Page 14 of Jack

"The rest is in the trunk of therental." She laughed breathlessly. "I did not want to seemas if I am moving in permanently."

"It's not a problem. Zoo is tidyingup."

"Oh! I did not want to put her to anytrouble."

"No trouble at all." They bothturned to see the topic of their conversation descending the stairs."I see you've met my brother." She glanced at him beforegoing to her friend. "Come on up."

"I'll get the rest of your things,"Zach assured her.

He watched them walk up the stairs and hadto wait a few seconds to settle his heart. This was ridiculous, hemused angrily. The woman was just coming out of a painful marriage,and he was just recovering from a nasty deal with a woman who hadtried to place impossible demands on his time and resources. She hadalso been jealous of his relationship with his sister. That hadclinched it for him. Without hesitation, he had told her to take adamn hike.

So, it's settled, he did not need anycomplications and neither did that sweetly beautiful woman who wouldbe staying with them. He would keep his distance. That decided, hewent outside to get the cases.

*****

"I want to help."

"Help with what?" Zuri turnedfrom hanging up a lovely silk blouse that she intended to borrow. Shehad a brown velvet skirt that would go very well with it.

"In the bar." Jazmine bounced onthe bed, her eyes sparkling. "Put me to work."

Zuri eyed her curiously, a small smiletouching her lips. "You don't know anything about tending a bar.It's hard work, hauling trays. Mixologist is Zach's and Gary's forteand I've been known to draw a pint or two, but I am not an expert. Ideal with the accounting side of things."

"Before you came here, you wereworking in corporate," she pointed out.

"And you have been modeling,"Zuri pointed right back.

"I can learn. I will handle the trayor do clean up or even help with the accounts. Anything. It will takemy mind off my worries." She looked so earnest that Zuri did nothave the heart to say no. She wondered what her brother would have tosay to it.

"Okay, honey. If you're certain."

"I am. It's a lovely place, Zoo."Her expression turned wistful. "I just want to forget for aminute that my life is a mess."

Before she could respond, there was adiscreet knock on the open door.

"I have your cases."

"Oh, thank you," Jazmine told himwarmly.

"You're most welcome. Well—"Zach cleared his throat and was about to turn away when his sistercalled out to him.

"Jaz wants to help out in the bar. Itold her she could."

"I don't have any experience, but I ama quick study," Jazmine added, expression pleading. "I willwash dishes or glasses or sweep and mop the floor, anything. I won'tbe any trouble and it's a way to show my appreciation."

His resolve to stay away from her took acrashing blow and he felt himself weakening. Agreeing to something henever would have in different circumstances, he found himselfnodding. "Of course."

Zuri stared at the closed door, puzzled. "Iexpected arguments and a flat refusal." She shrugged and reachedover to hug her friend. "We're going to have so much fun. Nowhoney, rest a little and grab something from the kitchen. Treat theplace like home."

Jazmine gripped her hand, eyes blurring."Thank you."

"You're welcome."

*****

He thought about it. Very hard and long. Hewas still grounded, but his dad was away for a couple days. Somethingabout the shopping mall in Manhattan that had some glitches. And hisgrandmother had a spring thing she was obligated to attend as she wasthe host or something or organizer. He would be left on his own witha house full of servants. And since his father never usually checkedup when he was away, he would not be missed.

He would sneak out and get to the bar tosee Zuri. She had been on his mind since that night, and he wanted tosee her.

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