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"I hope we're not keeping you fromanything." Millicent, looking out of place with her chic creampantsuit and discreet diamond earrings, murmured anxiously.

"Not at all. Hi Jason."

"Hi." He grinned at her and tookher hand in his. "I persuaded grandma to stop by and ask you tolunch."

"Ah-"

"We're going shopping for the newschool term."

"And I am sure you would not want tobe saddled with me."

"Please." His eyes were earnest,and he was still holding her hand. "I don't know what you saidto my dad, but he is not sending me off to boarding school."

"I am sure it's not anything I said.He decided that on his own."

"No." He shook his head. "Wewant to buy you lunch."

She looked up at the woman who smiledtentatively. "He begged and pleaded with me to stop here. Saidhe had to see you."

"And your dad specifically said he didnot want you coming here." Zuri reminded him. Tugging her handaway, she waved them towards a booth and waited for them to beseated. "I don't want to cause trouble."

"This doesn't count. It's daylight andI am with grams. Please come to lunch." He reached for her handagain and she felt the familiar tug at her heartstrings.

"As long as your grandmother agrees."

"I would love to have you."

"All right. Let me get some thingssettled and I will be right back. Would you like something to drink?"

They both declined.

"I'll just let my brother know that Iwill be gone for a while."

"Thanks."

She stopped and looked at him, herexpression softening. "Who passes up a free lunch?" Sheasked lightly as she walked away.

*****

He worried a little over his sister'sunwise involvement with the kid and his family but easily dismissedit when his eyes touched on the woman carting the heavy tray acrossthe room. Putting down the glass he had been polishing, he had topace himself not to rush over and wrestle the tray from her.

"We will not have you killingyourself." Forcing his tone to be light, he easily lifted thetray from her.

"It's not heavy."

Merely giving her a glance, he brought itover to the crowded table and efficiently served the patrons.

"Would you come with me?" Heasked quietly as soon as he had finished serving the last drink.

"Where?"

"You'll see." He beckoned toLinda and Gary to take over.

Careful not to touch her, he led the wayinto the small office and closed the door.

"What-" The rest was cut off whenhe hauled her into his arms and crushed her lips. It had been on hismind since this morning. The need to be with her. And he needed this.His hands roamed restlessly up and down her back as he drank from herlike a thirsty man. Ending the kiss, he cradled her head against hischest and fought for control.

"I'm sorry I was rough." He easedher away from him and searched her face anxiously. "Did I hurtyou?"