Page 42 of Liam

By the time we finished, I felt pretty good about the knowledge I'd passed on. Jamal wanted me to come in twice a week to initiate new students and check in on those I'd already seen.

I found Jamal in the gymnasium shooting hoops with a few kids.

He saw me, passed the ball to someone, and rolled my way.

"How did it go?" he asked.

"The kids listened well. I'll have them set up with a routine in no time." I set my hand on Jamal's shoulder and discreetly massaged it. "I enjoyed spending time with them."

"I knew you would." Jamal lifted his hand and placed it on mine, securing me from withdrawing. He brushed his thumb up and down my fingers. It was such a simple connection, but it held so much meaning. We were both setting our fear aside to embrace the unknown.

"I need to go home and shower before work," I said.

"That's a crying shame."

I laughed and squeezed his shoulder. "I'm sweaty a lot. You'll have your chance."

Jamal groaned and patted my hand. "Go … but can you come for dinner tomorrow?"

"Your family not sick of me?"

"My family loves you. Mamma and Meera are particularly smitten."

"Then I'll be there." It was exciting to be asked to join Jamal's family for dinner again. I'd enjoyed the warmthflowing around their dinner table. And they'd included me in that.

"Dinner is at six," Jamal said.

"Is it all right if I come a little earlier to help in the kitchen? Would I be in the way?"

"Mamma is not going to be able to stop talking about you if you do." He wheeled in an arc, so he was facing me. "Passing down her recipes is one of her favourite things."

"Then I'll be there at five?"

It felt amazing to know I'd be welcomed. Made me feel like I was a part of their family. I wanted that. They were an extension of Jamal, and that made them special. Explained so much about Jamal, the warmth. I wanted to burrow into his embrace and never emerge. He felt like the warm sweater I'd been searching for my entire life. All cozy and colourful—and familiar.

"I'll have Mamma save you an apron."

I wanted to lean down and kiss him, but we hadn't gone there yet. I didn't want our first kiss to be in a public place. I wanted to take my time with him.

"See you tomorrow." I winked at him. "Unfortunately, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to be all sweaty. We'll have to save that for another time."

Jamal grinned at me. "Gonna hold you to that."

I was still chuckling as I set out to run home. It didn't take me long. A quick shower and I was off to work. It was a busy night, but not busy enough to keep Jamal off my mind.

"What are you smirking about?" Noah nudged me.

"Going to Jamal's for dinner tomorrow night."

"And that has you smirking?"

"I'm going to ask if I can kiss him."

"Wow … youaregoing slow."

"I don't want to mess this up."

Noah clapped his hand on my shoulder. "I'm proud of you for taking a risk."

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