Page 17 of Jack

"I know that," she snapped. "Hisfather is too busy to pay him any mind and his mother sold him."

A frown touched his brow. "You'regoing to have to explain that to me."

She did, telling him what Jason had toldher.

"I feel it for the kid, but the pointis—he does not belong in a bar. He needs to go the hell home.Call him an Uber."

"He just wants to hang—"She held up a hand as he opened his mouth to blast her.

"Okay, fine. I will take him home."

"Take him? Zuri—"

"I don't need your blasted permission.I am going to take him home."

He grabbed her arm as she turned to leave.

"You're getting involved."

"So what?"

His eyes glittered at her tone. "Youknow better."

She shrugged his hand away. "I'll beback shortly."

He watched her leave in frustrated silenceand stayed there to get his emotions under control. He knew hissister well and knew when she was on a crusade. And that nothing wasgoing to stop her from looking out for that damn kid.

Passing his hand over his hair, he wentback down and went behind the bar, just in time to see Jazminecarefully building a pint.

Lifting her head, she flashed a smile athim that had his insides melting as if someone had set a match.

"I see you're getting the hang of it."

She had on some sort of peach lipstick thatwas dying to be kissed.

"I think so. Gary says I am anatural." She finished mixing the drink and slid it forward.

"I think he's right. Aren't youtired?"

"Not in the least." She laughedbreathlessly, reaching behind her to take out two cans of coke and aginger ale. "I love it. Thanks for giving me the opportunity."

"Anytime." His insides ached asshe tossed back her single braid and put the things on a tray.

"I'll be back." She grinned athim and sauntered through the swinging doors.

For a few minutes he had forgotten hisworries with his sister. His gaze followed her as she made therounds. She had a way about her. She stood there at the table withthe family of five, three kids and their parents and engaged them.

With a resigned sigh, he turned hisattention to the men around the bar and went back to work.

As the evening wore on, he couldn't helpbut steal glances at her. She was a breath of fresh air, a whirlwindof enthusiasm and charm that lightened the mood of everyone sheencountered. Her laughter, soft and musical, drifted across the barlike a soothing balm, easing his worries bit by bit.

He was wiping down the counter when he sawher returning, her face flushed from the warmth of the room and thejoy of the interaction. She placed the empty tray down and stretched,a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"It's really busy tonight," shesaid, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "But I love it."

He nodded, unable to keep his eyes off her."You're doing great, Jazmine. The customers seem to really likeyou."

She chuckled, her gaze meeting his. "I'mjust being myself. Besides, it's fun talking to everyone."

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