Kam immediately backed her up. “You guys really would. You know you could use the extra help, and Tanner and I would appreciate it.”
“Well, now.” When he glanced back at Ed, Ted got his nod of agreement. “I reckon we could take on two young people. One could spend some time working with me, seeing how I do the books and such, while the other was with Ed. Then after a few weeks, we could trade.”
“That way,” Ed called out, “they’d know the entire business.”
“Not just for restaurant work,” Glory clarified as she caught their enthusiasm. She didn’t want the young people to feel pigeonholed, and at the same time she wanted Ed and Ted to realize the valuable lessons they could teach. “They’d be learning good management skills and organization.”
The men agreed.
Totally on board now, Kam promised to share the info with Tanner and said one of them would be back in touch very soon.
“Looks like Kam was right,” Ted commented.
Unsure what he meant, Glory cocked her head to the side and waited.
“You really are different.” He clapped Kam on the shoulder again. “We expect you to bring her around more often.”
“I’ll bring myself around.” Glory didn’t want Kam put on the spot. “Thank you. Both of you. This has been... enlightening.”
With a broad knowing smile, Kam put his hand to the small of her back, and together, they walked out.
Glory liked the diner. She enjoyed Ed and Ted. The entire town was like a breath of fresh air, a different pace with fewer expectations.
Most of all, she liked Kam, more than she’d thought possible.
When had they gone from silent adversaries to allies against a potential risk?
Mike’s obsession was scary, but her new relationship with Kam was the best thing to happen to her in a very, very long time. All in all, she’d call it a win.
Relieved that he didn’t need to finagle an invite inside, Kam followed along as Callie continued their conversation on mentoring programs. She had great ideas that would benefit the kids without intruding on their privacy.
They’d discussed it on the drive, and during a quick stop at the grocery store.
“Many of the kids are withdrawn, angry, antagonistic.” Just as he’d been. “It takes a little work to get them to open up enough to want to try.” A few of them would rather spit on a friendly hand than accept it.
“That’s so sad.” After unlocking the front door and stepping inside, Glory took one of the grocery bags from him. “It’s sometimes hard to trust when you’ve been hurt.”
Just because Kam knew that firsthand didn’t mean he wanted Glory to be the same. “Some of them only know disappointment, never acceptance. Others...” For others, it was far, far worse.
Busying himself by closing and relocking the door, he considered the right way to say things.
When he turned, he almost slammed into Glory. She hadn’t budged when he’d thought she’d gone into the kitchen. The bag fell from her hand with a clatter, vegetables and fruits falling out. He had to do some quick juggling to catch her and hang on to his own bag of groceries.
Breathless, she stared up at him. “Sorry. What you said just caught me.”
Taking his time, Kam lowered the bag to the floor so his hands would be free. His palms tingled even before they touched the bare skin of her shoulders, up to her throat. As his gaze took in every nuance of her alert expression, he slipped his fingers into her hair.
Giving up with a groan, Glory went on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.
Heaven.No other woman could pack the same emotional and physical punch. Kam gathered her close, immediately scooping one hand beneath her bottom and lifting her so they were pelvis to pelvis.
Her arms wrapped around him, her mouth open and hot. Damn. She caught fire fast and that caused him to go up in flames, too. Nearly tripping over the groceries on the floor, Kam turned to pin her to the wall, almost displacing the large mirror. “Sorry,” he muttered.
She caught his mouth again, her tongue tasting as she rolled her hips into him.
There were no words. None. He needed her right now.
Absently, he booted aside a head of lettuce and what might have been a tomato so he could plant his feet. Her summer top lifted easily, making it easy to cup a breast. Firm, round, and just the right size for his hands.