Page 6 of Before the Storm
And the ones who demanded his full attention?
Way too much fucking work.
“You do realize that’s so vague.” Phoenix jerked his chin. “Here comes a little devil with the smile of an angel.”
“That’s the best descriptor of my daughter.” Maverick turned, scooping up Ashley. “Ready to go to school?”
“Yes, Daddy.” She held up the bag. “Mommy’s gonna be mad we ate in the car.”
“I think it will be okay this one time.” Maverick checked his watch. “We better get going. We’re gonna be late.” He nodded. “I’ll be back in twenty, but I’m gonna have to scoot out to go get her and bring her home.”
“No worries. Nelson’s coming in for the lunch crowd and will stay through dinner.”
“I’ll help close tonight.” He set Ashley down. “Say goodbye to your uncle.”
Ashley wrapped her arms around Phoenix’s legs, staring up at him with her bright-blue eyes. “I love you.”
“Right back at you, beautiful.”
Phoenix followed his brother and niece into the main room of the restaurant and bar. He waved as they strolled out the front door.
His pulse sped up as a young woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing loose-fitting jeans, tennis sneakers, and a bulky brown sweater waltzed inside. She tugged at her oversized purse, glancing around.
Veronica greeted her with a smile and showed her to a high-top table in the bar area.
Phoenix swallowed. Hard. The young woman was stunningly beautiful. Her almond-colored eyes seemed to hide a world of hurt. He had no idea why he thought that, but something about her gaze told him that she’d seen things in her short life.
He raced over to the bar and grabbed a water. “I’ve got this,” he said to the waitress in charge of the table. One of the things he and his brothers enjoyed doing was engaging with all the customers.
Especially new ones.
This fell under that category.
“Good morning.” He placed the water on the table. “I’m Phoenix. I own Blue Moon. Welcome.”
“Thank you.” She glanced up from the menu and blinked.
Damn. Those fucking eyes. They were more gold than almond. He could get lost gazing in them if he wasn’t careful. “I haven’t seen you in here before. First time?”
She nodded.
“Can I get you a coffee? A mimosa? Or tea to start while you look over the menu?”
“Hot tea would be nice.” Her voice was soft. Sensitive.
“I’ll bring that right over.” He raced off to the coffee station. Jesus, what the fuck was wrong with him? She was just a customer. Like everyone else in the room.
And too freaking young. If she were older than twenty-six, he’d be shocked. He was thirty-seven, which was too much of an age difference, especially for dating without strings.
“What are you doing?” Veronica asked.
“Helping out.” He lifted the mug with hot water, carefully placing a lemon wedge and a tea bag on the saucer.
“You’re seriously going to wait on the hot chick?”
“We’re down a waitress and you’re doing double duty right now.” He smiled. “It’s the least I can do.” Not wanting to hear another word, he turned on his heel and returned to the young woman digging through her purse. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” She set her bag on the free seat.
