Home Is Where the Heart Is (Welcome To Redemption) by Donna Marie Rogers Page B

looked and the ridiculous stories they wrote about her in the tabloids, comparing her to another high profile blonde heiress who truly seemed to enjoy the attention of the paparazzi. So Lindy had learned it was simpler to play up the snob persona and let everyone think what they wanted, than put herself out there and risk heartache and rejection.
    However, the people of Redemption had welcomed Matt into their small town with open arms. And because there was no one on earth she cared about more than her big brother, Lindy knew she had to make an effort. Put herself out there and allow these people to get to know the real Lindy, not the rich bitch tabloid sensation most were used to seeing.
    “What if I were to throw a party?”
    “Excuse me?”
    “A housewarming slash Valentine’s Day party. We’ll invite everyone in Mayberry.”
    “A party.”
    “You’re not going to start repeating everything I say again, are you?” She sighed. “Yes, a party. Why not?”
    Matt cocked a brow at her before slicing his box cutter through the top of a cardboard box. “I’m just not sure anyone will want to come once word gets out you fired Drew’s dad. He’s an extremely well-liked and respected man in this town.”
    “Dammit, Matt, he was drinking right there in the office. He was so drunk he could barely stand. And he almost creamed me with a bottle!”
    “I know, and believe me, I understand your position. I’m just saying, he must have had a damn good reason to—”
    “Get smashed on the job?” Lindy gave a ladylike snort. “Why don’t you give me a few examples, Matt. What, exactly, is a good excuse to drink on the job? And let’s not forget, destruction of property, and nearly taking my head off with a glass bottle.” She took a sip of her coffee, waiting for a reply that made sense. Really, okay, she got it. Andrew Porter was Drew and Hannah’s father and basically a decent guy. But he’d screwed up big time, and that was on him, not—
    Matt lifted a stack of books from the box, and Lindy’s heart hammered triple time in her chest. The cover of her latest release, Moonlit Seduction , stared back at her in almost mocking salute. Holy shit, Matt was stocking her new book! Of course she never used an author photo on the back cover, but she also never expected any of her family members to get close enough to one to possibly make a connection. And what if Hannah accidentally opened her mouth?
    Okay, Miss Worst Case Scenario, chill out. There’s no reason Matt, or anyone else in this town, would make the connection. And Lindy was fairly certain she could trust Hannah to keep her word...though she did just fire the girl’s father. “I need a huge slice of chocolate cake.”
    Matt glanced back at her and grinned. Chocolate cake was her drug of choice when feeling guilty, and he knew it. She usually gorged herself right after a shoe shopping trip.
    “You’re in luck. The bakery delivered one this morning.” He held one of her books up and gave his head an ‘I don’t get it’ shake.
    Lindy inwardly grated.
    “I can’t believe people buy this crap. But hey, if it sells, great.”
    Carrie came up and snatched the book from Matt’s hand. “Idiot. You know how much I love my romance novels.” She glanced at Lindy. “I suppose you agree with Matt...?”
    If you only knew . “I rarely agree with Matt. And I do indulge in the occasional novel.”
    “Romance?” Matt asked with a skeptical lilt to his voice.
    “Yes, Mr. Foot Rub, romance. Really, it’s a miracle Carrie puts up with you.”
    “I know, right?” Carrie handed the book back to Matt.
    He slapped her ass with it. “You go wild over my foot rubs, babe, stop fronting.”
    “Stop fronting?” Carrie laughed. “What are you, fifteen? Lindy, I have cinnamon rolls to ice, so I’ll talk to you later.” Carrie gave Matt one last eye-roll before heading back to the kitchen.
    “She’s just saving face,” Matt shared once Carrie was out of ear shot.