Screwed Read Free Page B

of apples, four tins of tuna, a can opener and some peppers. The combination alone made him feel sick.
    “Erm, a stir fry.”
    She giggled. “Come on. I can get you the right stuff for a stir fry.” Piper linked arms with him and together they made their way through the supermarket.
    For several minutes Jesse forgot about the club life and everything else. Piper took his attention away, making him feel alive. The way he felt in her company was similar to the way he felt on a bike.
    “I promise you, chicken stir fry with fresh vegetables and the right sauces is much better than that pre-packed stuff you can buy. Better for you too.” She paid for her shopping, waiting for him.
    They headed out together.
    “Where are you parked?” she asked.
    “Over there.”
    “You’re right beside me.”
    “Wow, I must be lucky,” he said, smiling. His gut tightened at the lies he was spinning. All of a sudden the real reason he was pursuing her invaded his thoughts.
    “What’s the matter?”
    “Nothing. Do you want to come to my place? You can bring your shopping and I’ll put it in my fridge to keep. We could have some dinner, talk, get to know each other without coffee present.”
    He just created the perfect opening to get her alone away from prying eyes.
    ****
    The smile froze on her lips. Piper had so much fun shopping with him. She shouldn’t be giving him the time of day. Was he a stalker? How did he seem to know everything about her?
    Stop it, Piper.
    She always doubted everyone, especially men. Glancing over at the supermarket, she nibbled her lip trying to think about his question.
    “I promise, chicken stir fry is the only thing on the menu. I won’t be chopping you up or anything.” She saw his cheeks heat as he looked away.
    Piper laughed. “I’d love to have some food with you.”
    “Excellent. Do you want to follow me?”
    “Yes, I’m just going to make a call and then I’ll be with you.” She quickly put the bags into her car then climbed into the front seat. Her hands were shaking as she picked up her cell phone.
    “Hey, honey, what’s the matter?” John asked.
    “Dad, I’m going to be a bit longer. I’m going to a friend’s for dinner.”
    “A friend?”
    “Yeah, someone I’ve met recently. You wouldn’t know…him.” She hit her head wishing she’d not let the “him” out of the bag.
    “Him?”
    “No, please, don’t make a big deal out of this. Are you good to get dinner yourself? I’ve got everything for Sunday.”
    He tried to talk her out of going. Piper found herself wanting to go. Jesse gave her a thrill that she’d never experienced in her life.
    I deserve a thrill.
    “Be careful, honey. Let us know when you’re on the road.”
    He wasn’t happy but she didn’t care. “I will.”
    She disconnected the call and waved at Jesse, who laughed. Following close behind him, Piper felt her nerves starting to pick up. What the hell was she doing?
    “Just keep driving. You can do this, Piper. It’s only dinner. Nothing else.” She parked alongside him, surprised when he helped her with shopping before grabbing his own.
    Neither of them spoke on the way up to the apartment.
    Her hands were sweaty and she stood behind him while he opened the door. “Welcome to my home.”
    The scent of cigarette smoke was in the air with a hint of pine.
    “Sorry, I smoke.” He walked to the window, opening it up.
    “No, it’s fine. I don’t smoke but all of my dad’s boys do. Don’t worry about it. Can I put this beef in the fridge? I don’t want it to spoil.”
    “Sure. Put it in here.”
    He opened the fridge and she placed the beef inside, then stood to look at him.
    “Do you want to get started on the chicken?” Her stomach rumbled and she coughed, trying to cover up the sound.
    “I’m starving. If you don’t mind we can cook, eat, then watch a movie,” he said, emptying the bags onto the counter.
    “Watch out.” He’d tipped the contents of the bags onto the counter and