To Love Someone (Baytown Boys #14) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,5

Pharmacy. Tomorrow, come on down to the garage, I can put you to work, and we’ll find Zac.”

The events of the day had happened so fast, Joseph barely had time for his brain to catch up with everything Jason was offering. He’d come on a lark, arrived unannounced, and already had a place to stay and an offer of work. He reached out his hand, hoping his appreciation came through in the handshake and back slap given and received.

Walking back downstairs after Jason, he waved goodbye and watched his friend jog across the street and go through a door next to the ice cream parlor. Looking up, he could see the lights on in the apartment above and smiled. Heading to his bike, he emptied the saddlebags, checked the locks, and made his way back upstairs.

It only took a few minutes to stow his toiletries into the bathroom and put his few clothes away. Sitting on the side of the bed, he pulled off his heavy boots, the clomp echoing off the wood as they dropped to the floor. He walked back to the living room, sat on the sofa, and flipped through channels. But he felt restless. Not finding any show or sports on TV worth watching, he turned it off, sitting in the quiet, letting his mind wander.

A rolling stone, he’d traveled to many places in the few years since he’d been out of the Navy. He’d find a place, find a job, and work until the urge to move on took over. Texas oil field. Louisiana shrimp boat. Georgia peach orchard. Tennessee whiskey distillery. He’d traveled to many other places, but the ones where he’d stopped and worked were the ones that stayed most in his mind. And now, Baytown. Wonder how long this will last?

The fatigue of the day settled over him and he felt older than his years. Glancing around, he was stunned that he was so quickly ensconced in a large, furnished apartment. Driving into town, he’d considered sleeping under the stars if needed.

He hefted his body from the sofa and flipped off the lights before walking straight into the bathroom. A shower washed off the travel and the scent from the hospital. Stepping out, he wiggled his toes on the thick, plush bathmat and grinned, wondering if Rose had contributed to Jason’s apartment. He found the towel to be equally as plush and dried off quickly. He pulled on clean boxers and crawled into bed, surprised at the soft sheets, comfortable mattress, and fluffy pillow.

Having pulled a book from his pack, he reclined and read until his eyes grew tired. Turning off the lamp on the nightstand, he slid down, still stunned at the turn of events. When he’d driven into town, he figured a small, used camper would be where he laid his head, never imagining that he’d end up being offered a nice place to stay. Already Baytown was offering a respite.

Closing his eyes, he allowed the fatigue to pull him under.

Bolting upright in bed, Joseph looked around. The early light of dawn shone through the slats of the blinds, and for a moment, he had trouble remembering where he was. Even with as many places as he’d traveled, he usually woke instantly, knowing his surroundings. But having slept so soundly all through the night, he blinked in confusion while feeling completely refreshed.

He scraped his hand over his face, a smile hinting at the edges of his lips. He tossed the covers back and headed into the bathroom. Taking care of business, he dressed in his standard uniform of jeans, T-shirt, and boots. Walking through the living room, he grabbed his leather jacket, keys, and wallet, then headed down the stairs and through the shop. First order of business… breakfast.

Eschewing his bike, he decided to walk but determined to move his bike to the alley later so that he’d be able to use the back stairs. The light of day gave evidence to a street full of little shops, a bank, lots of businesses, and a library. He spied the green awning with the sign of Jillian’s Coffeehouse & Galleria, but as he neared, his steps slowed. Peering through the window, he could see people bustling around, greeting each other, laughing, talking, and sitting at small tables crowded together. Not my scene.

He turned and headed in the other direction toward Stuart’s Pharmacy. Entering, he discovered it was exactly what he’d hoped for. A small-town drugstore with the pharmacy in the back,