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“What can I get for you, Mack?” Skylar asked, but it wasn’t her usual cheerful tone. She was stressed and not hiding it well.
“A smile on your face would be a good start.”
Despite one resonating, Skylar replied. “I’m not in a smiling mood.”
“Why not?”
“My business isn’t on the menu. What can I get for you tonight?”
“I thought this was Paradise where all my dreams came true?” I recited the tagline that made nigga’s give away their mortgage to the women on stage.
“I’m behind the bar, so that doesn’t apply to me. Are you ordering or what?” She stomped her foot, pretending to be irritated by my banter. If she were, Skylar would’ve cursed my ass out by now, but she didn’t.
“You smiled, so that’s a start.” I winked, and the creases on her face deepened.
“What are you doing flying solo tonight?” Skylar asked after jotting down my order. I had been running all day and hadn’t eaten. I was starving and refused to wait on Tyson to get here.
“A lil’ birdie told me you needed a smile, so here I am.”
“If you talked this much to other people, all the women here wouldn’t think you’re a mystery.”
“I talk to the people I like talking to.” I shrugged, picking up the glass she had placed before me.
“Hmm, or maybe you just like getting on my nerves.”
“I pay you well for it, don’t I?”
“I earn it every time you and your cousins come here.” Skylar put her hand up and dipped to the other end of the bar before returning. She noticed me watching her intently when she finally revealed what was on her mind. “Cam is sick,” she said, referring to her daughter. I didn’t know much about Skylar outside of the fact that Camdyn was her world, and she was raising her alone.
“What’s wrong with her?”
“A cold, I guess. I hate being here when she isn’t feeling good. She wants to cuddle, and I’d much rather be on the couch with my baby.”
“Then you should be home instead of being pressed to take my order.”
“Nobody is pressed, Macklen. I’m doing my job. Plus, I can’t afford to miss a day’s work, so she’s home with my sister, and I’m here being harassed by you,” Skylar’s smile deepened into laughter as she rested against the bar.
“I make you uncomfortable, Skylar?”
Her prolonged response told me what I already knew. Sky’s eyes weren’t as dark. She almost looked serene, biting the corner of her mouth. Meanwhile, my eyes impaled her. It was hard not to whenever I was in her presence.
Skylar was beautiful. From her caramel skin and wavy hair cascading down her back. She had a few blemishes on her skin, but they were perfectly placed. Everything about Skylar was perfect. Her light brown eyes were soothing, making me crave her presence. Her slim figure didn’t hurt either.
I didn’t understand how a nigga could walk away from her and his kid, but some shit wasn’t for me to understand.
“I need a double shot of Henny,” Tyson demanded, interrupting the heated stare-down between Sky and me.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked.
“Ignore him, Mack. I’m not getting him shit until he greets me properly,” Skylar folded her arms across her chest and waited.
“My bad, Sky. You know it’s not like that, but Gi got me stressed the fuck out.”
“Take that out on him next time,” she fussed.
“I can make it up to you later.” My lip curled at the way Tyson was observing Skylar’s frame. It was a lot to admire, but I didn’t want another man enjoying the view.
Skylar flipped her eyes. “I hope your pockets run as much as your mouth tonight.”
