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and her eyes widened, but he could see the look of longing in them. This attraction he felt for her seemed to be mutual.
    He closed the distance and brushed his lips against hers. Instead of pulling away, she leaned into the kiss. Then her mouth moved on his and heat blasted through him. Her tongue brushed against his lips and he opened them, drawing it into his mouth. Intoxicated by the sweetness of her.
    He wrapped his arms around her and drew her tight to his body. Her soft breasts crushed against him and—God help him—he could feel her nipples harden through her shirt. His hand glided up her side, then he cupped her soft breast.
    She stiffened and jolted back, sucking in a breath. She shook her head, looking panic-stricken.
    “No, I can’t…” She was on her feet and racing for the door.
    He stood up and strode after her, scooping up her backpack on the way.
    She reached the entrance and grabbed the doorknob, but he grasped her arm before she could open the door.
    “Wait. Let’s talk…”
    Her head jerked around and she stared up at him, her eyes wide with … damn, was that fear?
    She backed against the door as if seeking escape.
    “No, I … need to go home.”
    “River, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything. You seemed to be enjoying the kiss and—”
    “No!” she flared. “I didn’t want you to do that. It’s not my fault.”
    “River…” He said her name in a calm, soothing voice as he drew her back from the door. This wasn’t a conversation for the neighbors. “I’m not saying it was your fault. I just misread the situation. I shouldn’t have touched you like that. I’m sorry.”
    She was breathing quickly and his chest tightened.
    “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked.
    She shook her head. “I just want to go home.”
    “Okay. I’ll drive you.”
    “No, I’ll take the bus.”
    He pulled his keys from the bureau drawer. “I’m going to drive you.”
    She glanced at him uncertainly as he drew her gently from the door and opened it.
    “I just want to ensure you get home safely. Okay?”
    She bit her lip, then finally nodded and stepped through the door.
    It was clear something had happened to her in the past. Something that had scarred her deeply. And, God damn it, he wanted to kill the bastard who’d done it.
    Present
    The waiter arrived with the bill and Kane paid.
    “Do me a favor and pack up the pie and have it sent to the young lady.” He handed him an extra twenty.
    “Of course, sir.”
    Kane scribbled her name and address on the back of his business card and handed it to the man, then left the restaurant.
    The memory of her pain that night still haunted him, and what had happened the next day had scarred her even more.
    Because of him.
    And he intended to make up for it somehow.
    *   *   *
    River stashed her purse in the locker at Giselle’s, feeling tired and cranky. She hadn’t slept well last night—of course she hadn’t after seeing Kane again. She was appalled at herself for the desire she had felt for him when he’d kissed her. For the fact she’d wanted that kiss … and more.
    He had hurt and betrayed her in college and she couldn’t let go of that pain. She couldn’t trust him.
    She went to the register as Louise unlocked the door. There were already customers waiting to come in. The big electronics store in the mall was having a huge sale that day with hourly specials and it looked like a lot of wives and girlfriends weren’t as interested in wireless routers.
    The morning was fast and furious and River wound up selling more in those few hours than she’d sold all week. She thanked her current customer as she handed the woman her bag and realized there was no one else waiting.
    “River.” Louise stepped beside her, a frown on her face. “You didn’t ask her to sign up for our text promotion.”
    Aw, damn.
    “Sorry, Louise, I—”
    “In fact, you haven’t signed up a single person today.”
    “It was really busy