A Taste of Trouble by Gina Gordon Page A

through his hair. This was the first time she'd seen his calm and cool demeanor challenged, but Liv didn't give him the chance to finish his thought. “I have to get back to work.”
    “Fine.” He rested his hands against the bar and leaned forward with a determined set to his jaw. “I'll see you around.” He stalked off toward the front door, leaving a heavy sense of loss in his wake.
    …
    It was finally closing time. The night had been interesting to say the least, a fitting end to a career Liv was ready to leave behind.
    There were a few stragglers left, including Chris. Liv cleaned up the sloppy bar, washing away the sticky beer spills and wing sauce. Austin had stopped by for a visit but left in a hurry. He had a date. There was only one thing he could be doing at this late hour, and Liv knew exactly who she wanted to be doing the same thing with. Jake Miller.
    Damn him! Butting in where he didn't belong. She let out a heavy sigh. But he was sweet. And Liv liked the feeling of being taken care of. She appreciated his help and his concern. Not that she would ever say it out loud.
    But self-sufficiency wasn't going to keep her warm at night.
    Despite her anger and frustration, she still couldn't get Jake out of her thoughts. He looked so good tonight, asking to be ravished. She grew hot and damp just at the thought of his face. Closing her eyes, she thought of all the naughty things they could do in this bar. All of the places they could christen if only he were here.
    She pictured herself sitting on the bar, legs open, Jake standing between them, his hands on her hips, his lips caressing her neck, his hot breath sending shivers through her entire body.
    “What am I doing?” Liv muttered. She shook her head, trying to focus.
    Grabbing the cash box, she headed to the back office to finish the night's paperwork, leaving Meg to watch over the last few guests. Tonight, the cash out took her twice as long. Counting and fantasizing just didn't mix. What was wrong with her? He was not a logical choice. He wasn't even a choice. He had made that perfectly clear when he'd taken off.
    Ten minutes later she locked the office door and walked up to the bar. All the customers had called it a night. Meg sat alone on a stool, waiting for her return. As soon as she noticed Liv walking toward her she jumped off her seat. With a wiggle of her eyebrows and a devious smirk, she hightailed it out the door.
    After locking the front door, Liv picked up the last of the glasses and slid them into the dishwasher. Bang! That was the bathroom door slamming. Liv looked up and her face flushed. Excitement overload.
    Jake was here. He'd come back. And he was making his way toward her.
    She let out a small squeal, but felt like all the breath had left her body. She kept her head down, pretending to fidget with the dishwasher. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't help but watch him.
    His gait was fluid, an aura of sex oozing from every pore. He was confident and strong. Strong enough to resemble a predator, but casual enough to show he wasn't threatening. He was dangerous to her libido, and she was his helpless and willing prey.
    His eyes were focused on her as he approached, and Liv squirmed with his every step.
    “Hi,” he said.
    “Hi.” Her voice was hoarse. She had to clear her throat to continue talking. “Why don't you have a drink with me?”
    He cocked his head to the side. “That's not the only reason I came back.”
    “Not sure if I believe that.” Liv didn't know why she was being so standoffish. Maybe she was just afraid of getting in so deep with Jake that she couldn't find her way back.
    But her mood didn't last long. She reached in the fridge and grabbed two bottles. She flipped off the caps and set them both down on coasters.
    She needed to focus, get her head in the game.
    Jake reached for his bottle of beer and took a swig. The simple sight of his lips wrapped around the brown glass made her insides quiver. She may