Page 7 of Liam

I rolled into the gymnasium. Two kids were shooting a basketball. All the rest of the balls and hockey sticks were stored properly in the bins. Next was the library. It was empty. During the week, after school, Kyle was a common fixture there. He loved to read—everything.

Noah sometimes sat with Kyle as he read, but it was Brody he had connected with. Kyle's mom had, after some urging by Brody, had her son tested for autism. Sure enough, he was on the spectrum. Being diagnosed, she had been able to access some resources for supporting Kyle.

There were a few books in the cart to put away. I returned all those I could reach the shelves for and sorted the rest to ease the task for one of the volunteers.

The room we held cooking classes in was empty, but I found four kids in the lounge. They appeared to be at a loose end, sprawled all over the couches, cell screens illuminating their faces.

"Who wants to make bracelets?" I asked the room.

They all looked up. Amy, the oldest of the group at sixteen, shrugged her shoulders. "Sure."

All four grumbled as they rose to their feet as if walking was a chore. What I wouldn't give to be in their place, usingmy legs to get around again. That wasn't even a possibility for me.

They followed me into the craft room. I dug around in the cupboards, collected the beads and other supplies required to make jewellery, placed them on my lap, and set everything on the table.

"Amy, can you be in charge? Help the younger kids if they need it?"

Another shrug. "Sure."

I wheeled away and back down the hallway to my office. I'd give them an hour or so doing that before bringing them their lunch. I left my door open and rolled in behind my desk.

It was 11:20. Noah had told me Liam often liked to sleep in. I hoped I wasn't phoning too early, not sure what time of day constituted sleeping in. It wasn't something I ever did.

I selected his contact and pressedcall.

"Hello?" His voice was husky and so incredibly sexy that my cock stirred.

"Hey, it's Jamal. Did I wake you?"

"I was awake. Lying here suffering through a crazy hangover." Liam grunted. I heard sheets rustle. "Are you up and about and being productive?"

"I'm at the centre. We have kids who need somewhere to go during the day."

"You amaze me."

My cheeks heated at the compliment. "Some of these kids don't have families to go to. Last month we had two who were thrown out of their homes when they came out."

"I can't imagine."

I wondered what kind of home life Liam had as a child. Noah had never mentioned anything about it. Just that Liam had been bullied at school.

A low voice rumbled in the background. "Who's that?"

Must be Liam's date from last night. I hoped I hadn't interrupted anything. Visions of Liam entwined with another man in bed sent a sinking feeling into my gut.

"It's Jamal. Brody's best man."

"What's he doing calling you?"

"Jeezus, Charlie. Idohave a life outsidethis."

I thought I heard a grunt and then the rustle of bedding.

"Am I getting you in trouble?" I asked.

"No. He'snotmy boyfriend."

I released a short sigh of relief and pressed on.

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