Concealed Hearts (Hometown Jasper #4) - Nicky James Page 0,77

change the subject. “You know, that’s the kind of thing I’m talking about when it comes to Jasper. People don’t mind their own business around here. Everyone needs to know everything about you. Even the personal stuff. If Windsor is dating someone, it’s no one’s business but his. Following him around and digging into his personal life is uncalled for. It’s rude. That’s why I can’t live here.”

“No, you can’t live here because you’re gay and went to a lot of trouble to ensure everyone thought you were straight.”

“I didn’t come here to fight with you, Shay. Can we drop this?”

“Fine. I just wanted you to know about Windsor before you embarrassed yourself.”

“How thoughtful.”

The rest of my visit with Shay was awkward. When he discovered the truth about my sexuality back in May, it had changed our relationship. We couldn’t find stable ground anymore and struggled to find anything to talk about. We were constantly on edge, and the smallest thing turned into a disagreement.

It was all on me. I knew that. Like I’d told Windsor, I was the villain in this story. If anything was going to change, it was up to me to make it happen.

The moment Shay brought up Josiah, I shut down. When he asked about BC and if I was dating, the conversation faltered. No matter what, any topic that revolved around my sexuality made me respond toxically.

After two hours, I was happy to depart. Part of me regretted the loss of our friendship and wondered if it would ever be the same again.

I took a chance and stopped at the Café and Bakery for a coffee before heading back to my hotel room. Too many nights without enough sleep was catching up with me, and I needed more caffeine.

It was a mistake. I should have known better than to go somewhere so public.

There was a crowd, and one of the people present was Windsor with his second in command, John Bygrove. They were at the counter, backs turned, placing their orders. I spun to leave before he saw me and ran smack into Josiah—of all people. If there weren’t more people streaming in behind him, I’d have ducked out the door and left.

I was trapped.

“Hey, Tomi. It’s good to see you…” Josiah twirled his finger, encompassing the café. “You know?”

I gave him a strained smile and turned around, reluctantly lining up as the walls pressed in from all sides. The last thing I wanted was to be caught talking to Josiah. Our names were associated with all the rumors from the past. I didn’t want to encourage people’s memories or provoke new rumors.

John and Windsor finished at the counter and turned to head toward the door. I ducked my chin, not wishing to make eye contact or engage in conversation while surrounded by so many people. I wasn’t sure if our faces and emotions would be readable. Someone would notice something. It was inevitable.

Unfortunately, John noticed me. Windsor was too busy talking. John stopped and touched my shoulder. “Tomi? Well, shit. I heard you were in town. Welcome back to Jasper. I ran into your dad yesterday at the shop, and he said you were around. Good to see you, man.”

Windsor’s gaze seared into me. Josiah’s too. Smiling at John, I responded, hoping my voice didn’t crack. “Just visiting for a few weeks. Not staying.”

“You should come by the station. I’m sure this guy would love a visitor.” He smacked Windsor’s shoulder.

I flinched and said, “Why would I do that?” at the same time Windsor said, “Why do I need a visitor?”

I wasn’t sure whose face radiated shame and embarrassment more. We both looked away. We both started fidgeting, and I groaned. This was a mess. We were the least subtle people in the world. John would have to be an idiot not to see through the pair of us.

“Okaaay.” John drew out the single word as he glanced between us. He chuckled and shook his head. “I thought you guys were friends. That’s all. You hung out back in May when you were in town.”

“We were working a case,” Windsor snapped before I could answer. He shoved John by the arm, aiming for the front door. “We gotta go.”

With my heart in my throat, I faced forward, my cheeks hot and insides in a turbine. How many people were looking at me right now? What were they thinking? Did they know?

When I thought it couldn’t get worse, Josiah leaned in and spoke in