Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,20

and kind, and I truly do value it. It’s been a while since someone of the opposite sex has been so caring.

Of course, he’s probably just doing it because I’m his employee and my clothes were stolen.

I glance at my watch and realize I’m almost out of time. “I’m sorry to run, but I need to get to work.” I start to back away from where he stands.

“Have a good day, Mal.”

“Thanks, Walker. You too.”

I turn and hurry out of the store with not much time to spare. The drive to work goes quickly, but my mind is still back at Walmart. On Walker. I probably shouldn’t have told him about my clothes being stolen, but he caught me off guard in my crazy leggings. I was afraid he thought I was actually going to wear them to serve food to their customers. What a sight that would have been. I’m sure Gigi would send me home in two-seconds flat, and Isaac would probably have my final paycheck in his hand as I walked out the door.

No, there’s no way I’d jeopardize this job right now. I need the steady income, and the tips have been a nice little bonus too. It’s wonderful to get a portion of my money each day, instead of waiting until payday to get it all. It definitely helps so I can stock up on things I need for Lizzie and the apartment.

There are two workdays left this week. That’s two more days of tips. Maybe this weekend we’ll be able to get a few more necessities. Like better shoes and maybe a bed. I could really use one of those. That old, worn-down couch isn’t the most comfortable thing to sleep on, but I’m not going to complain. I’d endure years of discomfort if it meant Lizzie has what she needs.

My own well-being comes in second to hers.

She’s my everything.

Chapter Seven

Walker

I don’t knock on his door, I just push my way in. “Do you know where she lives?”

Numbers looks up from his computer screen. “Well, good morning to you too. What brings you in so early on a Thursday?”

“Mallory. Do you know where she lives?” I’m unable to mask my irritation, and even though I shouldn’t be, I’m taking it out on Isaac.

He sits up straight in his seat. “Yeah, why?”

My irritation turns to anger. I’m angry he knows where she lives. I’m angry because I don’t. And I’m angry that I’m angry about it. “Her clothes were stolen last night from the washer.”

“Seriously? What the hell?”

“I know,” I state, plopping down in one of the two chairs in his office. “I saw her this morning at Walmart buying new pants and she spilled the beans. Oh, she needs more shirts too. They got one of those, but maybe we can give her a few more. If she’s having to use a laundromat, it might be a little longer between trips. Make sure she has six or seven? Plus, I volunteered the use of your washing machine, if she needs one.”

I’m rambling, but I can’t seem to stop.

“Why not volunteer your own?”

“I did.”

Isaac just grins. “Interesting.”

“What is?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest, because I know whatever he’s about to say, I’m not going to like. Or I’m going to like it too much and have to deny the fuck out of it.

“You like her.”

Called it.

Deny it is…

“As an employee, she seems great,” I reply vaguely.

“And as a woman?” he asks, smirking at me.

“Not mine.”

Isaac barks out a laugh. “Because you have rules.”

“I do.”

He shrugs. “Well, your loss then,” he says, grinning, as he turns his attention back to his computer. “I’ll make sure she gets a few more shirts.”

“Thank you,” I reply, standing up and heading for the door.

Just before I cross the threshold, he calls my name. When I turn around, I meet his gaze. “You know, you’re usually one of the biggest rulebreakers I know.”

“What’s your point?” I ask.

Again, he shrugs his shoulders. “Just seems silly not to break your own rules every now and again.” Then he gives his full attention back to the computer, basically dismissing me.

That’s fine, because I’m stuck on what he actually said as I make my way down the stairs and out the back of the building. I don’t work until four, so there’s no reason for me to hang around for five hours. Besides, the whole reason I was in Walmart this morning was because Aunt Edna called, complaining her security light