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"Zach--" he paused long enough totouch a hand to Jazmine's arm and shook his head.

"I am not going to kill her just yet,"he muttered grimly as he went after his sister.

He found her calm as you please, seatedbehind the desk and filing invoices. "I think we should source acheaper market for the napkins. Tommy's is robbing us blind. Oh, andI was thinking that we could add a full meal on Wednesdays. Thosetourists from Texas suggested it and I think it's a good idea."

"What are you doing?" heglowered.

"Why, I am doing paperwork of course.What does it look like?"

"Don't mess with me Zoo. Why the hellis Jack Hadley on his way here?"

"To warn me to stay away from his son,no doubt." She waved a negligent hand and continued with herwork.

"I warned you about getting involvedwith that kid, didn't I?"

"You sure did. Send him back when hearrives."

"I am coming back with him." Hepassed a hand over his face. "Christ Zoo! Are you intent ongiving me migraines? What the hell is it with this kid that has youso reckless?"

"I like him." Pushing the papersaway, she angled her chin. "He's begging to be loved, and no oneis listening."

"Except you."

"So?"

"It's not your bloody problem!"

"I made it mine!" she shoutedback.

They glared at each other for a minutebefore the sound of footsteps approaching had them both stirring.

"Just letting you know that you can beheard in the bar and the music is playing." Jazmine glanced fromone to the other. "And Jack Hadley is here. I did not want tosend him back without letting you know."

Folding his arms across his chest, Zachtook a stand. "Would you mind sending him around?"

"Zoo?" She looked at her friendfor confirmation.

"I would rather handle this alone,"she murmured.

"Not a chance in hell." Hisexpression was resolute. "Send him around Jazmine."

Chapter 9

Jack's first impression was of a very nicespace. Clean lines, treated wood, and an excellent use of the space.As he stood there waiting to be admitted-damn her nerve!-he noticedfamilies seated around tables, enjoying the muted sound of the gamerunning on several large screen televisions. In one corner on theupper level, a couple was selecting tunes from a juke box. Severalmen were seated at the counter, nursing a variety of drinks andfussing over the game on the television in front of them.

He was led through a narrow passageway bythe willowy brunette. Apart from greeting him, she said nothing else,until they got to an open doorway where a manbearinga startling resemblance to the woman he was about to strangle stoodwith his arms crossed on his chest and a combative expression on hisface.

"Mr. Hadley, I am Zach, Zuri'sbrother," he said coolly, ready for battle.

Ready as well, Jack gave him a curt nod,eyes swinging towards the woman who rose slowly from a very untidydesk. Her hair was piled haphazardly on top of her head with severalthick curls trailing down her graceful neck. She was wearing anoversized red and blue shirt, with the top buttons open. And she wasnot wearing makeup.

And her gaze was openly hostile,golden-brown eyes flashing.

"Mr. Hadley."

"I would like to speak to you alone."His voice was curt, expression ominous.

"Not likely."