A/N—Reminder that I don't own these characters and that all credit goes to the creators of "Big Time Rush."

Welcome to my new story! I wasn't planning to post any of this until after "Heart" was complete on the site, but I've been working on this one for a few weeks and was unsure about it. Today I finally got a handle on it and where it's going to go, so I feel confident enough to post the first chapter to get a feel. I won't be posting the next chapter until after "Heart" is done here, so at least a few weeks. This is just a taste.

A few notes. My beta informed me that she was reminded of the movie Baby Boom as she read this, so if there are similarities I apologize. I've never seen the movie myself. My goal here was to write a story where James is a dad, and that's going to be the main thrust once the story gets going. At this point I'm still planning for it to be all told from Kendall's point of view, so there will be flashbacks along the way to explain what James is relating to Kendall. I don't usually do a lot of flashbacks, and I decided to go with changing the tense for them. It's a little backward, using the present tense when writing about the past, but it felt right for the story. So flashbacks will be in the present tense and italicized.

Of course I'm grateful to all of you who have read my stories and supported me, and I thank you so much for reading this if you are. However, an extra thank you to my beta and to EpicallyObsessed for encouraging me and being a sounding board for this story. Sometimes I need to bounce ideas off people and get feedback, and they're so awesome when it comes to that. So this one's dedicated to both of you.

I think that's it! I've rambled enough. Here's hoping you like this one. :)

The breakroom at Black Forest Coffee wasn't Kendall Knight's favorite place to study, but with his new internship at the law firm, he'd had to juggle his schedule a bit. The biggest change? Working evenings twice a week rather than his usual morning shifts. Kendall was learning that evenings were much more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of impatient people on their way to work, and had started to look forward to the later shifts. Sometimes he wished his evening classes didn't prevent him from working solely those shifts, but then when he remembered that doing so would take away the highlight of his day, he was fine with it. As far as he knew, his favorite customer only stopped by in the mornings. It was a little thing, but still that smile made his heart dance every time it was aimed his way.

So for now, he'd put up with the cranky assholes who hadn't had their jolt of caffeine. It was only four out of six workdays a week, and as he was never on the register (and forever grateful he'd graduated from that position), he rarely had to deal with the customers directly outside of passing over an order. Of course if someone complained about an order being wrong he was forced to correct the problem, but Kendall had a way about him that magically calmed down irate customers. Most of the time they left with a smile on their faces anyway, and the manager often sent Kendall to deal with the troublemakers because she knew he would take care of the issue in a way that left the customer satisfied. She'd also begged him repeatedly to take a supervisor position, but in that Kendall held his ground because between law school, this job, and now the internship on top of that, there was no way he'd be able to keep his sanity having to deal with managerial functions.

The truth was Kendall liked making coffee. The whir of the machines was soothing to him, the scent like Heaven. It was a comforting aroma, probably because it took him back to his childhood and memories of his father dragging him along for a cup of coffee before dropping Kendall off at school. He remembered standing near the counter of their town's local coffeehouse and telling his dad that it had to be the best place to work and when he grew up, that's what he wanted to do. His father laughed at the notion and promised Kendall that his future job would be much more important than "pouring a cup of coffee." Twenty years later, his father's prediction had proved both right and wrong. He wanted to make a difference in the world through the practice of law, yet he thought he could probably be happy doing nothing more than this for the rest of his life.

Especially if it meant getting a beautiful smile from the gorgeous man who completely turned his insides to jelly on an almost-daily basis.

Kendall thought of the beauty now, sad that today he wouldn't be touched by the magic of those green eyes that were flecked with just enough brown to be called hazel. He'd fallen asleep many nights daydreaming about the man, imagining conversations and amorous moments that he wouldn't admit even to his best friend. There was nothing wrong with a bit of harmless fantasy, right?

Forcefully shaking the distraction away, Kendall focused on the textbook open in front of him. He was down to fifteen minutes before the start of his shift, and he wanted to get through this chapter before having to throw in the towel for the night.

Homework apparently wasn't in the cards, though. He made it through two sentences before Carlos burst through the door. "Dude! You're here!"

"Why do you sound surprised? I never call out."

"No, it's not surprise, it's excitement! I've been waiting all day to tell you what happened this morning!"

"Did someone pour their coffee over Monica's head again? You realize that's not funny, right?"

"Shut up, I'm telling you, you had to be there. I wish I got it on video!"

Kendall shook his head and dropped a pen into the crease where the book's pages met; he obviously wasn't going to get anywhere. Sitting back in the chair, he crossed his arms over his chest. "Okay, what happened? Wait, are you off?"

"Yeah, Annie said I could clock out early since it's slow. Man, you are so lucky to be on this shift. Today was insane. There's some new outdoor mall that opened up down the street and we got slammed."

"Which means the competition was too packed," Kendall smiled. Most might think that was bad news, but Kendall had learned that getting the famous chain's overflow worked to Black Forest's benefit; rarely a day went by when a customer didn't mention they'd only stopped in because "the place across the street is a madhouse and I'm so glad I did. Better prices, better coffee, and nicer people." The script changed a tiny bit with each customer, but the message was always the same. It made Kendall proud.

"Okay, whatever, forget about that. Dude, you're not gonna believe this!"

Gina poked her head inside the door. "Did you tell him about his boyfriend yet?"

"Shhhhh, I was just about to! Shouldn't you be watching the front?"

"The place is empty. Hurry, I want to see his reaction."

Kendall's lips pressed together before he spoke. "Will you guys quit calling him that? He doesn't even know I exist."

"Ha!" Gina exclaimed. "That's what—shit, somebody just came in. Dammit, Carlos, you waited too long."

The door swung shut behind her, leaving Carlos alone with Kendall. "What happened with James?"

"Okay, so." Carlos dragged out the chair across from Kendall and fell into it, leaning forward with a twinkle of anticipation in his eye. "He came in this morning like always, phone glued to his ear. Put in his order, then moved down by the pickup area to wait. Still on his phone."

Nothing new there, it sounded like every other morning. "Was he wearing the coat?"

"Uh...I think so? Yeah, I'm pretty sure. What's your fascination with that coat anyway?"

"He just looks hot as fuck in it. I never thought I'd be a fan of cashmere, but the way it drapes down his body and hugs his thighs every time he moves..." He got lost in the vision for a moment before clearing his throat. "So far it's the same as every morning. Get to the good part."

"So Corey makes his latte and calls his name. I admit I looked over to check him out, knowing you'd want a rundown."

"Carlos, when have I ever asked you for a 'rundown'?"

"Oh, please. Every time you have a day off, you ask me about him. 'Did he look tired?' 'Were his bangs up or down?' 'Had he shaved or did he have that hint of stubble that's so sexy?' And don't even act like you didn't just ask me about the coat!"

Rather than try to defend himself or deny it, Kendall shifted his gaze down to the textbook with flushed cheeks. It was useless to try to lie to his best friend. "Fine. So you looked over and saw what?"

"Nothing right away. He was still on his phone, listening to someone talk but more focused on the coffee."

"Right, he always does that when he's on the phone. He'll make noises like 'uh huh' and 'right' but that first sip of coffee is like an orgasm for him. I see it on his face. It's like he gets out of bed every day just for that."

"And you love that you can make him happy like that, don't you?" Carlos teased.

Kendall shrugged, embarrassed again. "Remember the first day he came in?"

"I wasn't here."

"Oh. Right."

"But I've heard about it enough that I feel like I was there. Was it really twenty bucks?"

"It really was," Kendall smiled.

"Is that what made you fall in love with him?"

"I'm not in love with him, I don't even know the guy. And no, it wasn't about the money. It's never been about the money."

"What exactly is it?" Carlos wondered. "I know he's hot, but we get hot guys in here every day and you don't even give them a second look. What is it about James that caught your eye?"

Kendall didn't know how to answer that question because he wasn't sure himself. There'd just been something about the man, even before the twenty-dollar bill made an appearance. He thought back now, reliving the moment briefly and remembering his first glimpse of what would quickly become the highlight of every day.

Gina slides the ticket over to him and he glances down, about to roll his eyes. He's learned that customers who ordered such difficult drinks were usually critical, picky types who thought they were better than everyone else. But Kendall's always up for a challenge and prides himself on making each drink perfectly, so he sets to work on the triple latte with no foam, extra cream, a drizzle of caramel, whipped cream on top and two—two, he chuckles to himself—sprinkles of cinnamon. Nodding once it's done, he calls out the name on the ticket.

James.

The man who approaches is distracted, staring down at his phone, and he barely looks up to reach for the cup. He bumps it with his hand instead and almost knocks it over, but Kendall is there to save it.

"Whoa," he jokes. "Got it?"

Their fingers brush together as James takes the cup. He seems annoyed, with himself or someone else Kendall isn't sure, but then those eyes lock on his as the man says, "Thanks."

Just like that he's gone. Kendall stares at his retreating back, wondering why he suddenly can't breathe. They'd made eye contact for all of two seconds, their fingers touching for even less time than that. Kendall can still feel the spark, though, and wishes James would turn around and look at him again.

And then, miraculously, it happens. After taking a sip, James' steps halt. He takes another sip, then spins around to let his gaze roam over everyone behind the counter. "Who made this?" he suddenly demands, eyes blazing.

The place goes quiet, Gina and Monica glancing furtively toward Kendall as if scared for his life. Kendall isn't so sure they're wrong to be with the way James is staring them all down. Kendall's not a coward, though, and straightens before firmly answering the question. "I did." There is absolutely nothing wrong with the drink and Kendall knows it; let the man do his worst.

Now James is taking notice, studying Kendall as he approaches the counter again. Sizing him up. He stops to take one more sip, then sets the cup down between them and says, "This is the best coffee I've ever had in my entire life. It's exactly how I like it."

Having expected the opposite to be true, Kendall blinks into those hazel eyes a few times. "Thanks?" He's back to not being able to breathe.

James reaches into a pocket and comes out with a wad of cash neatly held together with a money clip. The clip is removed and James thumbs through the bills to slip out a twenty and slap it down on the counter. "This is for you."

As much as Kendall wants to take it, he has to decline. "Thank you, sir, but I can't accept that."

"Of course you can. It's well deserved."

"All tips are supposed to go in the jar by the register."

"I don't give a shit. You made this, you get the tip. Out of all the coffeehouses I've been to in my life, you're the first person to make it the way I like it. Take the tip."

He feels Gina and Monica watching to see what he'll do. Sensing that he isn't going to win this argument with James, he nods. "Okay. Thank you."

"Thank you. You'll definitely be seeing my face again."

The idea of it brings a genuine smile to Kendall's lips, and it might be his imagination but he could swear one corner of James' mouth is tugging up. "I look forward to it."

For two more seconds James' eyes linger on his, and then he spins away to continue with his day. Kendall slides the bill off the counter and walks over to drop it in the tip jar. What James doesn't know won't hurt him.

"I think...I think his eyes," Kendall says now. "They're magnetic. And his smile. He didn't smile at me that first day, not a real smile, but I always get one now. Never more than that, though. We don't talk."

"Not at all?"

"No more than 'thanks' and 'you're welcome.' But the smile...that's enough. Wait, you're distracting me. Hurry up, I start soon. Corey made his latte and then what?"

"Oh, so he takes off like always, but he only gets like three steps away before he stops and spins around with this look on his face like...like he's disgusted? I knew right away Corey messed up and this guy was gonna blow."

"Oh, Corey," Kendall sighed. "He tries, but...he's a little heavy-handed with the sprinkles. James is very particular, I'm sure he noticed."

"He flipped, dude. He came back to the counter and looked at me, and I wanted to run. He's scary when he's pissed."

"I can imagine."

"But I felt bad for Corey, so I was like 'Is there a problem sir?' Thinking maybe I can run interference, you know? He goes, 'Who made this?' And I couldn't lie, right? Corey turned around and was like, 'Uh...me? Is there something wrong?' So James looks at his name tag and goes, 'Corey. Can you count?'"

"Oh my god." Kendall covered his face. "Poor Corey."

"And Corey's like 'I'm sorry?' James said, 'How many sprinkles of cinnamon did I ask for, Corey?' Before Corey could even answer he goes, 'Two. Two sprinkles, Corey. How many did you put in here?' Corey's all scared at this point, you know how he is with difficult customers."

Kendall knew alright. "Did he cry?"

"Nah, we told him to shake it off. Stop asking questions, I'm getting to the good part! But Corey actually defended himself to James, he goes, 'That's how many I put in, sir. Two.' And James goes, 'Then why is there so much cinnamon in this that it completely overpowers the taste of the caramel?' Corey didn't know what to say. I offered to remake it for him and he goes, 'Don't bother. Where's Kendall?'"

Kendall thought for a second he'd heard wrong. From the expression on Carlos' face he knew better, then gave in to a shocked gasp while covering his mouth with both hands. "Shut up! You're making that up!"

"I'm not! He fucking knows your name, dude!"

"Oh my god. Oh my god." He allowed himself five seconds of excitement before reality kicked in. "Well...I mean, I do wear a name tag. I don't know why I'm so surprised. This isn't a big deal."

"There's more."

Kendall bit his lip so hard he almost drew blood. "More?"

"Yep. I told him you weren't here and he goes, 'Well, you could all learn a thing or two from him. Get his ass in here every day if you want your customers to keep coming back."

Another gasp had Kendall feeling light-headed. Or maybe it was just the idea that James appreciated him that much. "He really said that?"

"Totally. He left after that, all pissed off, and he made a show of dumping the coffee in the trash on the way out. What a diva."

"That's insane." It should bother him that the guy he fantasized about treated his co-worker like crap, right? This shouldn't be something he was happy about. "You heard him say my name?"

"Duh. I was right there."

"I wish I could've heard it."

The door opened again. "Did you tell him?"

"You can't tell by the lovesick look in his eyes?"

Gina snickered. "You need to write your number on the cup next time."

"You should!" Carlos exclaimed.

"What? No, it's not like that. He likes the way I make his coffee. Big deal."

"And he remembers your name," Gina grinned. "You obviously made an impression."

"Yes, because I'm a talented barista. That's all it is." After a beat he added, "Though the smiley faces might be part of it, too. I wonder if he's ever even noticed that I do that for him."

"He noticed," Carlos promised. "I guarantee it. When are you gonna actually strike up a conversation with him?"

"Never." Kendall stood up and shut his book after capping the pen, barely aware of Gina slipping out of the room again. "Guys like that don't go for guys like me."

Carlos argued, "You said it yourself, you don't know anything about him. You're always the one telling me not to judge people on appearances. Don't do it yourself."

"I'm not, it's just the vibe I get. Rich guys like that either have super clingy girlfriends or whores on tap they can call on whenever they need one."

"You're totally stereotyping. And you're not even considering that he might be gay."

"Nope," Kendall agreed. He zipped up his backpack and stored it under the table. "The second I get my hopes up, I'm ruined. It's better to assume the worst."

"Kendall, come on. You always tell me to keep believing my soulmate is out there and when the time is right, he'll come into my life. Why can't the same be true for you?"

"It might be. I just don't think this guy is my soulmate."

Carlos watched Kendall tie on his apron and affix the name tag, but stopped him on the way out with a hand on his arm. "Do you want him to be?"

Kendall considered lying, but again—his best friend would see right through him. "At night, sometimes I think about him and wonder what it would be like. What we would be like. It's a nice idea, but that's all it'll ever be."

This time Carlos let him go, and Kendall was glad. It would be too easy to let himself get caught up in the idea that Carlos might be right.

The following day began like any other, but as the minutes ticked by and James still hadn't shown up an hour after his usual time, Kendall began to worry. During a slow moment he closed the distance to Carlos and said quietly, "I think James was serious yesterday."

"About what?"

"Keeping customers. Not coming back. I think Corey chased him away." Kendall tried to keep the trepidation out of his voice, not wanting to admit that something as meaningless as a smile from a stranger had such an effect on him that he was about to cry. Kendall never cried.

"Oh, yeah, he's usually in by nine-thirty, isn't he? I didn't even realize."

"I feel bad for Corey, but...I mean..."

"Dude, it's okay. I know how special James is to you. I don't really get why, there are millions of other hotter and probably nicer guys in the world, but I know you really like him, so...I'm sorry."

Kendall shook his head, angry at himself for getting so bent out of shape over this. "Since it's slowed down, I'm think I'm just gonna take my lunch early." He started untying his apron.

"What if James shows up and you're not here?"

"Come get me. For that, I'd clock back in and finish my lunch later."

"You got it," Carlos chuckled.

Kendall had pulled his time card out of the slot, his apron slung over his forearm, when a loud "PSSSSSSST!" came from the counter area. Two seconds later Carlos' excited whisper floated to him. "Kendall!"

He froze. Hands shaking, he returned the card to its place and lowered the strap of the apron over his head again before tying it behind his back. Only then did he turn around, and the gaze looking for him settled on his face with a satisfied nod. "Good, you're back." Just like that James was gone, moving to the other end of the counter to stand in line.

James was wearing the coat again today, but his habitual black jeans were replaced with...slacks? Trousers? Kendall never knew exactly what they should be called. To him, they were simply nice pants, the type he wore when jeans weren't allowed—and only then. The coat was buttoned up tight, as it was nearly freezing outside, and Kendall tried not to stare as James removed soft black leather gloves from each hand. Had he ever taken off the gloves when he was wearing them? Kendall didn't think so, because the sight of it now was so seductive that he forced himself to look away.

But not before noting that the bangs, which fell onto James' forehead 90% of the time, had been swept up into a classy wave that gave James an older, more sophisticated look. Kendall preferred the relaxed look of the bangs, but this was a novelty because it was rare.

Stop staring at him. You're gonna creep him out. Stop staring at him!

Kendall turned his back and reached for the cup he knew James would be ordering, then got to work on the drink. He may be nothing more than a guy who made good coffee in James' life, but he was determined to continue to be that. Kendall didn't even bother to glance down at the order when it was passed over, and ignored the other two that rightfully should've been done before James'. Annie would want him to do whatever he could to keep a loyal customer on the verge of taking his business elsewhere, right?

For that reason, Kendall had the latte ready just as James moved in to wait. Rather than call out the name like he usually did, he slid it across the counter and nodded at James. "Your order, sir."

James' brows rose, then a slow smile spread his lips wider. He stepped closer and picked the cup up with that same satisfied nod. "That's how you serve coffee. I hope they appreciate you around here."

"They do." He willed his cheeks not to color. "But...thank you."

"Thank you."

Kendall let out a breath once James turned away, trying to calm down enough to get back into a rhythm and start the next orders. James had a way of shaking him up that was both scary and intoxicating.

Two steps later, though, James halted. Kendall's breath caught. He'd done something wrong. He'd done something wrong and James was about to yell at him and then never set foot in here again.

He braced himself for it, meeting James' stare head-on and keeping his back straight. "Is something wrong, sir?"

"Yes, actually." James didn't sound mad, at least. More...amused? "You forgot the smiley face."

The smiley face. Fuck. Kendall had forgotten that. He hadn't even written James' name on the cup this time in his hurry to get it done.

Then James added more. "You know I can't get through the day without a smile from you."

Kendall's lips barely moved. He was reading too much into this, wasn't he? Kendall nodded woodenly. "Let me fix that."

He reached for the marker while holding out a hand for the cup. James moved close enough to hand it over, and Kendall was about to draw his lame little doodle when a whisper came from...the floor?

He glanced down to see Carlos on all fours as if looking for something. "Number!" he hissed. "He wants it! Now!"

Kendall's foot connected with Carlos' hip—hard. The smiley face done, Kendall returned the cup. "Here you go. I'll be more careful in the future."

"No need," James winked. "You're perfect the way you are."

A barely audible "YES!" floated to Kendall from below. "Have a nice day, sir."

"You, as well." With that, James spun away again, this time not heading for the door as he always did.

This time, he found his way to a table in the corner of the building, which was cozy and decorated as if they were inside a cabin. James shrugged out of the coat to reveal a pristine white button-down with long sleeves, then laid the coat across a chair to his right before sinking down and taking that first sip. His face showed the ecstasy he seemed to long for each day, then he whipped out his phone to check for...who knew what.

"He's not leaving," Kendall whispered in awe.

"What?!" Carlos was still at his feet, though at least seated on the floor now.

"He took a table. He's drinking it here!"

"He's never done that!"

"I know!"

Kendall barely kept from crying out when Carlos grabbed his hand and dragged him down to his level. "He was flirting with you, don't even try to say it was innocent. Now he's sitting over there hoping you'll talk to him."

"He is not!"

"He is! Take your lunch and go sit at a table by his. I'm telling you, he wants to ask you out!"

"Maybe he's just...just..."

"Just nothing! Stop finding excuses and go talk to him!"

Kendall stood up straight again, suddenly pushed aside when Glenn called out the name of the next customer Kendall was so blatantly ignoring. "Do you really think so?" he asked Carlos. "Not just wishful thinking, it's not my imagination and there's really something there?"

"Totally! Now go get him!"

Maybe Carlos was right. Maybe miracles did happen.

Having no idea what he was going to say when he got there, Kendall slipped out from the behind the counter and toward the table. James would know what to say. James seemed like the type to be practiced in the art of seduction.

Seven steps left. Seven steps and Kendall would be there. If only James would look up; he'd know from James' expression whether this was invited or he should pretend it was something work-related.

Then James did. He sat up straighter upon noticing Kendall's approach, something like hope blooming in his eyes, and then Kendall's vision was blocked by a body coming between them.

"Mr. Diamond?"

James suddenly stood. "Yes. Hi. Paul, right?"

Coming to an abrupt halt, Kendall felt his heart drop when the man between them held out a hand. They shook, then both took their seats and the man set a briefcase on the table.

Kendall had never felt more like an idiot. He rushed back to the safety of the counter, not stopping once there and instead practically running to the breakroom. Carlos was close behind.

"I hate you," Kendall spat. "I hate you!"

"Dude, I'm telling you—"

"Forget it! You were wrong, it's all in my head, he didn't stay here for me. I can't believe I was so stupid!"

"Stop it, you're not stupid."

"Just...leave me alone!"

"No. I'm telling you, there's something there. He wants you!"

Kendall spun to glower at Carlos across the breakroom table. "Why are you so determined to make something of this? Why can't you just let it go?"

"Because I'm right! And because...Kendall..." Carlos ran a hand over his face, calm when he said, "Sit down."

"No. I'm taking my lunch and getting the hell out of here. I can't even face him again."

Carlos rounded the table to pull out a chair, gesturing for Kendall to sit. Because what he truly felt like was either crying or punching something, Kendall caved and sank down. After Carlos took the next chair over, he said, "I just want you to find someone."

"Why? I'm too busy for a boyfriend anyway."

"You're lonely."

"What? I'm not lonely! I don't have time to be lonely."

"Dude...your goal is to help families, right?"

"Yes. That's what family law is all about. What does this have to do with James?"

"So what you really need in life is to bring families together. Keep them together. Make sure the kids in those families are taken care of. That's what you told me once, right? That it's more about the kids for you, and wanting to give them a good life?"

"I'm not seeing your point."

"Why do you think that is, Kendall? It's because you didn't have someone to do that for you in your parents' divorce. I remember all that, you just wanted your family back. You cried every night for months after your dad moved out."

Kendall blinked now against the tears that surprised him from the memory of that painful time in his life. "All of that has nothing to do with James or with me finding a boyfriend now."

"I think it does. You've never said it, but I think what you want most in life is to have a family again."

"I have Mom and Katie. It's not like I'm completely alone."

"But you hardly see them since we moved here. Even your mom thinks you need a boyfriend."

"Of course you guys talk about me behind my back. What do you do, have weekly phone calls about the state of Kendall?"

"Sometimes," Carlos admitted. "We both think you work yourself too hard. Look, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe James isn't your soulmate. But with the schedule you keep up, you don't meet a lot of new people and right now that guy is your best prospect. You want him, Kendall. There's nothing wrong with seeing where it might go."

"I already know where it might go," Kendall sighed. "It just went there. I'm happy just watching this guy from a distance, getting a smile every day. Why is that wrong? Why do you have to make it into something more?"

"Because you're lying to yourself and you want something more." Carlos nudged Kendall's elbow with a smirk to lighten the mood. "Besides, he might have a hot friend you can hook me up with."

"Oh, now we get to the real reason. You're horny."

"When am I not?" Carlos allowed Kendall another few seconds to stay inside his head before saying, "I need to get back out there before Gina has a fit. Why not come with me, wait until your hot guy leaves to take your lunch, and let yourself sneak some peeks at him until then? He's sitting where you'll see him every time you hand out an order."

The idea was tempting. He'd never had time to really study James before, as the man was always in and out in under five minutes and Kendall was busy working through all of it. "He's probably already gone."

"One way to find out," Carlos reminded him.

Kendall grudgingly followed Carlos back into the main room, stomping down on the part of his heart that jumped when he saw that James was still there, deep in conversation with...Paul? And what had the man called him?

Diamond. Mr. Diamond. James Diamond.

Kendall thought it was a perfect surname for someone who brightened the room every time he walked in. Maybe Carlos was right; it couldn't hurt to enjoy the man's presence from a distance, right?