that came up on the search engine was her Facebook page. Pictures of her with family and friends. Jake recognized two of the people as the couple she was talking to at the bar the first time he saw her. There were also a lot of cupcakes and bakery links.
Next there was an article in a local newspaper featuring cupcakes…and Liv. She had publicity even before she had opened her doors. He was impressed.
He skimmed the article, finding out the name of her business, then searched Cupcake! and found a separate Twitter and Facebook account. Her latest posts talked about her grand opening in a few weeks.
He returned to the search list. There were University of Toronto affiliations, a couple of blog posts and comments, and a link to the Sweet Creations website with her photo and bio.
Jake stared at her picture. The same rumbling he felt in his chest surfaced even when looking at a photograph. That flutter of hope he'd felt when he touched her delicate hand overtook him. Staring at her beautiful face, Jake knew at that moment he was in trouble.
“Jake, my boy!”
Jake just about jumped out of his skin and quickly clicked the X at the top of the computer screen to close the browser.
Looming in the doorway was his boss, Robert Shelton. “Are you ready for our meeting? I'm interested to see what your plans are.” Mr. Shelton was strong, larger-than-life, a real no-nonsense guy.
He walked in and settled in the black fabric chair with the confident ease Jake had always admired. Jake had been working for weeks on an upcoming book launch, and today was the final presentation to senior management. He'd arranged everything from swag bags to a signature cocktail. Promotion was his strength, and by the time the event was over, everyone would remember the author's name. But it wasn't the author or the book that turned him on—it was the thrill of promotion. And how much sweeter life would be if he had the opportunity to promote something he loved.
“I'm ready, sir. Just taking a few minutes to catch my breath.”
“Everything okay?” Shelton actually looked concerned.
“Sure, just a little tired or something.”
“Did a lovely lady keep you up all night?” The look on Jake's face must have confirmed his theory. “That's worth the fatigue. I've had many of those nights myself.” Robert was the quintessential ladies' man. A middle-aged bachelor with money and a fondness for middle-aged women who liked to spend said money. “It'll be our secret. I won't hold it against you this morning.”
Jake shook his head. “It's really not like that.”
“Well, don't tell me you just talked, because if that's the case, don't waste your time.”
What used to be a comment that would make him smile failed to resonate. Had Shelton always been so callous? “There wasn't any talking, either.”
Shelton looked confused. “Then there wasn't a woman?”
“No, there's a woman.” Possibly the most fascinating woman he'd ever met. “She's just been hard to shake.”
“Then shake harder. It's a mission in futility to pursue a woman for more than sex. You have the world by the balls, Jake. You can have anything and anyone you want.” Shelton pointed at him. “Don't forget that.”
Robert slid out of the chair and headed for the door. Instead of the mentor he used to look up to, Jake now saw loneliness and insensitivity. Was he right? Jake did have a pretty great life, no stress, no ties, no one to answer to. What more could he want?
Liv.
Shelton stopped in his doorway. “How is that task coming along?”
“It's going very well, sir. I've made contact and if all goes according to plan, she'll be coming to the book launch.”
“Good.” Shelton nodded in agreement then stared at the floor. “Good.”
“I figure it's a great way for her to see the work we do.”
Shelton raised his head and gave him a curious look, his eyes narrowing in confusion.
“You want to sign her as a client,” Jake said. “Bringing her to the launch is the best pitch we could ever make.” There was no question Jake's event would be the best way for her to understand what Weston could bring to the table.
“Right.” Shelton grabbed on to both sides of the doorframe. “She would make an excellent addition to the firm's roster.”
The logic behind Shelton's need to acquire Liv was still a mystery. And why Shelton picked Jake for the job was an even bigger mystery, when Jake's focus was on books.
“Sir, I don't want to overstep, but why all the cloak and dagger? Why do you want this account so badly?”
Shelton fisted his hand in his hair then rammed it in the pocket of his pants. “She's rejected me before. I need to try a new tactic.”
Someone actually rejected an offer from Robert Shelton. For some reason that made Liv even more admirable. It took a strong person to stand their ground against Shelton. But he now understood. It was an ego thing. He'd do him this favor. It's the least he could do.
“Just make sure you're discreet.” Shelton took a step out the door but stopped. “If you want that promotion, you'll do whatever it takes.”
Whatever it takes?
At first, he had no problem chasing after a woman. Jake would do anything for his boss, the man who'd taught him everything he knew about public relations. But now, he had to wonder if the man he admired wouldn't think twice at casting him aside if he didn't deliver. That he might be expendable. It made him want to complete this mission even more, to prove that Jake had learned from the best.
“I'll see you in the boardroom.”
Jake nodded as Shelton made his way out.
After one encounter with Liv, Jake knew keeping her at a professional distance was not going to be an easy task. She'd upped the stakes the moment he laid eyes on her, and keeping his libido in check was going to be tough. It would be a long, hard road to get her to trust him. He just hoped that his long, hard length didn't betray him.
What was it about Liv that made him hard as a steel rod just at the mere thought of her? He was getting hard now just thinking about her black eyes teasing him, enticing him.
Packing up his things, Jake grabbed his coffee and headed to the boardroom. It was time to prove to Shelton why Jake was the man for the job. Mission completed, or not.
Chapter Five
The pungent smell of fresh paint filled the tiny bakery front. Liv put down the roller and stepped back, admiring the smooth, pink paint she tested on the far wall behind the counter. The contrast between the happy pink and the puke yellow that made up the rest of the room was an indication of how much work this place still needed. In a couple of weeks, she would open the doors of Cupcake! and her life would forever be changed.
Austin poked his head out from behind the cloth partition. “Do we have any more of these scrubby things?”
“There's a bag on the desk in the office.”
He nodded and slipped back into the kitchen.
Liv was thankful for her friends. While she cleaned up the front of the store, Austin and Patti were hard at work in the kitchen, scrubbing and scraping the sinks and counters.
She removed her rubber gloves and took in the space. Her space. All her own. She had saved and practiced and plotted for years to make this dream come true. And she was so thankful that it had finally come to fruition. Only one other thing had made her feel this good—being with Jake.
She stepped through the entryway to the kitchen. Patti was on her hands and knees scrubbing the stainless steel bottom of the island in the middle of the room. Austin was hunched over the double sink, working away at the rust. The back wall housed four brand new industrial ovens. The walk-in fridge sat to the left beside the tiny closet she called an office. Counter space lined the rest of the walls, with the sink positioned in the middle.
Warmth filled her heart at the sight of her friends. “I love you guys, you know that, right?”
“We know,” Patti called out from the floor as she looked up through the legs of the island. “With icing on top.”
Liv smiled. Her mother had coined that phrase when she hadn't even been able to reach the top of the kitchen counter.
I love you, Olivia. With icing on top.
Austin, on the other hand, was a little less pleased. He looked like he'd just been slimed. His hair was plastered to his face with sweat, his T-shirt was covered in paint and dirt, and his jeans were caked with something that looked like grease. “You fucking better. Because this”—he pointed to his body where the evidence of his efforts stained his shirt—“is unacceptable.”
“I told you it was a dirty job.”
He gave her a look of disgust then returned to scrubbing the sink.
The kitchen was almost spotless, and by the end of the day they would have this place ready for the electricians who were scheduled to show up tomorrow. She just had to make sure she spent her money wisely. She'd already made some calls this morning and completed a few applications online. Barring any unexpected tragedies, she should be fine. Liv hugged her arms around her body and sighed in contentment.
“What is going on here?” Austin asked. Patti stared at her with the same confused look.
“Huh? Nothing. Just happy about this place.” She knew that answer wouldn't appease them. There wasn't anything she could hide from her friends, at least not for very long.
“You're pretty happy for someone who's been denied a bank loan,” Austin said.
She hadn't yet disclosed her encounter with Jake at Sweet Creations
.
When telling her story about the bank loan, she neglected to mention that Jake had been there when she had gotten the call. She also neglected to mention that he asked her to a book launch. But with the way she ran out on him, she doubted he'd ever see her again.
“I didn't start this process until I had enough money saved for a reason. I can do this.”
“Happy? Positive outlook?” Austin glanced over at Patti. “Who are you and what have you done with our friend Liv?”
Liv laughed.
“Did you win the lottery or something that we don't know about? Or maybe you just got laid and that's why you're so happy. Or maybe—”
“Hold it right there,” Patti interrupted. “I think the answer to your question is behind door number two.”
Nervous heat spread across Liv's body and perspiration made its presence known on her skin.
“She got laid?” Austin asked.
“I didn't get laid.”
“That would explain why you've been fluttering around here all day with this contented look in your eyes.” He folded his arms across his chest. “What happened?”
“What happy person act?” Liv questioned. “I'm the same as always.”
“No way.” Austin's eyebrows rose. “You got some, didn't you?”
“Fine,” Liv huffed. “I saw Bud Man again.”
Patti threw down her rag and got to her feet. “This is good gossip.”
“Spill,” Austin demanded.
“It was nothing. He came into Sweet Creations while I was working and…he walked me home.”
“Any kissing?”
Liv shook her head. “No kissing.”
“No sex?” Austin said, his voice going up an octave in disbelief.
“No sex.”
Even without the sex, she couldn't stop thinking about Jake. She couldn't imagine what her mood would be like if he had made it upstairs into her bed. But these fantasies, the image of him etched in her brain, would go away. She had to push it away. The fantasies would stop once the bakery was in full swing, when she wouldn't have time to think of him.
“Oh, Lord, help us all.” Austin's words jerked her out of her thoughts. “Look at that smile.”
“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.
“I'm Olivia Crawford.” She walked around the counter toward the front door and held out her hand.
He extended his, but instead of a shake, he offered his business card. “I'm Walter Cross. Health Inspector with the City of Toronto.”
“Nice to meet you.” She looked at his card—tight black print surrounded by boring white space.
“I won't be performing an official inspection today, but knowing that this space has been unoccupied for quite some time, I anticipated you would have questions.” He scanned the room. “There's a lot of work to be done.”
So he was a business first, niceties last kind of guy. Noted.
“Without even taking one step further, I can tell you the hand-washing station is not in the right spot, nor is it equipped with proper plumbing.”
“I just got the keys.” Liv let out a high-pitched squeak. “I haven't even renovated yet.”
“I've also done a quick walk around the building, and it looks like your garbage facilities are not up to par.”
“What?” Her voice must have risen because Patti sidled a little closer.
“The debris is blocking the alley, which is a fire hazard.” He glanced over his clipboard.
Liv's eyes widened and her stomach churned. Was he not listening to her? Her thoughts flashed to her bank manager denying her the loan. This was exactly what she was afraid would happen.
He dabbed his pen on whatever sheet of paper that was held steady by the clip. “I'll be back in a couple of weeks. Give you some time to get things up to snuff.”
Oh, she planned on getting things up to snuff. He could bet on that.
“You have your work cut out for you, Ms. Crawford.”
Liv didn't expect a city inspector to be her best friend, but somewhat pleasant, maybe even accommodating, would be nice. It seemed as though she wasn't going to get either.
Austin came up behind her and grabbed hold of her arm. He squeezed, offering comfort.
Just then a gust of cold air swirled into the store as Nancy entered. She dusted off the lapels of her coat with one hand, a stern expression on her face.
“Nancy,” Liv said. “What are you doing here?”
“Hello, dear.” She struggled with a few bags and she held a stack of files close to her chest.
“Let me help you with that.” She walked around the counter toward the front door and grabbed the bags out of Nancy's hand.
“Nancy, great to see you,” Patti said as she jumped up on the counter.
“Whatcha got there, Nancy?” Austin asked as he took position beside Patti.
Instead of acknowledging her friends, Nancy's eyes grew wide when she registered the man standing in front of her. “Why, Mr. Cross, what on earth are you doing here?”
“Nice to see you, Ms. Arbour.” He smiled. He actually had teeth. “I was just advising Ms. Crawford that she has a lot of work to do.”
“Isn't this place a disaster?” She shrugged out of her coat and looked for a spot to rest it. The front space was still filthy. Liv didn't blame Nancy when she tucked her coat under her arm. “It's why I'm here.” She approached the counter and laid down the stack of files. “I brought you some inspection materials, a tip sheet, the regulation itself.”
“Nancy, that's so kind of you.” Liv glanced at her friends, who smiled.
There was no mistaking how much Liv needed Nancy in her life. She was always looking out for her.
“That is a great place to start,” Mr. Cross added. “All the information you need to pass the inspection is in those checklists.”
Liv's eyes widened and her stomach churned. That stack of pamphlets and checklists was…so very thick.
Nancy released a few sheets of paper from the file and passed them over. “I printed this from the Internet. You must have every one of those items completed in order to pass.”
Liv glanced back at her friends. Patti played with the hem of her shirt, a look of fear and sympathy in her eye. Austin, on the other hand, looked ready to take on an army. The small vein in the side of his neck pulsed under his skin.
Liv took hold of the paper and quickly glanced it over. Many of the items on the list were exactly what Nancy had mentioned the first time she had stopped by—shelving units, electrical outlets, placement of items in the refrigerator, temperature—but there were at least twenty more. The room spun. No way was she going to get all of these things done before her expected opening.
“I'll be back to follow up on your progress.” Cross slid his clipboard under his arm and nodded his head at Nancy. With that, he strode to the front door. Before he stepped out into the cold, he turned and glared. “Don't take this lightly, Ms. Crawford. The city has a zero tolerance policy for non-compliance.”
Even the merry jingle of the bell as Mr. Cross walked out the door did nothing to ease her tension.
“Did that just happen?” Patti asked.
“What the hell was that all about?” Austin exclaimed. He grabbed the paper out of her hand and quietly cursed.
“Zero tolerance? I have zero tolerance for that douche.” Patti walked around to stand in front of Liv.
“Mr. Cross is a lovely man and has been my health inspector for years.” Nancy tucked strands of hair behind her ears. “He's only doing his job.”
“Garbage and wastes shall be removed from the premises twice daily,” Austin read from the package. “A separate hand washing station…with hot and cold water and a soap dispenser…”