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"I said ice cream honey, notmarriage." She patted his arm. "You worry too much."

"His dad--"

"Is warming up to him. I like him andI don't see why we can't hang out."

He glared at her. "He's fourteen."

Leaning sideways, she kissed his cheek. "Iwon't be long. I have a deposit to take to the bank after I leave thepark. And I need to stop and pick up some supplies while I am out."

"Zuri--"

"He needs a friend."

"Let him find one in his age group."Putting down the glass, he gripped her arm. "This is crazy. Youcannot be his mother."

Her eyes flashed. "I never saidanything like that. I am not even thinking it."

"Aren't you?"

"Let go."

He released her with a sigh. "Christ,you're aggravating."

"I could say the same about you."She glanced at Jazmine as she came around. "Don't let him biteyour head off," she muttered, before sailing away to greet theeager Jason.

"She's going to get herself introuble." Zach watched as she linked her hand through the boy'sarm. "And she won't listen to me."

"That's because you're bullying her."Jazmine touched his arm lightly and felt the familiar tingle.

"I am doing no such thing." Hisexpression softened as he stared at her. "When are you movingin?"

"In a week. I signed the lease and Zooand I are going to hunt around antique stores for original pieces."

"Do you have the keys?"

"Yep." Her eyes glowed. "Wantto swing by tonight? I could tell Zoo that I am going to spend thenight there and you come over whenever you can."

"I might knock off early." Hewanted to touch her so badly. "Bring some dinner and leave Zuriin charge. It would serve her right," he added darkly.

"Don't be too hard on her." Shetouched him again and found that she could not stop. Shoving herhands in the pockets of her denims, she bit her lip. "I'll justgo and help out in the kitchen."

"I do not want to keep us a secret anylonger." His voice was low with frustration.

"I'm not ready."

Sighing softly, he nodded and watched herwalk away.

*****

"I would like it if you would come fordinner."

"Double chocolate chip. My favorite."

He watched her lick ice cream off the coneand had to look away as his teenage heart went into overdrive. He hada crush on her and knew it was inappropriate but could not help it.She was so beautiful, he thought wistfully.

"Will you come?" They weresitting in the park on one of the benches facing the duck pond.

"No."