Page 13 of North

The older man slapped Kai’s shoulder. “Good man.”

Kai walked over to the piano in the corner of the bar and sat on the stool. He sat there quietly for a minute, then pressed his hands to the keys and started to play.

It was some song I didn’t recognize, but it sounded good. The bar quieted as everyone turned to listen. Soon, Kai was lost in the music and bent over the keys.

“Wow,” Jess said.

“He’s really good,” I murmured.

“He’s way beyond good.”

“His mom wanted to learn to play. He took lessons with her. They’re both really good.”

Jess watched Kai for a bit. “His mom’s an alien, right?”

“Right. Her planet was called Florum. They were the enemy of the Gizzida, and Selena was taken prisoner. She’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.”

Colbie pulled Jess back into conversation.

“You got a clean bill of health?” Jameson asked.

“I’m fine. That damn monster was a pain in the ass.”

Jameson swirled his glass of beer. “They all are.” He paused. “Those suckers were hiding in the sand, waiting to ambush us.”

I felt a skitter of unease. “Yeah.”

“I hope Jess can help us understand what the hell is going on with them lately.”

Jess lifted her empty glass. “Who needs another drink?”

“Yeah, the next round is on the newbie,” Marc cheered.

“Only if you don’t call me newbie.” She headed to the bar.

I watched her. I liked the way she walked. She was wearing dark jeans that hugged her curves, and a tight, red T-shirt. Her black hair was in its usual ponytail.

Jameson and Zeke were talking, and I tuned out their conversation as I listened to Kai move onto a new song. This one was more upbeat and a few people got up to dance.

I looked back at the bar, wondering where Jess was. I wondered if she needed some help with the drinks.

Then I stiffened.

She was leaning against the bar, laughing with some muscle-bound guy I didn’t know. Maybe he was one of the firefighters? I’d seen him in here a few times. He was always charming a different woman. The man touched Jess’ arm, and she smiled and nodded.

I scowled. I…didn’t like it.

I rose to go and intervene. I was just looking out for her. She was new here. But before I’d taken a step, she grabbed a tray of drinks off the bar, smiled at the douche again, and headed back toward our table.

Relaxing, I sat down and blew out a breath.

Jess Ramos didn’t need me to look after her. She could look after herself.

And if I tried, I suspected she’d punch me.

Jess

Sipping my beer,I listened to the chatter of my squad.

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