Page 73 of Home Town

She’d even let Bailey force make-up on her so when Corey leaned low and pressed a kiss to her lips the first thing she said when he pulled back was, “Did you mess up my lipstick?”

He laughed. “I don’t think you’ve ever said that to me before. But no. It looks good to me.”

“Phew. Good. I guess Bailey’s super lip stuff is all it’s cracked up to be after all.” That worry alleviated, she asked, “So, what do you think?”

“I think I can’t wait to get you home and see what’s under that fancy dress of yours.”

She rolled her eyes. “I mean of the venue.”

“I think only a miracle worker, or you, could turn an abandoned old school into this.”

“It really wasn’t so bad. The first floor of the building was in good shape. The architectural details were all here. It was just hard to see them with all the garbage. Once the volunteers hauled all that to the dump, it was just a matter of decorations.”

“Baby, when someone tells you that you pulled off a miracle, you don’t tell them how easy it was. Just say thank you.”

She drew in a breath. “Okay. And thank you.”

“You’re welcome. So now that this event is done and a huge success?—”

“Thank you,” she said to prove she’d taken his lesson to heart.

He smiled and continued, “what are you going to do with all your spare time tomorrow?”

She’d tell him about Xander’s strange mention of a job later. But that didn’t really pertain to his question. What did she want to do tomorrow?

“I’d say I’d like to stay in bed with you all day long, but my house is a little crowded right now.”

“I like how you think. But yes, your house is way over crowded for that. Can I offer an alternate suggestion?”

“Sure. Go for it.”

“How about a trip to the animal shelter?” Corey’s gaze stayed on her, watching for her reaction.

She frowned. “Um. Okay. Why?”

“I downloaded and filled out the adoption papers for Peanut Butter and Jelly. I thought my mom would like the company and I kind of have a soft spot for those two little ruffians myself. I hope you don’t mind.”

Josie laughed. “You softie. No, of course I don’t mind. The little devils like you better than me anyway.”

“As long as you like me, things are good.”

“I more than like you, Corey Jacobs. I’m completely and utterly head over heels in love with you. And if you ever break my heart again, I swear I’ll?—”

He crushed his mouth against hers, silencing her threat before pulling back and shaking his head. “Not gonna happen. Never again.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” He nodded before closing in on her mouth for a deeper kiss. Pulling back, he said, “Still perfect. That is really good lipstick.”

“I’ll be sure to tell Bailey. Now I have to get up on stage.”

“Oh? Performing, are you?” Corey joked.

“In a way.” Josie smiled.

There was one final thing she had to do to fulfill a promise and make this night complete. When the quartet finished the piece it had been performing, another one of Bailey’s hits, Josie took the microphone.

The room quieted. She felt every eye on her and in a packed room, that amounted to a lot. She fought the niggling of stage fright and forged ahead.

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