Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,18

head back upstairs.

My heart is racing as I unlock the door, making sure it’s fortified tight behind me. First stop is the small second bedroom, where I find Lizzie sleeping in the exact same position she was in earlier. The thought of leaving her unattended, even for five minutes, is enough to send me into a panic attack, but sometimes a single mom has to do what a single mom has to do. Maybe I should look into a cheap baby monitor for future laundry trips.

I use the bathroom sink to wash my bras and hang them over the curtain rod to dry, humming a tune I can’t seem to get out of my head. As I’m hanging my final undergarment, I realize where I’ve heard that particular song. It was playing on the jukebox the last time I went over to the bar to get drinks. The time when he told me it was his job to take care of me. I don’t know why I took it the way I did. He didn’t mean personally, other than in the work-sense. He takes care of me as he takes care of all the employees at Burgers and Brew.

I’m nothing special.

Yet, that doesn’t explain why my heart got all excited and did a pirouette in my chest when he said it.

I’ve thought of Walker on and off all day. I’m sure I’ll never forget the look in his eyes when he saw me talking to Isaac. It was almost predatory, envious even, which is silly because I’m nothing more than an employee to either. The man who hired me stopped me before I could escape to make sure I was okay from the lunchtime incident. The moment he asked, his hazel eyes so full of concern, I almost broke down in tears. The only thing that saved me from doing just that was seeing Walker standing there, watching us.

I can see why women would be attracted to Isaac. His dark hair is styled nicely, and he has high cheekbones that only seem to highlight his handsome face. The problem is, I’m not attracted to him. In fact, the comfort level I feel with him is more like siblings than anything else. After the interview, he asked a few personal questions and offered a few suggestions as far as used furniture stores, the best times to grocery shop, and even which parks have the best and safest playground equipment for Lizzie. He’s a great guy, and one I’d happily call my boss and my friend.

Then there’s Walker.

Even though I try not to think about him, I do. Too much. From his drop-dead gorgeous face to his muscular build. Plus, those eyes. And that smile. And those big hands. Not to mention the way his jeans hug his hips and form around his ass.

Exhaling, I glance at the clock and realize it’s about time to switch the laundry over. Grabbing my keys again, I check on Lizzie before slipping out of the apartment. I make my way down the flights of stairs and to the basement, the scent of mildew and dampness filling the air.

First thing I notice is my bag on the floor. I had left it sitting on top of the washer so someone would know it was in use, but the vibrations of the spin cycle probably sent it flying. When I open the lid, I glance down, stumped.

It’s empty.

I close the lid and open it a second time, as if by some voodoo magic, clothes will suddenly reappear. They don’t, however, and I’m left staring in shock at the empty basin. I check the second washer, only to find it empty as well. Even though the dryers have an out of order sign taped to the top, I check them too. Both empty.

My clothes are gone.

***

Mrs. Fritz lets me drop Lizzie off thirty minutes earlier than our agreed upon time so I can run to Walmart and buy some black pants. I’m damn lucky I only lost one of my work shirts. I still have four more, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need to be more careful. Apparently, you really shouldn’t leave clothes unattended in the basement laundry room.

Case in point: my missing clothes.

Worst part is I don’t really have many to begin with. When I left Gibson, I was more concerned with making sure Lizzie had everything she needed, and my personal belongings came secondary to hers. So, here I am driving across town to Walmart