Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,90
girl?”
Mallory smiles an honest to goodness smile that reaches into my soul and gives it wings to fly. “Yes, please.”
We walk up the stairs, hand in hand, and by the time we reach the third floor, she’s yawning from exhaustion. Mal doesn’t pull out her keys but knocks on the door instead. The locks are released, and a chain moved before the door opens, revealing Jameson. He looks relieved when he sees us both standing there.
“Fuck, thank God,” he mumbles, opening the door widely for us to enter. Then he does something very un-Jameson like. He hugs me.
I find myself returning his hug, patting his back hard, and so fucking grateful he responded to my text as quickly as he did. He was able to get Lizzie away and out of there before she saw something no little girl should witness. She already watched her father be carted off in cuffs, and fortunately, she was too young to remember it. The last thing I’d want is for her to remember me that way.
“Thank you,” I tell him, when he finally releases his hold.
“It was nothing,” he downplays, but I’m already shaking my head in argument.
“It wasn’t nothing, Jame. What you did,” I start, but pause to collect my thoughts. “You saved my family.”
I feel Mal brush by me and throw her arms around my friend’s waist, hugging him tight. “Thank you for protecting Lizzie.”
He looks uncomfortable as he awkwardly pats her on the back. It’s like he doesn’t want to get too close, which makes me grin. He’s a damn good friend. “I’d do whatever is necessary to protect you and Lizard, Mal. Promise,” he vows.
When she pulls back, she glances down at his hand. “Oh my God, your hand!” Mallory takes off for the kitchen, leaving us standing in the middle of the living room.
Jameson glances down and squeezes a fist. “It’s fine,” he hollers, but it falls on deaf ears.
Mallory returns a few seconds later with a frozen bag of peas and reaches for his hand. “Give me.”
Reluctantly, he moves his swollen hand her way, placing his palm against hers. He stands there, while she nurses his hand with frozen vegetables to alleviate the swelling. With his left hand, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a set of keys. “Here. All new locks on the door. You can give a set to the super, but we decided to change them after the police left and not wait for him to show up.”
Mallory looks at him, a small smile on her lips. “Thank you.”
Jameson shrugs. “We wanted you safe.”
“I’m staying here tonight, but then she’s moving into my place. I’m installing a security system as soon as possible and want those cameras where I can see the property on my phone.”
Jameson nods and pulls his hand from Mallory’s grasp, giving her back the thawing veggies. “Thanks,” he says to her before turning his attention to me. “I’ve got a friend who can give you a recommendation.”
“Appreciate it.”
“Well, I’m going to head home. Call if you need anything,” Jameson says, heading for the door.
I pass him his keys for his Nova and open the door. “Thanks again, man, for everything.”
He grips my shoulder and squeezes. “We got your back, man.” Jameson leans in and adds quietly, “So does she. She was all sorts of hysterical when she came out of her bedroom, adamant that you were set up.”
I grin. “I know. I’m lucky to have her.”
He nods and steps into the hallway. “You are. Don’t forget it.” My oldest friend throws a wave over his shoulder and heads for the stairs.
Once the door is locked, including the knob and a new deadbolt, as well as the chain engaged, I move to my girl. “How about we go lie down?”
Mallory yawns, as if on cue. “I’m ready.”
I flip off the light switches and reach for her hand, leading her to the hallway. Our first stop is the small room across the hall. My intention is to merely peek in on her, but my feet carry me to her small bed. I crouch down and brush long blonde curls off her forehead. When my fingers connect with her soft skin, her sleepy green eyes open.
“Walk,” she whispers, grinning up at me. “Did you have a fun wide?”
I snort a laugh. “I’m not sure I’d call it fun, but it was interesting, Lizzie.”
“Can I snuggle wiff you, Walk?”
Smiling down at the little girl who owns my heart, I reply, “Absolutely.”