Where The Heart Is: A Bay City Paranormal Investigations story

complaint. His knowledge of—and obvious enthusiasm for—the craft was impressive. As he talked, the worry lines vanished from his face and his brown eyes shone with undisguised joy.
Watching Sommer’s expressive features, Dean began to have an inkling of what was truly bothering him. Sommer seemed like the type of person who enjoyed the creativity and artfulness of a trade such as winemaking, but hated the day-to-day drudgery of running a business. He decided to try to talk to Sommer as soon as he could get him alone. If he was right, he’d do his damnedest to persuade Sommer to hire help for the business end so he’d have time to handle the creative end himself.
After breakfast, Ron offered to clean up while Kerry and Dean helped Sommer get ready for his guests. Dean had no clue what was involved in such preparation, but he was more than willing to help. Especially if it involved being alone in a room with Sommer.
Just to talk , he promised himself, though he knew his resolve would unravel at the slightest touch from Sommer. The slightest look, even. Just one of those lopsided smiles aimed his way, or the faintest wisp of desire in those big dark eyes, and he’d be putty in Sommer’s hands.
Following Sommer and Kerry upstairs to the guestrooms, he tried to figure out what it was about Sommer that drew him so. He’d been with plenty of men who were more experienced, more skilled, better looking. Maybe not much better looking, true, but the fact remained he’d been with some extremely hot men before, and he’d never had trouble saying goodbye in the morning. Or, more often, immediately after sex. This time, he’d not only spent the night, he’d stayed for breakfast and even agreed to do housework. Why?
He would’ve liked to blame it on the prospect of witnessing the apparition Sommer had described the night before. He hadn’t forgotten, and he did want very much to see it. But he knew that wasn’t why he’d stayed. He just couldn’t figure out what was the reason he was still here instead of back at Ron and Kerry’s house.
At the top of the stairs, Sommer turned his shy smile to Dean. “Come help me set up the rooms? I’ll give you the grand tour.”
A bubble of warmth expanded in Dean’s chest. He returned Sommer’s smile, and knew it looked sappy as hell, but he couldn’t make himself care. “Okay, sure.”
Sommer beamed. “Great. Kerry, are you sure you’re up to doing this stuff? You’re more than welcome to just relax on the porch, or in the living room.”
Kerry waved a dismissive hand. “Please. Pregnant does not equal disabled. I’ll take care of the bathrooms, I know what to do.”
Chuckling, Sommer leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thanks. I owe you.”
“You do not.” Kerry walked over to a narrow door set in the pale yellow wall of the upstairs hallway. When she opened it, Dean glimpsed a deep linen closet full of neatly folded sheets and fluffy towels. Grabbing an armful of towels, she quirked an eyebrow at Sommer and Dean. “Try not to get man-goo all over the beds, okay? The parents in particular might not appreciate it.”
Sommer blushed bright red. “God, Kerry. Stop it.”
Unable to resist, Dean wrapped both arms around Sommer’s waist. “We’ll try to resist,” he purred, and bit Sommer’s shoulder.
Snickering, Kerry wandered down the hall and disappeared into the last doorway. Sommer shook his head, the bright pink fading from his cheeks. “She’s got some mouth on her.”
“Ron says the same thing, but he usually has a big grin on his face when he says it.” Dean laughed at Sommer’s renewed blush. Letting his arms drop, Dean gave Sommer a light smack on the ass. “Let’s get busy, huh? You promised me a tour.”
“So I did.” Smiling, Sommer took Dean’s hand in his, lacing their fingers together.
Trying to ignore how right it felt to hold Sommer’s hand, Dean followed him into the first guestroom.
    It took less than an hour to get the rooms ready for the expected guests, sweep the hallway floors and clean the bathrooms. To Dean’s irritation, he and Sommer were never alone for more than a minute or two at a time. Kerry kept popping in, and Ron came up to help after he finished in the kitchen.
    Dean sighed as they all trooped downstairs into the kitchen. So you didn’t get to talk to him alone. Big deal. It’s not like you’re gonna be hanging around here. You have to go back home in a week and some change anyway.
    The reminder was not a