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Kaley blinked, and Anthony moved away. She almost called him back but decided to stay quiet and just watch. There were so many facets to him, and she wanted to explore each one. At two-thirty, Anthony told the kids to finish and start cleaning up.

He strode up to her. “I hope you weren’t bored.” He took his shirt from her and put it on. Part of her was sorry he was covering up his art work. In that moment, she realized that, whenever she saw him, the shirts he wore covered his ink.

“You keep your tats covered. Why?”

“Habit.” He shrugged.

Kaley stood and walked over to the table to help some of the kids put their art materials away. She was impressed. Each child had a box with their name on it. They put all their materials in the box, and closed the lid. Each box was then put on a shelf at the back of the room.

Anthony helped those with paints, instructing them on proper cleaning of their brushes and storage. He was gentle with each kid, but it was more than that. He showed patience and kindness, never making anyone feel bad about anything they did.

“Roll up your work so you can take it home and show your parents. Painters, be careful as you carry your canvas out. The paint will still be damp, so lay it flat with the picture up so it can continue to dry.”

Footsteps sounded, and Kaley turned to see a group of adults, obviously the children’s parents, walk into the room. They smiled, and several thanked Anthony for teaching the class. In less than twenty minutes, all the parents and kids had left.

“I’m impressed,” Kaley said as they drove away from the center.

“It’s not a big deal. It gives the kids something fun to do while giving the parents a bit of break.” He turned left. “Do you mind if we have coffee at Gran’s house? I don’t like leaving her too long. She’ll get impatient and try to do things on her own.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

“Thank you.” He flashed her a grin.

The drive didn’t take long. “Gran, I’m back,” Anthony called as he walked in. “I’ve got Kaley with me.”

“Wonderful,” Clara called. “I’m in the kitchen.”

They walked into the kitchen and found Clara seated with her foot elevated on a small stool. Nugget saw Kaley, jumped off Clara’s lap, and ran over to Kaley, jumping up for attention.

“Hello, Clara.” Kaley knelt down and cuddled Nugget. “And to you, Nugget.”

“I’ll start the coffee,” Anthony said.

“Would you help me to my room first? I’d like to lie down for a while.” There was a twinkle in Clara’s eyes.

Anthony was at Clara’s side in an instant. “Are you feeling okay?” Kaley could see the bond between grandson and grandmother. She sighed silently. She’d never known her grandparents. Didn’t even know if they were still alive.

“I’m fine, dear. Just want a little nap.” Clara glanced at Kaley. “It’s good to see you with Anthony.”

Kaley’s cheeks heated.

“Gran.” Anthony groaned.

“All right.” Clara waved a hand. “I’ll behave. Come on, Nugget.”

Kaley shook her head as the pair left the room. She crossed the room and began making coffee.

“You didn’t have to do that,” he said when he got back.

“It’s fine. Is Clara okay?”

“She’s fine. I think she wanted to give us some alone time.”

Kaley glanced at the floor.

“Sit down. Gran told me where she keeps the good cookies.”

Kaley laughed. “Good cookies?”

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