"Liv, wait," Jake called after her.

"Forget what I said." She didn't even turn around as she raced to the revolving door. "I...I don't have time for this."

Liv took the quick elevator ride up to her condo. It was fine. This was just a little blip in her plan. And a major reminder of the fact that she needed to focus.

Walking into her sacred s.p.a.ce, she threw her keys on the side table, threw her jacket on the floor, and kicked her shoes, somewhere. Her need for order didn't apply in her own home. n.o.body was here to see it. It was the one place where she could be herself with no worry about who was watching, what people were thinking, or what people wanted her to be.

Liv answered to no one and made her own decisions. A man wasn't necessary to make her life complete. She didn't need a man to rely on for shelter, food, money. Achieving that all on her own made it that much sweeter.

She eyed her condo, proud of what she'd accomplished. Even though she lived on her own, her place was fully furnished, comfortable, and inviting. Her decor was minimalistic. Her clothes were draped over anything they could, and stacks of books lay everywhere, despite having one entire wall lined with bookshelf after bookshelf. Reading took the place of relationships. It was a way to escape.

She took a few steps into her sanctuary and detoured left into her kitchen. Her cupboards were full of nothing but flour and sugar, her fridge bare except for beer, b.u.t.ter, eggs, and several Tupperware containers of cupcakes and leftover icing.

She grabbed a beer from her fridge and popped the cap with a bottle opener. Heading over to the couch, she settled into the soft, white cushion and took a long swig from the bottle. The book she had started yesterday waited for her on the wood coffee table. For tonight, she would drown herself in romance. Her heart couldn't get broken reading a book.

Tomorrow was a new day. She'd worry about advertising options, furniture orders, and her budget when the sun came up. Now that she had been denied her loan, she was going to have to account for every penny. She couldn't afford mistakes or unexpected events.

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, embarra.s.sing 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 gla.s.s 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 b.u.t.ton 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 h.e.l.l 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 s.p.a.ce. 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 s.e.x 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 a.s.sistant'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 c.o.c.ked 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 a.s.sistants, especially a.s.sistants 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, s.e.x 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 a.r.s.enal.

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 c.o.c.ktail. 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 s.e.x. You have the world by the b.a.l.l.s, 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 part.i.tion. "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 sc.r.a.ping the sinks and counters.

She removed her rubber gloves and took in the s.p.a.ce. Her s.p.a.ce. 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 s.p.a.ce 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 f.u.c.king 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."