She shot him a disgruntled look. "All right, but that was kind of rude."

He smiled. "This from the woman who makes it her mission to purposely give people a hard time at the bar."

"Not anymore." She laughed and took the opportunity to look around. Her eyes widened. She was out of her element but she was curious. He loved her like this. Open and willing to learn new things. Just like she was in the bedroom.

"I just wanted to be the one to introduce you to the gallery. I wanted to be the one who put that look on your face."

"What look?"

He leaned in and whispered in her ear. "The same one you get when I'm inside you."

"Jake." She lowered her face and blushed. It spread across her face and down her neck. Even her hands turned red. Gorgeous.

"You've never been to an art gallery before?" he asked. He had to change the subject. If they kept talking about her s.e.x face, he wouldn't be able to control the reaction in his pants.

She shook her head.

"Not even on a school trip?"

Again, she shook her head. "Will you tell me why we're here already?" She tugged at his shirtsleeve. "The suspense is killing me."

He had to pull out all the stops, including disclosing his secret. She knew all about pa.s.sion, about pursuing a dream. He knew she would understand.

"I'll show you why we're here." He c.o.c.ked his head. "Follow me."

She grabbed on to his arm and walked with him through the gallery. On the left wall, arranged in a particular pattern, were five round frames that housed different views of the city. They approached and took their spot beside another couple in front of the arrangement. The couple whispered to each other, their hushed voices causing Jake's nerves to tighten. He wanted to know every word they spoke. What were they saying about the arrangement-his arrangement?

"This is beautiful," Liv said. "I love the fact that they're in round frames. It's so different compared to everything else."

"I totally agree," the man standing beside them said. "It's as if you're looking at the city through a telescope. It's brilliant."

Jake's stomach unclenched. There were always going to be people who loved his work. There were always going to be people who hated his work. But sometimes, you just needed to hear some praise in order to rea.s.sure that nagging voice always doubting your talent.

The couple walked on to the next display.

"So, why is it so important that you brought me here?"

Photography was a hobby-a meaningful hobby. Every year, with the help of contacts he'd made in the industry, he held an art benefit where all of the funds raised went to Alzheimer's research. It was his way of giving back. His way of trying to prevent someone else from feeling as low as he did when his grandmother died.

He always felt a little uncomfortable calling himself a photographer. But as long as there were people willing to purchase his work, and the work of others, for a good cause, that's all that mattered.

He pointed to the small black plaque underneath the display.

Liv leaned closer and gasped as she read the details. "You did this?" She pulled back and brought her hand to her mouth. "You're a photographer?"

Jake shrugged. "More like a philanthropist."

"Why not a photographer? You're good." She looked around again. "Do you have anything else on display?"

"Just this."

"When did you start this? How? Why?" Her questions flew at him one after the next. She seemed genuinely interested in his story, but Jake's nerves went on high alert. She was asking all the right questions, and he feared his answers would change the dynamic between them.

"Photography's been a hobby of mine my whole life, but I started to focus on it a little more seriously in the last few years." He walked them over to the next photo.

"So photography is your pa.s.sion?"

He knew she'd get it. "Just like baking is yours."

Liv may not be the type of woman who expressed herself with words, but it was through the things she loved that Jake learned everything he needed to know. In her love of books, he learned about her sweet side-her secret sappiness. In her pa.s.sion for cupcakes, he learned of her motivation and determination to succeed. In meeting her friends, he learned of her loyalty.

"I would love to work PR for a gallery. I'm just buying my time, waiting for the right moment to make a career move." And Liv was the currency.

"But what about your art? Why not be a photographer?"

"My photos are for a good cause. This isn't about ego for me. I hold a fundraiser every year and all of the proceeds go to charity. For..." If he wanted Liv, he had to open up. "For Alzheimer research."

She saddened. It was all over her face. So was the question she was dying to ask. "Is there a reason you raise money for Alzheimer's Disease?"

People who pursued awareness for a cause always had the same story when they were asked the ever-important question of why.

"My grandmother suffered from Alzheimer's and died when I was a teenager." Over the years, the hole she had left in his life got smaller, but it would never fully heal.

"Were you really close?"

He nodded. "My grandmother is the one who encouraged my love of photography. I do it in her memory. Still trying to make her proud after all these years."

"I'm sure she's very proud. You're really talented."

"Believe it or not, this was my second best talent when I was a kid." He was already sentimental. Now it was time to get embarra.s.sing.

They walked to the next photo on the wall. Liv hung on to his arm, gently caressing her fingers against his forearm. "What was the first?"

He sighed. "Eating cake."

Liv burst out laughing then covered her mouth with her hand when people turned to stare. "What?"

"I told you-I had a major sweet tooth when I was a kid. My grandmother would always let me have seconds of dessert."

"You certainly can't tell now." She ran her hand up his arm and squeezed his bicep, then rested it on his back. Her eyes grew heavy with desire but she stepped back and scanned the room.

Her distance didn't last long. She returned to him, lifting onto her toes, and pressed her lips into his for a quick, but no less potent, kiss. She looked up and whispered, "Definitely not what I expected."

Jake swelled with satisfaction. He'd gotten through to her. They'd connected, on a deeper level. Exactly what he needed to make her understand he was a better man. A man worth having around. A man she could share her life with. He wouldn't leave.

She kissed him once more.

He wrapped his arms around her, not caring about the people milling around. They were their own live art, Couple in Love.

His heart thudded. Love?

Jake didn't have time to contemplate the gravity of his thought. His phone rang from inside his pocket. He wasn't going to answer it, but given the time and day, he figured it was his sister.

When he glanced at the screen, he was surprised. It wasn't his sister, it was Shelton. Calling him on a weekend. He never bothered him on a weekend.

"Excuse me, I have to take this. It's...my boss."

s.h.i.t! He knew about the meeting.

"Of course. I'll look around." She smiled and patted his chest then walked toward the back of the gallery.

"Mr. Shelton," Jake said. "What can I do for you?"

"Jake." His booming voice was no less intimidating over the phone. "I had lunch today with Lisa Marie from The Grande." He did know about the meeting. But was he checking up on him? "We're old friends, you see, and she mentioned that you didn't attend the meeting yesterday. I specifically wanted you there."

"I know, sir, it's just that something came up and I wasn't able to make it. I'm sure that Melanie did a great job."

"Yes, Lisa Marie mentioned the meeting went very well."

Jake tightened his fist and pumped it in the air. He knew he chose the right person.

"Maybe I should give Melanie the Vice President spot. She obviously doesn't mind working on the weekend."

"What?" His stomach lurched. "Sir, you know how much I want this opportunity. And this is the first time in five years that I haven't attended a weekend meeting." He shouldn't have to defend himself. He was a good worker, the best PR rep at the firm.

"I thought I did. We'll see if you can deliver. I really hope you don't disappoint me."

Shelton hung up. Without even letting Jake respond to his last comment. Without letting him explain that he had the meeting arranged. It was just a matter of time. I really hope you don't disappoint me. He was in deep s.h.i.t. He'd get Liv to the meeting. That wasn't a question. But what would happen after the meeting? Shelton would be able to tell there was something between them. Then where would he be? Probably on the unemployment line.

And if he was honest, he was a little disappointed himself. Shelton had checked up on him. He felt used. All these years, after the blood, sweat, and...no, not tears, but definitely blood and sweat, Shelton still didn't trust him. His mentor, the man he admired most in the world, had let him down.

"You're done with your call?" Liv sidled up to him and wrapped her arm around his waist. He didn't know how long he was standing there staring into nothingness.

"Is everything all right?"

He nodded. Her genuine concern made him feel a little better. But all the concern in the world wouldn't make him feel better about the fact that he was a lying a.s.s.

He looked down at the beautiful eyes that stared back at him, and he couldn't imagine not being able to look into them ever again. That fear gripped him, pushing aside all the lies and guilt. If he only had so much time to spend with Liv, he was going to enjoy every minute of it.

"Will you come home with me, Jake?"

And her bed would be the perfect place to enjoy it.

After exposing his secret, Jake was comforted by the vulnerability in Liv's eyes. She was just as scared, just as uncertain about where they were headed.

"Of course."

Liv squeezed her arms around him.

"But not before you get the full gallery experience."

Chapter Sixteen.

Liv crept out of bed, trying not to disturb Jake, who was fast asleep beside her.

He lay on the bed, chest bare, the sheets tangled around his legs. She still couldn't believe that he was in her condo, in her bed, after an entire weekend. Probably the best weekend of her life. She had grown accustomed to his low snores. She even wondered if she would miss him when he was gone. She still couldn't reconcile the man that was fast asleep in her bed with the man that she thought she had been picking up at the bar. But he had taken the time to make her believe he really was something different. Disclosing his secrets, his pa.s.sion.

Why did he bother? What if he got bored and bolted, leaving her weak and exposed? Liv had too many plans to risk. Too many years of being alone to overcome. But as she stared at Jake, she knew she was falling for him.

At that realization, Liv did what she did best: she pushed her feelings aside. Today was the day. After renovations and a lot of her money spent to bring the place up to code, Liv would put herself out there and test her ability to run her own business. It was early-too early-but if she wanted to have something fresh to sell, she had to get a move on.

She headed to the shower and turned the faucet to the hottest setting. She was glad for the alone time, time she needed to regroup. When the temperature was just right, she positioned herself under the nozzle, letting the hot water rush over her body. The pressure invigorated and soothed her aching muscles. She wet her hair and washed away her tension.

Liv didn't know how to feel: excited, scared to death, nervous, exhilarated. Maybe all of the above. Her emotions were definitely ruling her right now. She squeezed a dollop of shampoo into her palm, lathering her hair and ma.s.saging her temples. While trying to formulate a plan of action for the day, she was surprised by the strong hands making their way around her hips and resting at the crease of her thighs.

"Good morning. This was a good idea." Jake's voice was groggy, but no less seductive. His presence made blood pump to all of the wrong places. Her core ached and swelled.

"I'm just getting ready." She tried to squirm out of his embrace. "I have a busy day."

"It's practically the middle of the night. There'll be lots of time to get things done." His body pressed against hers. He couldn't hide his interest in a morning s.e.x session-it was thrust against her lower back.

The longer his hands continued to roam over her body, the more likely his needs would win out. Her brain was telling her to get rid of him, but her body...her body was aching for him.

She reached to stop him. "Jake. I need to get ready. There's no time for this."

"Okay." He held his hand up in surrender. "At least let me wash you. Relax. Think about what you need to do." He turned her around to face him. Her breath caught at the sight of his hard, wet body. His c.o.c.k stiff, pink, perfect.

He leaned her head back under the water, washing away the shampoo. Despite being anxious, Liv softened at his gentle touch. When her hair was rinsed clean, he picked up the loofa and smothered it with body wash.

He started at her neck, circling and stroking her body. Lathering each arm, he paid attention to her hands then circled her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, trailing the tips of his fingers over her already swollen nipples. The closer he got to her core, the harder her chest heaved. Her desire became harder to hide. A slight tremble rolled through her body as her mind shifted from cupcakes to his p.e.n.i.s, from white boxes with ribbon to his head buried between her legs. There was no way she could focus. The only strategy now running through her mind was how she was going to reinstate the idea of morning s.e.x.

He soaped each leg then rested the puff at the crease of her thigh. She spread her legs.

Jake looked up, catching her gaze with a smirk, curling one side of his lips. "I thought you didn't have time for this?"

"If you're going to wash me, you might as well do it right."

Jake skimmed the loofa between her legs, reaching behind to wash first her left cheek and then her right. The angle caused his forearm to rub against her c.l.i.t, putting pressure where she needed it the most. With the simplest touch, he had her begging and aching to have him inside her.

All logic, all semblances of reality, fell away when he was near, leaving her a puddle of desire just waiting to be stirred by his strength and skill. "You make me feel unglued. You make me want you...but I shouldn't." Making sure she had his attention, she cupped his chin and locked her stare with his. "You do things to my body I've never felt before, and all I can think about is you inside me." She swallowed hard. "I've never wanted another man as much as I want you."