Closer: Bay City Paranormal Investigation, Book 4

portal to form.”
It was true. Although every portal they’d encountered had been in an area of high EMF levels, they didn’t have nearly enough evidence to conclude that elevated EMF alone could create the potential for a portal. They’d only dealt with three of the interdimensional gateways, and one had already been permanently closed when they found it. That wasn’t enough data upon which to base any conclusions, or even any solid theories. All they had so far was speculation, and Sam refused to let mere speculation worry him.
He forced a smile. “You’re right. Plus, if there was a portal there, or ever had been, I’m sure Andre and Cecile would’ve picked up on it.”
“Yeah, we would have.” Lifting his mug, Andre took a long swallow of coffee. “Well. I don’t know about you two, but I could use a little time on the beach before we start slogging through all the tapes and stuff from last night. Anyone up for a swim?”
“Me!” Dean bounded out of the hallway leading to the bedrooms and made a beeline for the kitchen. “Food first, though. I smell Bo’s cooking.”
Spearing a chunk of sausage on his fork, Sam quirked an eyebrow at Dean across the counter. “Where the hell did you get that?”
“Get what?” Dean grabbed a plate out of the cabinet and started piling it with food. “Oh wait, you mean this?” He pointed the spoon at a fading purplish mark on his collarbone, splattering himself with gravy in the process. He snatched the hand towel off the oven door handle and swabbed his chest clean. “I got it from Suzanne, last weekend. She’s a good lay, but a little too rough. You should see the bite mark she left on my ass.”
“Actually, I was talking about that tiny piece of fabric you’re almost wearing,” Sam clarified, raising his voice over Andre and Bo’s laughter. “And I did see the bite mark. We all did, since your butt’s hanging out of that thing.”
“This thing is called a thong.” Plate in one hand and a steaming coffee mug in the other, Dean sauntered into the breakfast nook. He set the dishes on the table and shimmied his hips. “Sexy, huh?”
Sam eyed the emerald green triangle barely covering Dean’s privates. “Yeah. Although, I’m not sure who you’re being sexy for.”
With a shrug, Dean plopped into the chair beside Sam and tucked into his breakfast. “Hey, you never know who you might meet on the beach.”
“One of those college boys staying next door, maybe?” Bo asked, looking amused.
An evil grin curved Dean’s mouth. “Maybe.”
“What if they’re straight?” Sam picked up the last biscuit on his plate and bit off half of it.
Dean smirked over the rim of his coffee mug. “Nobody’s that straight.”
“You really need to work on your self-esteem problem, Dean.” Draining his cup, Andre pushed his chair back and stood. “Okay, I’m going to go get changed. Into something more substantial than what some people are wearing, you’ll all be glad to know.”
“You just wish you had the balls to show off that fine bod in something like this,” Dean declared, pointing his fork at Andre. “You’d look way too hot.”
Andre patted Dean’s tousled hair as he passed. “You know what, the thought of you staring at my ass all day and thinking it’s hot is enough to keep me out of thongs forever.”
Dean stuck his tongue out at Andre’s retreating back, then turned his attention back to his plateful of food. “So. Y’all talked yourselves into coming to the fort with us yet?” He forked up a huge mouthful of gravy-covered biscuit and shoved it into his mouth.
“We did, actually,” Bo answered, darting a surprised look at Sam. “Just now.”
“You mean you did.” Sam gestured at Bo with his half-empty mug. “I’m just going along with it to keep you happy.”
Dean swallowed his mouthful and licked a stray drop of gravy from the corner of his mouth. “Oh please, Sam. You know damn well you wanted to come.” He grinned, gray green eyes sparkling. “To the fort, I mean.”
Groaning, Bo rubbed a hand over his eyes. “And on that note, I’m going to head on down to the beach.”
“We’ll be out in a few minutes.” Sam gulped the rest of his coffee while Bo shoved his chair back and stood. “Where’s the sunblock? Do I need to run upstairs and get it?”
“No, it’s still out on the porch.” Bo leaned over to kiss Sam. His braid fell forward, tickling Sam’s chest. “Our towels are out there too.” He straightened up.