When We Fall (Take the Fall, #2)(14)

“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 *, 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 f*cking 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 f*cking 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.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“Are you sure we’re okay?” This time, I turn to look at her, but the tinted visor is over her eyes.

“Peachy,” came her muffled reply.

The ride back to her car isn’t anything close to what it was on the way over. Despite the fact that she’s holding on to me, her body is stiff as a board. As soon as I pull into the parking lot and come to a stop, she practically jumps off and yanks at the straps of the helmet before tossing it to me.

“Thanks for the ride and dinner,” she calls out.