Where The Heart Is: A Bay City Paranormal Investigations story

the chair beside Kerry and put an arm around her. “Hey, babe.”
“Hey yourself.” She tilted her face up for a kiss. “We’re going to Sommer’s for karaoke tonight.”
“Okay, cool. I’ll be home by four, so no problem.” Ron’s bearded face broke into a wide grin as he leaned over to clap Dean on the shoulder. “He’s single, and Kerry says he’s cute. Want me to set you up?”
“No need, I can handle it. But thanks anyway.” Dean took a sip of his coffee, licking the rich, dark taste from his lips. “By the way, he is beyond cute. He’s gorgeous. Just so you know.”
Ron’s eyebrows shot up. “When did you meet him?”
“I didn’t. Yet. But I sure am looking forward to it.”
“Sommer was in here just before you got here,” Kerry explained, answering the puzzled look on her husband’s face. “He was in a rush and didn’t stay for introductions, but Dean noticed him. Big surprise, I know. I told him we’d come out for karaoke.”
Ron chuckled. “Sommer’s always in a rush. Was he in here getting coffee beans again?”
“Most likely. I noticed Weaver Street Market was out of that fair trade Mexican blend he serves at the Inn.” Kerry glanced at Dean. “He usually gets all his stuff at the Market, but he comes here for his beans when they’re out at Weaver Street.”
Dean nodded over his coffee cup. “Very Carrboro of him. I like that in a man.”
“You have to try his zinfandel tonight, Dean,” Ron said, leaning back in his chair and stretching. “You’ll get a free glass of chardonnay, but the zinfandel’s out of this world. He’ll give you a free taste, if you want.”
An array of decidedly impure mental images flashed through Dean’s mind. He rested his chin in his hand. “You think he’d give me a free taste of anything else? I promise to ask nicely.”
“I’m sure he would. He’s got merlot, Pinot Grigio, and—” Ron stopped, his face flushing pink. “Oh. Dean, you have a filthy mind.”
“That can’t possibly surprise you at this point.” Kerry took a long swallow of coffee. “You want me to order you a coffee, hon?”
“Naw, I’ll get it.” Yawning, Ron rose to his feet. “Y’all want anything else while I’m up?”
“A spoon.” Kerry held up her bag. “I have gelato.”
“Oh yeah, and I wanted a chocolate croissant. Mr. Hotpants distracted me.” Pushing away from the table, Dean stood and dug his wallet out of his pocket. “I’ll come with you, Ron.”
“Cool.” Leaning down, Ron kissed his wife’s forehead, then followed Dean to the counter. He shot Dean a keen look. “You look tired. Is everything all right back in Mobile?”
“Yeah, it’s fine. The last few months have been kind of…” He trailed off, not knowing quite what to say about all he’d experienced since joining Bay City Paranormal. “It’s been weird,” he said finally.
“That’s what you get when you work for a paranormal investigations agency.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Dean smiled at his friend. “It’s good to be back here. I missed y’all.”
“Same here, man.” Sweeping Dean into a tight hug, Ron planted a kiss on each cheek. “It’s been ages since we got to hang out.”
Before Dean could answer, Kerry’s voice rang out across the crowded shop. “You guys can make out if you want, but no threesomes. Only wholesome family sex around the baby.”
Ron raised his eyebrows. He and Dean cracked up at the same time, along with half the customers in the shop.
Oh yeah, Dean thought as he let go of Ron and waited to place his order. I’ve missed these people, and this place.
Of course, just because Carrboro and Chapel Hill held so much nostalgia for him didn’t mean there were no new memories to be made here. With any luck, some of those new memories would involve a slender, dark-eyed inn-and-winery owner between his legs.
He grinned. Karaoke Night, here I come.
Chapter Two
    “Here we are,” Ron announced, guiding the old red Nova into a narrow gravel lane. A wooden sign beside the road spelled out Blue Skye Inn & Winery in deep red letters against a pale blue background. “Wow, it’s crowded tonight.”
    “I’ll say. Is it always like this?” Dean gazed around from the backseat, taking it all in. About one hundred yards ahead, the gravel lane expanded into a huge gravel parking area. It was packed with cars. Even the row of bike racks along one side was full. On the far side of the parking lot stood a tremendous wooden structure which had clearly