We're too different. Her parents would never allow it anyway-not that I give a good damn about parents, but when the woman you're interested in has the chief of police as her father and you've just been released from a seven-year stint for attempted murder...I can't help but take that into consideration.

Truth be told, I have never considered a permanent situation with anyone. How can I with my family's history? Once my dad took off, my mother hooked up with the wrong people and ended up overdosing.

"I've never been here before," Piper says as we're seated in a semicircular private booth. "But I'm a huge fan of Italian food."

I smile a little at the enthusiasm in her voice. "I picked the place not only because of the amazing food but because no one will bother us here."

"Good idea," she says warmly as the hostess hands us menus. "Any favorite dishes I should try?"

Smiling wryly, I say, "Everything."

She bursts out laughing, the sound lovely even to my jaded ears. "Then I'll take one of everything."

"Fine with me, but the portions are so big that you'll never finish the first one."

"I figured we could share," she says softly.

Leaning into her, I murmur, "Normally, I don't share, but for you, I'd make an exception."

Her breath hitches. "How are you...doing, that is? It can't be easy going from being confined and told what to do twenty-four/seven to...this."

The change in subject throws me off balance. How did we go from flirting to my emotional state of being?

"If you don't want to talk about it, that's okay, but I've been worried about you."

Since I've gotten out of prison, the first thing people ask me about is prison. What it's like, if it's as bad as on television...was I someone's bitch-you know, real investigative stuff that shows me just how much they care. But Piper's not asking about all of that. She wants to know about me. How I feel.

It's odd to be treated this way.

"Sometimes, I'm afraid that the parole board will realize they made a mistake and will revoke my release." Only to Piper can I confess this and only because she won't tell another soul.

Instead of giving me a pat answer or assure me that nothing of the sort will happen, Piper simply smiles one of her sweet smiles and listens. Other than my prison therapist, I can't remember the last time someone actually listened to what I had to say.

"Other times, I want to do and see and experience everything life has to offer."

"What do you want to experience the most?" she asks.

To be in your arms, your body...to possess you and never let anyone else touch you. "I want to travel-what else?" I take another drink of my beer.

"To where?"

"Anywhere, but I can't right now. I can't leave the fucking states for another two years."

"You should make plans anyway."

"Seems like an exercise in futility."

"Only if you know for a fact that you would never be able to go. When it comes to a lifetime, two years isn't that long." She fiddles with the salt and pepper shakers. "I can help you plan a trip. Be your tour guide."

"You've changed," I say.

Her pretty eyes crinkle at the corners as she smiles. "Well, yes, I'm seven years older than when you last saw me. I'm not a teenager anymore."

"No, not that." I'd have to be a fucking idiot not to notice she's a woman. "You-you're talkative."

Immediately, she begins to stammer, "I-y-you...I thought we were having a really good conversation."

"We are." I scoot closer to her, so that our thighs are touching. "Baby, you just surprised me, is all. It wasn't that long ago that you couldn't actually carry on a conversation with me."

"I'm trying to be more like," she swallows again, "you, actually."

"Me?"

"Yes."

Though it's a very bad idea, I brush the back of my hand along her soft cheek. Her lashes flutter and her chin tips up, lining her luscious lips perfectly with mine. "Be you, kitten." I dip my head, fully intending to finally find out if she tastes as sweet as I've always imagined. "You are everything I-"

"Are you ready to order?"

Piper jumps, coming this close to banging my mouth with her forehead. The moment between us is lost. Discreetly adjusting myself, I glare at the waiter before turning to Piper.

"Ladies first."

With a guilty look on her face, she orders and then I place mine as well. Silently, we hand over the menus and wait for him to leave. Now that the air has cleared between us somewhat, I can get our conversation back on track and ask her about what had been on her mind earlier this evening.

"Whose ass do I have to beat?"

Her eyes widen. "Excuse me?"

"When you walked into the shop, you were upset."

"Oh, that." She looks away. "I have to talk to my parents."

Gently grasping her chin, I turn her to face me. My thumb rubs against her bottom lip and her tongue darts out, touching the tip. Blood and desire rush straight to my cock, and I struggle to keep my cool. Before she can do any more to me with her tongue, I let go of her.

"Want to talk about it?"

"You'll probably think my problems are silly."

"Try me."

She takes a deep breath, her gorgeous breasts rising and falling. "Either I get them to cosign a loan or pay for school, or I have to defer my classes until I can afford to pay. I don't want to ask them for help, and even if I did want their help, they most likely won't give it to me because I defied them by moving out."

"You're twenty-four, baby. Don't they want you to get a life?"

A bitter smile covers her face. "Only the life that is acceptable to them."

"What would that look like?" I ask, although I already know the answer.

"Trophy wife for Mark Williams," she says softly. "A house in The Oaks, two kids, country club membership, and weekly charity events."

There are very few people I hate in this life, but that fuckwit Mark Williams ranks at the top of the list. He's a privileged, entitled piece of shit who thinks that every woman is fair game-whether they want him or not.

Yet, guys like me-tatted up and with a rap sheet that doesn't include domestic violence or sexual assault-would never be welcomed into their ranks, much less allowed to date their daughters.

"Did you want that kind of life before you rebelled?" I have to admit it takes guts to do what Piper did. She defied her parents, and for someone who not even a few months ago was afraid of her own shadow, that's a big fucking deal.

"I've never wanted that kind of life, but no one cares what I want," she says, sounding so sad that I want to comfort her. To take her in my arms and swear to watch out for her always. It's a sick obsession I have with her.

"I care," I blurt before I can consider the ramifications.

Hope and wonder infuse her expression. She looks at me like I've just offered her the world, like I'm her knight in shining armor. Shit. I can't have that.

"You do?" Slowly she places her hand over mine and squeezes lightly. "Then you know-you have to know-that I care about you, too. A lot." She visibly swallows. "So much, Jase. I always have."

I nod slowly, even as I know the words I'm about to utter will take that look of softness and hero worship out of her eyes for good. "Yeah, me, too. Why wouldn't we care about each other-we're like brother and sister. You were so good to me while I was in prison, sending care packages like you did."

"Brother and sister?" She gives me a blank stare for a minute, then all the blood rushes from her face, leaving her pale. "I don't-that's not what I meant-I-no, I care-"

"Tonight, dinner's on me, and I won't take no for an answer."

The light dims from her eyes. Her mouth drops open slightly before she snaps it shut. "Thank you," she says tightly.

Our drinks are delivered to us along with a plate of bread sticks.

Feeling like a first-rate asshole, I take a drink of my beer and nod at the hostess, who hasn't stopped staring at me since we walked in. I have to drive my point home with Piper. There is no us. No possibility of us. Ever. To think otherwise is an exercise in futility, no matter how much Piper can possibly argue against that.

Taking my nod as an invitation, the hostess saunters over to our table, places her hands on top, and leans forward so that I can get a better view of her tits. "Is there something you need, sir?"

"Your number," I say, pulling out my cellphone and pushing it toward her. "I'm having a party next Friday night. Be there because things won't be as good if you're not." Yeah, it's a lame line, but honestly, my heart's not in it. My brain's not in it. My libido is not into it. I don't give a good damn if she shows up or not.

"I can't let that happen," the hostess purrs. "I'll be sure to bring some of my friends...if you don't mind. I'm Georgia."

"Not at all, Georgia. I'm Jase. This is my good friend, Piper."

I hear a soft whimper and slice my gaze to Piper.

The pain on Piper's face slays me. It hurts so fucking bad that I abruptly stop flirting and clear my throat. Piper becomes fascinated with the tablecloth and doesn't say a word.

"Yeah, so anyway, if you want to come, then come."

"I will. Thanks." With a slightly confused look on her face, Georgia walks away, leaving us alone once more, but the damage is done.

I hate myself for it. I fucking loathe what I did to her. In the end, Piper will thank me for doing this. For letting her know right away where she stands. Better to nip it in the bud now. This is what a good guy would do, right?

I clench my hands into tight fists. I want to hit something-mostly myself for hurting Piper.

The waiter appears with our food and refills our drinks.

"Looks good, huh?"

"Yes." Her eyes are downcast, hiding her emotions from me. "I'm sure I'll enjoy it."

"You're invited to the party, too."

"I won't be able to attend, but thank you for the invitation," she says in the most formal tone of voice I've ever heard.

"But you live with me."

"I have plans."

"With who?"

Finally she looks up at me, her dark eyes suspiciously shiny. "My parents."

"Sounds swell."

"Mm-hmm." Piper pushes around the food on her plate. "Always is."

"You could always skip it."

"I really don't have a choice. Besides, you should know what it's like to have to spend time with someone you don't really want to be around."

Ouch. "I like spending time with you."

She holds up a hand. "Stop talking and let me attempt to finish my meal. Please."

Jaw working, I nod once and dig into my food, tasting nothing. When the waiter comes by with the check, it's a relief for both of us. I pay the bill and head outside, making sure she's following me.

Where would she go-you're the one who brought her here.

Fuck my life. I'm adding insult to her hurt feelings. She has no choice but to ride with me.

"You want me to drive you home and then we can get your car later, or do you want me to take you to the shop to get your car first?" I ask, fitting the helmet on her once more. She stands there as docile as can be while allowing me to touch her.

"Whatever is more convenient for you," she says, avoiding my gaze.

"Either one works." I swing my leg over the seat and hold the bike steady while she climbs on behind me. It's almost a repeat of earlier today, but all of the excitement and anticipation have been sucked out of the air.

"Which one is closer?" she asks.

"The shop."

"I want to go there first."

Fuck. I did not mean to hurt her like this. "Piper, I'm sor-"

"It's okay, Jase. I mistook your kindness for something more, and that's on me, not you. Don't worry about it." She pats my shoulder a couple of times, and I bite back a groan.