Page 40 of Liam

He took a few moments. "I know you wouldn't."

We had just put a lot of baggage on the table. It seemed we were both worried we wouldn't be good enough for one another. A fucked-up thing to have in common.

It was a lot to take in.

It was time to change the subject.

"Ethan is doing fabulous at the centre. He succeeded in getting Kyle, our boy on the spectrum, to partake in making pottery. It was beautiful to watch them together."

"Brody will be excited to hear that. He has a special place in his heart for that young man."

"I'm sure Noah told him, but I'll give Brody a call."

"He'll enjoy hearing it straight from you."

On to other matters. "Your police record check came back. An interesting charge but no convictions. Ethan explained to me what happened the night you were arrested."

"Will I be allowed to volunteer at the centre?"

"Yeah. We've all had too much to drink."

"When should I come in?"

"I wouldn't saynoto seeing you tomorrow."

"For the kids." I could sense him smiling through the phone.

I laughed softly. "Yeah, let's go with that."

"I'll be there."

I smiled. "I'll be waiting for you." The flirting felt good.

Taking a chance with this man felt even better.

Chapter Nine | Liam

It was my second run of the day. I started at my apartment in James Bay, headed for Cook Street Village where the youth centre was located. It was a short run, but I worked up a sweat.

I jogged through the front doors and toward Jamal's office.

He bit his bottom lip and smiled, fire in his eyes as I walked through the door.

"Did you run here?"

"I needed to stretch my legs."

He made an appreciative survey of my bare legs. I'd nearly worn the sexiest shorts in my drawer. The ones with cuts right up to my waist, showing off the entirety of my muscular thighs.

Reason.

I liked how the colour of Jamal's cheeks darkened when he blushed. But I was working with the youth today, so I hadn't worn them. I had to look respectable.

"You're all sweaty," he said, his chest rising and falling as he dragged in ragged breaths. My presence was affecting him. I decided to have fun with him. I circled his desk, standing next to him, and rested my ass against the lip. "Is that a problem?"

Jamal swallowed. "God, no."

Driven by his obvious desire, I lifted my arms above my head, exposing the hair under my arms. I smirked as I stretched my muscles out.

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