Page 47 of Tamiko and the Two Janitors
“Not Biddie. I meant Joe. Fraternal twins.”
He shot a look toward the family room, then quietly asked,“Can I borrow your phone?”
“What for?”
He was nose-to-nose with her, quick as a wink, but herreflexes weren’t anything to be trifled with. Melissa had one arm across at histhroat; with the other, she prodded him between the ribs.
Jiminy’s eyes widened. “Did you just pull a knife on me?”
“Boundaries,” she demanded in an undertone.
“Would it hurt to get a little closer?”
Oh, she’d make sure it hurt. Melissa wasn’t in the mood fornonsense. “There is more than one kind of pain.”
His smile faded. “I know.”
“And you’re a horrible flirt.”
Jiminy said, “I’m just cheerful.”
“You’re utterly incorrigible.”
He sat back, and Melissa sheathed her blade. She glancedaround, but the faint murmur of voices could be heard from the other room.Maybe Uncle George was giving his family more explanations. That would be good.
“Melissa.” Jiminy kept his voice low. “People come toFounders looking for two things. The coffee may keep them going, but kindnessand courtesy give them something to smile about. Even if it’s just for amoment.”
“Your gift to all the girls on campus?”
“Well, I’ve tried it with some of the males, but they’regenerally less receptive to personal remarks.” He shrugged. “Doon-wen told meto stop scaring off the clientele.”
Oh, he was too much. “I’ve seen how you operate.”
Jiminy held up his hands, pleading innocence. “Like I said,Melissa. The compliments are a service of the shop. I’m not allowed past thecounter, so that’s all any of them will have of me—a smile, a kind word, apretty cup. Froth and nonsense.”
Melissa stood, crossing to the stove to get another servingof soup. If she was objective, was Rook any different? He was familiar withtheir customers, and he had his fair share of fans among the college students.Was it the same?
Jiminy followed her, dishing his own second serving. “You’resomething new. Rook put you on my side of the counter, and that meanssomething.”
She frowned. “Rook hired me because I could fend you off.”
“Wrong.” Jiminy scooted his chair closer to hers when theyreclaimed their seats at the table. “Wolves are very protective. It means thatRook trusts you with me.”
Melissa knew she was missing something.
Jiminy tried again. “You have the pack’s approval. That’snever happened before. And since I’m allowed to get closer, I plan to.”
This was all turned around.
“You don’t think we can get along?” Jiminy asked innocently.
“Maybe. If you kept your hands to yourself.” Melissa wavedher spoon at him. “Use your words.”
“I will. And they won’t be empty.”
She rolled her eyes. “And they won’t be enough. I won’t letyou paw at me simply because I’m within reach.”
Jiminy took a few bites, then asked, “Do you know how wolvescommunicate?”
