Page 57 of Home Town

Jeezus. He’d been in her bed just hours ago. And it had been just about as many hours ago since he’d begun to consider what dating her could be like and liking the idea of it.

Confused, he had more pressing things to deal with right now.

Mainly how to accuse one of his mother’s friends of stealing—or rather stealing back—the founder’s compass her family had owned for generations.

The one her son and daughter-in-law had donated.

The one the security camera had shown her rushing out of the library building with just minutes after the librarian had left. Tucked under her arm like it was a football and she was a wide receiver headed for the end zone.

She’d looked left and then right when coming out of the door, before hauling ass to get to her car before anyone saw her stealing the very object her family had so magnanimously gifted to the town.

He’d never seen anyone look more guilty, and he used to know some guys who had plenty to be guilty about. But he’d never been more relieved either. Now, thanks to the video the manager had allowed him to download a copy of, both he and Josie were off the hook for the theft.

The weight that lifted off his—and no doubt her—shoulders was enormous.

No more lying to Quinn, Bailey and his mother about why they’d been so distracted and absent lately. No more fearing what the historical society—the entire town, really—would think of them.

That all went away with proof of one old lady and her poor decision.

It all seemed inconceivable, yet here they were. The evidence was on the computer currently resting on Josie’s legs.

“Mom—”

A knock on the door followed by the doorbell ringing cut off Corey. He wasn’t sure if he was happy for the interruption or upset.

He stood, saying, “I’ll get it.”

“Thank you, sweetie.” His mother beamed while Josie sat uncharacteristically silent. She’d been mostly silent all morning.

Even if they hadn’t been tangled up in her bed for half the night he’d think that was strange. Now, since they had gotten sweaty together last night, a few times, her silence was driving him a little crazy.

Her gaze shifting to him, she raised a brow as if to ask who was there at the door so early. He shrugged. Damned if he knew. He didn’t even live there anymore.

And as much as he hated to put off any longer the revelation they’d come here for, what could they do? Callously dump the bad news on his mother that her friend was a thief and then go answer the door?

Nope. There was no way around it so he pulled open the door and stood staring at a man that looked like the dead last person who should be standing on the front porch of his mother’s house in Sidney, New York.

“Can I help you?” Corey asked, taking in the man’s perfectly pressed and fitted suit.

It matched the guy’s perfect teeth and hair and posture as the stranger smiled and said, “I’m hoping I can help you, actually.”

Salesman.

That was the first thought that flew through Corey’s brain. Must be for something expensive too, judging by the slick look of this guy.

What was it? Solar panels that would cost his mother a fortune to install in order to save her pennies a month on her electric bill? Or maybe he was a politician wanting to shake some hands, kiss some babies and secure some votes.

Whatever it was, Corey didn’t have time for it. “I’m sorry. We’re not interested.”

He moved to close the door but the man was faster. He stuck the toe of what looked like a mighty expensive and very shiny leather shoe in the doorway, blocking Corey’s effort, and said, “Is Josie Baldwin here? I was told she was.”

That sent Corey’s brows shooting high. First hipster Kirk the lawn boy. Now Mr. Slick Guy here. Josie sure had a diverse fan club of men following her around.

Scowling, and without taking his eyes off the man darkening his doorway, Corey called, “Josie! It’s for you.”

She appeared next to him, frowning, until she saw the newcomer and then—dammit—she actually smiled at the guy. “Well, well, well. Mr. Manager. What brings you upstate? Zombies invade Manhattan? Another global pandemic?”

“Well, if it isn’t Captain Sweatpants’ sister and her quick wit.” He grinned back. “How are you, Josie?”

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