Page 54 of Jack

The startled look he threw her was almostlaughable, if it was not so serious.

"Why?"

"Just-it doesn't matter. How isJason?"

"Feeling much better," he eyedher in that unfathomable way of his as he picked up his glass. "Hehas a huge crush on you."

That startled a laugh from her. "Maybea little one."

Jack inclined his head. "More thanthat." He took a bite of his excellent beef. "You run abar."

Her spine stiffened at the tone of voice.Mildly interested and disdainful or at least that was what it soundedlike to her.

"Yes, I do."

"You never wanted to do anythingelse?"

Anger flashed in her eyes. "For yourinformation, I was an executive assistant working for an asshole whothought he was God's gift both to the financial world and the ladies.He was neither." She drank more champagne. "That bar hasbeen in our family for generations and when my dad died, I decidedthat I had had enough of working for that prick and resigned. Mybrother needed help and it's working out."

He gazed at her passionate face and feltthe familiar emotions taking over. Christ Almighty! What the hell wasit about her that made him so crazy with need? Hoping to divert hisattention, he concentrated on the meal for a few minutes.

He was unsettled and edgy and wanting herwas making him crazy.

"I did not mean to offend you,"he said softly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched theemotions play over her face.

She sighed, her anger dissipating. "It'sokay. I guess I'm just a bit sensitive about it."

"What do you most enjoy about runningthe bar?" he asked, steering the conversation to safer waters.

She smiled, a genuine smile that reachedher eyes. "The people. They come from all walks of life, andeach one has a story. It's never boring."

He nodded, appreciating her candor. "Ican understand that. It's a part of your heritage and you'represerving it. That's admirable."

Her eyes softened at his words, and shefelt herself relax. "Thank you, Jack."

Sensing the tension easing, he took a sipof his wine, savoring the taste. "So, tell me more about yourbrother. He's the one who needed help with the bar, right?"

"Yes," she replied, her tonelightening. "Zach is a great guy, but he was struggling to keepthings afloat on his own. We make a good team."

Jack found himself genuinely interested asshe spoke of her sibling, noting the affection and respect in hervoice. "Family can be a powerful motivator, I suppose." Notthat I would know, he thought bitterly, feeling the loss of thatparticular feeling deeply, just now.

She nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Itcertainly can. We've been through a lot together, but it's brought uscloser."

He nodded and lapsed into silence. Zuriglanced at his bent head uncertainly, aware that the conversation hadsomehow become painful for him. And she found herself wishing hewould open up to her.

"How's the meal?" His voice wasscrupulously polite as he looked up and met her eyes.

"Wonderful," she enthused, eventhough she had lost her appetite.

He nodded again and went back to his meal.

"There's dessert."

She shook her head ruefully. "I amfull. Maybe later."

"Maybe. Coffee?"

"No."

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