Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,44

before, and I know what’ll happen next. When she signs her name, she adds her cell phone number to the slip. “Just in case you’re lonely later,” she adds with a wink before strutting away.

Sighing, I slip the ticket into the drawer and move down the bar. Kallie is working the far end of the bar, while I have the side closest to Mallory. As if completely on their own, my eyes keep seeking her out, watching her as she just sits there, enjoying the music. It’s not silent anymore, but everyone respects those around them enough that they keep their voices down so everyone can hear Jameson.

He’s singing about a breakup when I notice Mallory typing on her phone. I finish pouring a draft beer and collecting the money before I head down to where she sits. “Still good?” I ask, grabbing her glass and topping off her Coke.

“Fine. Lizzie’s still sleeping. Isaac is insisting I stay,” she says, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. I can tell she’s nervous to be away from her daughter, and to be honest, I wouldn’t blame her if she left and went home.

“Do what makes you comfortable, Mal, but know he wouldn’t offer to keep her if he didn’t want to.”

Those green eyes meet mine. “He said that on the phone earlier.”

“And you should believe it. He’s a pretty blunt and straightforward guy. If he was ready to head out, he’d tell you.”

She nods and sets her phone back down on the bar. “Okay. I’ve just never left her at night like this before.”

I give her a small smile. “I know, but try to enjoy yourself. You’ve earned it tonight.”

She grins from ear to ear. “We did have a great night.”

“The best,” Duke adds, interrupting our conversation. He throws his arm around Mallory’s shoulder and gives it a little squeeze.

A growl erupts from my gut, completely out of nowhere. While Mallory’s eyes widen, Duke’s register understanding. “Ahh, so it’s like that.”

I just meet his eyes, silently confirming it’s exactly what he thinks. Well, maybe not exactly. I’m sure he thinks I’m screwing her, which I’m not—not yet, at least—but I’m not about to confirm nor deny anything.

Duke laughs and turns to Shannon. “You still need a ride home?”

“Yep,” she replies, glancing at her watch. “Wow, it’s already after ten thirty.”

“Yeah. I’m supposed to meet up with some friends,” he says, pushing his empty glass across the bar. “Thanks for the drink, Walker.”

I nod once, clearing off their empties and setting them in the sudsy clean water. “You okay to drive?”

“Yeah, of course. I just had one and it’s been gone a while. I feel fine.”

“Okay. If not, let me know. Jasper should be done in the kitchen and he can run ya both home.”

“Naw, I’m good. Thanks though.” Duke turns to Mallory. “Great working with you tonight. You did great.” He squeezes her knee lightly and takes off toward the back hallway.

“I’m glad you were able to fill in tonight. Maybe we’ll work together again soon,” Shannon says to Mallory before following behind Duke.

When Mal turns back to me, she gives me a shy grin. “They seem nice.”

I nod, wiping down the area around her. “They are. We have good kids here,” I tell her.

“Duke is…friendly,” she adds, trying her damnedest to fight a grin.

“He’s a smart kid,” I tell her, resting my elbows on the counter and leaning toward her. “He knows a gorgeous woman when he sees one.”

“Kid, huh?”

“I think he’s twenty-three.”

She mimics my position and bends toward me. “Maybe I like younger guys,” she whispers, just over the noise around us.

“Do you, Mal? Like younger guys?”

It takes her a second before she slowly shakes her head. “Nope. Six years is a little too young for me.”

“Hmm, so that makes you twenty-nine. What about older guys? Do you like older ones?”

She shrugs, her blonde ponytail falling over her shoulder. “Depends on how much older,” she replies, teasing.

“Three years older.”

“That’s not so bad. As long as he has a nice smile. I’m a sucker for that,” she says, grinning.

My own smile is slow and definitely reaches my eyes. “Good smile. Got it. What about a nice ass too? I’ve heard a lot of pros about my ass, Mal.”

She barks out a laugh, and before she can reply, I catch movement out of the corner of my eye.

“You better get your dumb ass over to where they’re backed up two deep, or your nice ass is gonna be out of a