Nick gave a start when he was suddenly enveloped by a warm embrace. He knew Imani's scent by now, and he knew her touch. She was the only one, since Dana had finally stopped bothering him so much, to touch him like this. "Imani," he said softly in a scolding tone. "You should not sneak up on me."
He was smiling, however, and tried to erase it from his face before turning around. How she still saw him as good, as someone worthy of her attention and capable of being a force for good, it astounded him. Nick didn't entirely trust it yet. He was wary. Not so wary as to send her away, however. The company was nice.
Obliging, Nick pushed away from the desk and turned the chair so she could come sit in his lap. He scooped around her waist and held her against him, sighing softly as he glanced down at the math homework. "Are you any good at this?"