What Hides Inside: Bay City Paranormal Investigations, Book 2

haunted or otherwise paranormally active unless we have hard evidence and we’ve ruled out every other explanation. If you’re only here to find unquestioning confirmation of what you’ve already decided is the truth, you’ll have to find someone else to investigate the school. We at Bay City Paranormal stand by our methods and our results.”
Sam managed to swallow the triumphant cackle that wanted to come out. Evidently Bo had come to the same conclusion as Sam—that Mr. Innes was only prepared to hear one result of an investigation. Bo was unfailingly polite to most clients, but he refused to tolerate those who came to him looking only for someone to tell them they were right.
To Sam’s surprise, the school principal threw his head back and laughed. “Dr. Broussard,” he said, still chuckling, “I think I like you.”
Bo grinned. “Are we agreed, then?”
“We are. Can you start tomorrow?”
“Sorry, no. The rest of the week is completely full.” Pursing his lips, Bo tapped a finger on his chin. “What about Saturday?”
“Saturday would be fine.” Mr. Innes reached a hand across the desk. “Oh-eight-hundred?”
“We’ll be there.” Bo shook the principal’s hand, and all three of them stood. “We’ll bring the necessary paperwork with us.”
“Very well.” Mr. Innes held a hand toward Sam. “Mr. Raintree.”
“Mr. Innes.” Sam shook the man’s hand, quirking an eyebrow at Bo. “See you Saturday.”
“Yes.” Mr. Innes paused at the door. “You won’t find anything.”
“Let’s hope not,” Bo answered mildly.
The corner of Mr. Innes’ mouth turned up in a wry smile. “Thank you for your time, gentlemen. Good night.”
Mr. Innes strode out of Bo’s office. The front door squeaked open and rattled closed as he left.
Sam stood in Bo’s office doorway, gazing out the front window at the headlights of the cars passing by on Dauphin Street. A few seconds later, Bo’s arms slid around his waist from behind, Bo’s body pressing warm and solid against his back.
“What are you thinking, Sam?” Bo kissed his neck, soft lips lingering on his skin.
Sam let himself relax into Bo’s arms. “South Bay. Wondering what we’re going to find there.”
“Mm.” Bo’s tongue traced the shell of Sam’s ear. “I hope Mr. Innes is right and we don’t find anything out of the ordinary. But I have this feeling…”
“Yeah. Me too.” Turning in Bo’s embrace, Sam tugged the rubber band off the end of Bo’s braid so he could bury his hands in all that thick, silky hair. He never tired of the feel of it, slick and heavy between his fingers. “Bo, what we were talking about before—”
“Please, don’t decide yet, okay?” Bo’s wide-eyed, pleading gaze bored into him. “Please just…just give me a little time.” Laying both hands on Sam’s cheeks, Bo kissed him, tongue flickering over his lips. “Please, Sam, I need you right now, please…”
Sam didn’t have it in him to refuse Bo anything when he begged like that, fear and confusion and need raw in his voice. With one arm snug around Bo’s waist and the opposite hand tangled in Bo’s hair, Sam shut his eyes and let Bo’s kiss carry him away. This time, when he felt Bo’s fingers unbuttoning his jeans, he didn’t stop him.
Chapter Two
    Sam usually arrived at work early. Mostly because he loved his job, but he couldn’t pretend Bo being there had nothing to do with it. Especially when Bo would push him against the wall and kiss him until he was dizzy.
    This Thursday, however, he slept in, lingered over his coffee, and walked the two miles to work instead of taking the bus. The morning was bright and inviting, and unusually warm for November. Mobile had endured cold, dreary rain nearly every day for the past two weeks, and Sam found the pleasant turn in the weather irresistible.
    He tried to tell himself he was going in late simply so he could enjoy the beautiful morning before starting his day. It almost worked, too. He bounded up the steps of the old Victorian home that housed the BCPI office and opened the door.
    Bo was standing beside Cecile’s desk, reading a sheet of paper. He glanced up, his gaze locked with Sam’s, and Sam instantly knew the real reason for his lazy morning.
    He was avoiding being alone with Bo. Distancing himself in an effort to prevent being hurt should Bo cast him aside.
    Sam closed the front door, carefully schooling his face into a casual expression. “Morning. Sorry I’m late. It’s so