Page 15 of Piston

I raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

He sighed. "I'm sorry, alright? I acted like a fool and I want to make it up to you. Let me take you to dinner tonight. Somewhere nice, not the usual dive bar grub."

My hands stilled, scissors poised in midair. Dinner? With Piston? My mind reeled. Part of me wanted to tell him to go to hell, that I was done with his games. But another part, the part that still got revved up when he walked in the room, hesitated.

"I don't know, Piston. Last time we went out, things got...complicated." Messy was more like it.

"No complications, I swear. Just dinner and a chance for me to show you I'm not a total jerk. What do you say?"

I finished the last snip of Piston's hair, buying myself a moment to think. My gut told me this was a bad idea, that I should keep my distance. But I couldn't deny the pull between us, the curiosity that made me want to see where this could go.

"Fine," I said, setting down the scissors. "Dinner. But that's it. No funny business."

Piston grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Scout's honor."

I rolled my eyes. "Somehow I doubt you were ever a Boy Scout."

He chuckled as he stood, shaking loose hairs from his shoulders. "7 o'clock? I'll swing by your place."

I nodded, my stomach doing a little flip. What was I getting myself into?

We left the salon together, the evening air cool on my skin. I locked up, aware of Piston's presence behind me, solid and magnetic.

"I'll follow you," he said, straddling his bike. "Need to make a quick stop on the way."

"Alright. See you in a few." I hopped in my car, watching Piston's taillights disappear around the corner.

The drive home was a blur, my mind buzzing with thoughts of the night ahead. Dinner with Piston. Just dinner. But as I pulled into my driveway and saw him waiting, all leather and danger, I knew it was more than that.

I climbed off my car, grabbing my stuff from the back seat. Piston watched me, his gaze intense.

"Ready?" he asked, voice low.

I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry. "Yeah. Just let me drop this inside."

He followed me to the door, close enough that I could feel the heat of him. I fumbled with my keys, my hands shaking slightly. Get it together, I told myself. It's just dinner.

But as I stepped inside, Piston's eyes on my back, I knew I was lying to myself. This wasn't just dinner. This was the start of something, something I wasn't sure I was ready for. But damn if I didn't want to find out.

The rumble of Piston's bike filled my ears as we sped down the highway, wind whipping through my hair. I clung to his waist, my cheek pressed against the smooth leather of his cut. The vibrations of the engine coursed through my body, a thrill I couldn't ignore.

"Hold on tight, darlin'," Piston called over the roar. "We're just getting' started."

My heart raced, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this alive, this free. With every mile, the tension between us seemed to melt away, replaced by a raw, electric energy.

Piston took a sharp turn, leaning into the curve. I followed his lead, pressing closer, my thighs gripping his hips. A rush of heat flooded through me, desire mingling with the exhilaration of the ride.

All too soon, we pulled into the parking lot of a small, hole-in-the-wall joint. Piston killed the engine, the sudden silence deafening. He helped me off the bike, his hands lingering on my waist a moment longer than necessary.

"Welcome to The Greasy Spoon," he said with a grin. "Best damn burgers in town."

I looked at the quirky restaurant, its neon sign flickering in the twilight. The place had character, that was for sure.Mismatched chairs, graffiti-covered walls, and a jukebox that looked like it had seen better days.

"I like it," I said, smiling up at Piston. "Definitely not what I was expecting."

"I'm full of surprises, darlin'." He draped an arm over my shoulders, guiding me inside.

The interior was just as eclectic as the outside, with old license plates and vintage posters covering every inch of wall space. The air smelled of grease and spices, making my mouth water.

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