“Yes—because I’m the last guy you should ever get with even if you were.”

Her mouth fell open. “Why’s that?”

“Never mind. Now that you have your drink, I’ll leave you alone.”

She caught him by the sleeve as he turned away. “You’re going?”

“Isn’t that what you want me to do?”

She bit her bottom lip. “I don’t know. You’re… confusing. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you.”

He couldn’t imagine she’d associated with many ex-cons. No doubt she’d be horrified if he were to tell her he’d spent more than 40 percent of his life behind bars. Chances were she wouldn’t even be willing to talk to him.

He’d met other women like that, who thought he must be the devil incarnate, especially here in Silver Springs, where so many people knew Jada’s family and how he’d hurt them. Some women were drawn to the “danger” of associating with a “bad boy” like him but, sadly, those who were drawn to him were often like Tonya—a mess themselves.

“That’s probably a safe assumption,” he said with a grin.

She seemed further confused by his response and the fact that he not only accepted her words, he agreed with them. “Let me get this straight. What, exactly, are you offering me?”

He gestured at the table. “A seat.”

“That’s all?”

“What more do you want?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know anything right now. I feel like I’ve just been put through a meat grinder.”

He’d never experienced heartbreak on the level she seemed to be experiencing it—not the romantic kind. But pain was pain, and he was certainly acquainted with that. “Well…I’m a good listener, if you need to talk.”

She kept her gaze fastened to his as she took another sip of her drink. “A man who looks as good as you do is never quite that harmless.”

He heard the barista call his name above their conversation and those of everyone else in the shop. His coffee was ready. “How long will you be in town?” he asked.

“Not long. Just a few weeks.”

“How much damage could knowing me do in such a short time?”

“I’m already a wreck. I doubt knowing you could do any more damage,” she admitted.

“Then what do you have to lose?” He held out his hand. “Can I see your phone?”

She pulled her cell from her purse and, somewhat skeptically, let him take it, watching as he added his name and number to her contacts. “I’ll leave you alone for today. You can have my table. But if you need a friend while you’re here, you’ve got someone to call,” he said and picked up his drink before walking out.

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