Neither of them spoke, just looked at each other.

“I can’t stop thinking about you.” He didn’t sound pleased about that. “So we need to have sex, then we can settle into living in the same town without the tension for a while until I leave.”

The direct approach was usually Piper’s way—okay, so maybe not this direct—but having it thrown back at her with such a cold delivery set her teeth on edge. And then there was the conversation she’d just had with Chad about his supposed “vacation romances.” Romance, it seemed, was indeed dead.

“No thanks.”

“Why? You’re lying if you say you don’t want me.”

The arrogance of that statement actually took her breath away.

“We both have the itch, so let’s scratch.”

“Real slick, Dylan. Surely that’s not your usual line?”

“What?” He looked confused.

“That bullshit pickup line.”

“It wasn’t a line, it was the truth. I’ve pretty much wanted to have you naked beneath me since I saw you in that diner, and I know you feel the same.”

Piper wanted to clench her legs together as they threatened to give way, but she wasn’t showing him how much those words affected her.

“I don’t, and even if I did I’m not an animal and can control my urges. Believe me, that’s all you could ever be, an urge. Besides, I have Chad to consider.”

One side of his mouth kicked up as he moved even closer, leaving a total of ten inches between them.

“That preppy lightweight you were eating with? The one who had his hands all over you on the dance floor? You’re not interested in him.”

The fact that she felt the same about Chad had absolutely no bearing on this conversation.

“He’s nice, and—”

“He won’t rock your world like I will.”

The words were delivered in a low, deep tone that made her insides quiver.

“You did not just say something as cheesy as that.” Piper attempted to laugh but it turned into a cough as her mouth was suddenly dry.

She was in sooooo much trouble.

Chapter 12

She was making him crazy, Dylan thought. Women did not take up space inside his head, but this one was. He thought about her constantly, and when he saw Piper it was like sticking his finger in an electrical socket.

Dylan had watched her on that dance floor, fending off that shithead. He’d fought the urge to storm over there and plant his fist in the man’s face. It was disturbing to think a woman he knew nothing about, and wasn’t entirely sure he liked, could wring so much emotion out of a man who usually had none.

“Why are you fighting this?”