He lifted a hand in response and began burrowing through the bodies blocking his path to the honoree.

It was slow going.

As he paused to come up for air and get his bearings, someone jostled him from behind.

“Sorry. It’s tight in here.”

At the familiar female voice, he stiffened. Slowly turned.

Despite her heavy makeup and the meticulously mussed hairdo that screamed flashy blond, there was no doubt about the identity of the woman standing inches away.

It was Christi.

Someone else bumped into him, and as he shifted aside, she elevated the tray in her hands, keeping it between them.

Tray?

He frowned.

In the crush of people, and with the tray acting as a visual barrier, it was hard to get a clear view of her from the neck down—but as the crowd continued to ebb and flow around him, he managed to catch a glimpse of her attire.

She was dressed like the waitress he’d noticed as he wove through the throng, her shorts and tank top leaving little to the imagination.

Major disconnect.

The Christi Reece he’d known in St. Louis had worn subtly sexy outfits—but they’d reeked of class and elegance.

This one didn’t.

Nor did the woman he remembered belong in a place like this as a customer, let alone an employee.

“What’s going on?” He locked onto her gaze.

She moistened her heavily rouged lips. “What do you mean?”

“What are you doing here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“Let me rephrase.” He leaned closer. Otherwise, he’d have to shout to be heard over the racket. “Why are you here?”

“I need money. You know that.”

“You already have a job.”

“Not in the evening.”

“Why would you moonlight here? Wearing that?” He swept a hand over her attire, struggling to maintain his cool.

“Why not here?” Her chin lifted. “This is a respectable business. The outfit may be skimpy, but the tips are generous.”

“Hey, babe.” A tall guy muscled in and gave her a leer that set Jack’s teeth on edge. “My buddies were wondering what happened to our drinks. I was sent to do reconnaissance.”

The corners of Christi’s mouth lifted, but her return smile was a sham—even if the recipient was oblivious to her lack of enthusiasm. “Getting through this crowd is a challenge.”

“Then let me lead the way.” He shouldered ahead, leaving her to follow.

She started after him—until Jack took her arm.

“I thought you said you didn’t need the money for thirty days.”

“I don’t.” She tossed the reply back at him. “But since my funding source is uncertain, I have to do what I can on my own.”

“You aren’t going to earn that amount in your timeframe by working here.”

“I know. But every dollar helps.” She tugged free and followed in the jock’s wake.