I might have to contend with a big brother or a daddy, whoever the unlucky bastard was. I tried to imagine having a daughter that looked like Jenny. It would be hell. Especially since she did not seem to know her effect on men.
And she was innocent enough to work in a place like this and think she wouldn't be dealing with a hard dick or twelve every damn minute. I started getting upset just thinking about it. This was no place for a sweet girl like her. It wasn't safe.
I was going to have to protect her. I'd see her home each night, starting tonight. Hopefully, back to my place.
To my bed.
And that's all there was to it.
I watched as she 'accidentally' spilled a glass of water on a customer. I grinned. He must've said something cheeky to her. So, maybe she could take care of herself.
Didn't mean she didn't need backup.
And I was just the man for the job.
She went behind the bar and picked up a huge box of empties. I was across the room in a flash. I was grinning as I tried to take the box from her.
"I got this sweetheart."
"Let go!"
"What? Why? No need to trouble your pretty little arms."
"My what?"
Oh boy. Her eyes were green fire as she wrenched the box out of my hands and flounced into the back. I followed her, a little less confident than I'd been a few minutes ago.
"What's wrong, sweetheart? What got you so riled up?"
She spun around and hissed at me. Like a pissed off kitty cat. I leaned against the door and grinned. I liked kitties. Especially gorgeous ones like her.
"I need this job, Jagger! Don't ruin it for me like you-"
I straightened up. This was not regular grade anger. This was a bonafide grudge.
"Like I what?"
She scowled at me mutinously.
"Nothing."
I smiled again.
"Well, if it reall is nothing, when are you going to let me take you out again?"
"How about never?"
"Oh come on sweetheart, we had a good time together, didn't we?"
She looked like she was about to cough. Or choke. Her eyes were wide, practically bulging, as she seemed to struggle for air. I was about to get her a glass of water when she burst out laughing.
And kept laughing.
She laughed so hard she had to bend forward and rest her hands on her knees.
I stopped smiling.
"What's so damn funny?"
"You are Jagger. I'm surprised you even remember me with all your floozies."
"I don't have any floozies."
I glanced at the heavens, expecting lightning to strike.
"Well, not anymore."
She just looked at me. I could see I'd hurt her somehow. I didn't like that.
Not one bit.
"Come on sweetheart, let's talk."
"I can't. And don't call me that."
I raised an eyebrow at her.
"You can't talk? You're doing just fine."
"No, I mean not here. I'm not supposed to... fraternize."
"Says who?"
She sighed.
"My boss, that's who."
Go Long
"How do you like our campus so far Kyle?"
Kyle smiled benignly at my mother. He looked as innocent as a choirboy. Meanwhile, under the table his foot was brushing mine. I wasn't sure if it was deliberate until he did it again. I scowled at him as he oozed charm and good will. All false of course.
I wasn't fooled.
"It's the most beautiful I've ever seen. And the students have been... very friendly."
He grinned at me pointedly and popped a bite of food into his mouth. He made it clear he was talking about me as his foot caressed mine again. I kicked him and he nearly choked. I smiled serenely as my father pounded his back.
Kyle glared at me as he wiped his mouth.
I gave him a look that clearly said 'two can play at that game.'
"Thank you Coach."
"Make sure you chew your food, boy. Can't lose you before the season starts!"
I put my chin on my hand and smiled sweetly. I knew more about sports than most men. But Kyle didn't know that. I intended to milk it.
"Daddy, isn't it unusual to put a walk-on on the team?"
"Hardly ever happens at this level. But Kyle here is an unusual young man."
"He is?"
"He's unnaturally talented on the field Bellie. His military training had a lot to do with it, but some people are just naturals."
"Bellie?"
Kyle's eyes were glowing mischievously. I could have screamed. My plan to control the conversation had completely backfired. If he started calling me 'Bellie' I would lose it. I really would.
"That's what we call our little girl. Did you know they actually pay her to attend school? She had a full ride of course, but they actually give her a stipend and all sorts of administrative jobs for extra money. She has career academic written all over her."
I groaned inwardly. Did he have to make me sound like a cross between a 12 year-old and a grandma? That's what I was really. Kyle was right when he called me Miss Priss. Just a little girl who acted like the biggest, most responsible, boring goodie two-shoes ever to walk the face of the-