“You’d be correct. I hear we got another male volunteer, should we put him in the mentoring?” He looks to me for an answer. “Check the vibe, if he expresses interest then sure, if not, best bet would be tutoring or activities.”
We don’t want to scare off another male volunteer. I mean the students aren’t vicious, but they can be a handful and if someone isn’t ready, they’d be out of the program within a week. Now, I never promised that they aren’t mischievous.
He walks away, possibly trying to meet up with Tessa, as it’s one thing that gets her out of the office and keeps her from going stir crazy.
I hear the shuffling of people through the double doors, the muffled sounds of conversations and voices echoing through the halls. I adjust my clothes, appearing as professional as I can be. I see Tessa guiding the group through the main hallway and peering into the classrooms and inevitably into my office through the window wall. The curious faces of the new waves of people, hypnotized by the colors and interior of the classrooms. Tessa’s distinct voice with passion and might continues in her speech, “And this is Charlotte Ashers, our Program Manager in education. For those of you that are going to be in the education wing, she is the manager. And Cedric here will be your go to person as well, he is the example of a success. He had been through the program and has turned into an amazing mentor. Charlotte, would you like to say a few words?” She asks as she ushers everyone into the classroom. Typically, I’d say no if it were any other person, but it’s Tessa.
This wave of individuals appear capable and eager, ranging from different ages and genders. As I go to shift my attention from the floor to their eyes, one set in particular knocks me back. The level of surprise dries up my throat. I can’t find my voice. The one person that seeped into my mind the past few days. The heat rushes back to my cheeks.Crap.
5-0
This is another level of stalking behavior. There is no way that this man wants to volunteer with us, let alone in my department. Wait, is he in my department? I must look like I saw a ghost. The volunteers gaping at me, waiting for words of wisdom, or at least something intelligent.
Speak you idiot.
“Welcome everyone. You all can call me Lottie, Charlotte is too formal. I want to thank you ahead of time for your generosity and compassion to help within our foundation. Whether you are with our kids or in the kitchen or donation room, we truly appreciate your time. Children who experienced homelessness can further have complications within their own education, behaviors, even socially. If you have any questions let me know. Feel free to look around, we aren’t expecting anyone within an hour or so.” They nod and murmur amongst themselves. Cedric takes the group through each room going over the different activities and items that we do with the students.
5-0 is closing up the pack, his eyes gaze at me.
I lean against my door frame. “Taking a whole new level to stalking.” I called out.
He whips back around with a devilish grin on his face. A soft chuckle sends shivers down my spine. The level of cockiness beaming from his body language. “If by stalking you mean, generously volunteering my time because of a commitment I made with the club, sure we’ll call it that.”
“Yet volunteers usually have a smile on their faces, you seem like you’re going against your will.” I comment.
“You want to give me a reason to smile?” he smoothly says, causing me to choose my next set of words very closely.
Tessa pops in getting in between us with a sheepish smile. “Lottie, I see you have met Keola Eli. Keola, be nice to Lottie. None of this brooding, asshole.” She could shoot daggers into his eyes.
“I’m a saint, don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not one to judge too quickly.”
“Damn, you lie like a rug.” Tessa glares at him. “Don’t mind him.”
He scoffs at that. They seem to be like oil and vinegar. “Keola will be in here, Lottie. He was on the force before joining the club, so he’ll keep an eye on things, and you can put him as a mentor. Be good for the grump,” Keola or 5-0 tilts his chin in pride.
His muscles rippled through this mid-sleeve shirt, proving this man is solid and not afraid to show off his strength. I slip into a daydream, imagining how this man could drive me up the wall, imagining his hands all over me, the marks he might leave. The gripping strength from his hands, twisting my wrists. I can feel the warmth travel down to my core and I shake the daydream away and tuck it away to never be open again, even on a rainy day.
“Let me guess, he’s the muscle of the club? The brute force?” I say snarkily
“Wrong.” He says.
“Treasurer” Tessa pipes in, holding back a laugh, placing her lips between her teeth.
There is no way this man is a “treasurer” for the club. Maybe it’s the limited knowledge I have on these groups but I don’t think treasurer may mean the same thing.
“I give him two weeks, tops. These children mean the world to us and I know they can be ruthless with new meat.” I fold my arms against my chest. I survey him, taking in every inch of his stature. I know these students are going to give him a run for his money.
“I don’t know, Lottie, I think he might surprise you.” she smirks, at me pointing back at Keola. I feel the sense that Tessa has something up her sleeve.
“Do all women talk about the failures of men behind their backs?” He says grouchily. “I don’t think little children and a woman with purple hair is going to scare me off.”
“Bonne chance,we shall see” I snicker and leave him and Tessa standing in the classroom. Leaving mostly him in the dust.
“Oh, Keola Eli, wait until I tell Alexander. You met your match.” Tessa teases him.
“I wouldn’t say no. Purple is my favorite color,” he says. Oh there goes my heart skipping a beat.
“Hands off. Don’t you even think about it.” Tessa warns him.
