Read Online A Taste of Trouble by Gina Gordon - Free Book Online

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