Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,81

though, because my name was on the sheet.”

“Well, that’s good,” Isaac replies, trying to wrap his head around what I told them. “What now?”

I sigh. “I’m going to have to talk to Mallory. She’s never really given me the details about her ex and whatever happened back when she left. I figured she’d tell me when she was ready, but now, I might need to push her for facts sooner rather than later.” I glance at my friend. “Did she ever say anything to you about him?” I hate that Isaac may know more about her past than I do, but I have to know.

Isaac shakes his head. “Not really. When she interviewed, she just said she was new in town and was a single mom. I told her we’d work with her, since I was raised by a single mom too. Hell, we all were,” he says, pointing to our small group. In fact, Jasper is the only one of all of us whose parents are still together.

I sigh and glance over to where Lizzie is coloring. “I’m going to have to talk to her soon. I want her to know he’s in town and what happened.”

“Definitely, and we’ve got her back,” Jameson states adamantly.

“Thanks, guys. I guess keep a watch out for a single guy. He’s a little shorter than me and a lot skinnier. Dark hair and eyes. He was wearing a white shirt, jeans, and leather jacket.”

Jameson nods. “I’m on it.”

“All right, well, I guess Lizzie and I will head down for lunch. Any chance you can send Mal into the bar for a few minutes?”

“I’ll make sure her tables are covered so you can talk,” Isaac insists.

“Thanks, guys.”

I carry Lizzie, while Jameson grabs the crayons and book, and head downstairs. I glance in the restaurant and spot Mallory right away. She’s smiling as she delivers plates of burgers to a table, which makes me smile automatically. At least I know she’s safe here.

We head for the small pub table in back, Jameson already retrieving the booster seat I keep in my office for Lizzie. Once it’s secured to the chair, I set her down and help her fasten the buckle. Lizzie goes right back to coloring her masterpiece. I’m sure it’ll hang on my office wall with the dozens of other pictures she’s colored for me.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” Mallory asks as she approaches our table. I spot Isaac behind her, jumping in and taking care of helping her tables.

“Mommy!” Lizzie hollers. “See my puntin?”

“Wow, look at that hat. It’s a fabulous pumpkin,” she tells her daughter, kissing her on the crown of her head before glancing my way.

“Hi.”

“Hey,” I reply, pulling her into my arms and kissing her lips. I don’t even care we’re in the place we work. Up until this moment we’ve refrained from any sort of PDA in front of my employees, but today, I don’t care. I need her in my arms. I need to feel her lips against mine. When I glance down at those green eyes, I can’t help but recall my earlier proclamation. I had told her I loved her. I’ve never been in love before, but I know without a doubt, that’s exactly what this is. The thought of something happening to her or Lizzie makes me want to crawl out of my skin. “Can we talk for a minute?” I ask, slipping my hand around hers.

“Now?” she asks, glancing over her shoulder to the restaurant. “We’re pretty busy.”

“I know, but this will only take a second. Isaac has your tables and Jameson will stay with Lizzie.”

She seems hesitant, but nods. Mallory is quiet as I lead her to my office and close the door. “What’s wrong?” she whispers.

I lean against my desk and pull her between my legs. With my hands resting on her lower back, I place a quick, chaste kiss on her lips and take a deep breath. “Something happened at pickup.”

Mallory tenses against me. “What?”

“A man showed up, claiming to be Lizzie’s father.”

I watch as my words register. Surprise and fear flit through her eyes as they widen. “What?” she gasps, those green eyes I’ve fallen in love with filling with tears.

“Miss Hanson wouldn’t let Lizzie come outside or release her to him, especially since I was there, and my name was on the sheet.”

She opens her mouth, but nothing comes out right away. She swallows hard and blinks away the tears threatening to fall. I move my arms to