Page 26 of Reaching Roland

Without thought, I said, “You’re adorable.”

His face flushed that pretty pink, and it astounded me yet again that no one had swooped this precious man up and made him theirs. Standing, I said, “Why don't I clean up and you go relax on the couch? You can put your foot up.”

“No, I'll get all of this later.”

I shook my head. “You cooked, so I’ll clean.”

“You’re a guest,” Kenny protested.

There was no way I was letting him do another thing after all of his hard work. “It's my first time at your home, but I'm your friend. Forget all that politeness stuff.”

“But dinner was your payment for fixing the latch.” He stood and planted his hands on his hips.

I pointed toward the couch. “Go.”

With a sigh, his shoulders fell, and he mumbled aboutstubborn menas he made his way to the couch.

He'd trashed his kitchen making the crepes, but it wasn't the hugest space, so I had it cleaned up in no time. When I finished, I returned to where he sat with his legs across the couch, his eyes closed, and his head tilted back. He didn't look tired exactly, maybe content? “That's all done.”

His eyes popped open, and he smiled around the slick poking out of his mouth. “Would you like to stay for a while? I could make us hot tea. I also might have some decaf coffee for when John and Will come over. John drinks coffee at all times of the day. He just alters the octane.”

I chuckled. “That sounds nice.” Holding up my hand to stop him as he sat up, I continued, “I'm still up, so let me prepare it for us, and I'll bring it in. Do you need anything special?”

Kenny rolled his eyes. “You are infuriating.” He giggled. “But I’d love a cup of the honey vanilla chamomile with a splash of vanilla.”

“I'll try that, too.”

While I waited for the water to boil in the kettle, I found everything else I needed to make tea. When it was done, I joined him in the living room. I headed for the chair next to the couch, but Kenny pulled his feet down and looked pointedly at the other end. Sitting in the corner, I sighed.

“Tough day?” he asked.

“Just long and monotonous. I know you felt bad about me fixing the latch, but believe it or not, that's peaceful to me.”

Kenny narrowed his eyes. “I'm beginning to understand why Indie is pushing for you to start your own handyman business.”

I snorted. “I'm too old to make that kind of change.”

Kenny tossed a throw pillow at me gently. “Stop it. There's nothing old about you.”

Wanting to change the subject, but also extremely curious, I asked, “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“Will you tell me about your friends from the LBB? About Knight, Ace, and Jeremiah? I want to know the whole story.”

“You mean Joshua, not Jeremiah.”

I threw the pillow back at him, and he giggled. “Hey, give me some credit for getting the other two right and remembering it was a j name.”

The smile fell off his face, and he huffed. “You've been curious since the first time I told you about them, haven’t you?”

Since there was no sense in denying it, I said, “Guilty.”

Kenny closed his eyes for a brief second, letting out a deep breath, then nodded his head. “Prepare yourself. It’s a sad story about a boy named Scott.”

Chapter Nine

ROLAND

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