Head Over Cleats (No Place Like Home Book 1) by Marika Ray

there, but I don’t see anyone around here dying anytime soon.” This was a common thing with Roy. He’d been proclaiming to be on death’s doorstep for ten years now. He’d cried wolf so many times the town just ignored him. Poor guy would one day have a real medical event, and no one would believe him. His light blue eyes twinkled as he took another healthy sip of his wine. “Well, that’s the thing with death. You just never know.” That sobered Pam. “I know that all too well.” Roy’s big hand, complete with callouses, veins, liver spots, and a sprinkling of knuckle hair, landed on hers. “Forgive me, Pam. I spoke without thinking. May Michael rest in peace.” He gave Pam a squeeze and let go. She gave him a smile to let him know he didn’t need to feel bad for speaking of her deceased husband. “I think that’s why I’m celebrating my first grandchild so much. I have to enjoy the living or all I would do is focus on the dying.” Roy studied Pam for a moment before leaning closer. “Can I tell you a secret, Pam?” She nodded for him to continue. His eyes darted left, then right, before coming back to Pam. They positively sparkled with humor and light. Roy had been what they called a looker back in the day, charming women with his good looks and aw-shucks personality. He was older now, but the vitality was still there. “I ain’t planning to die anytime soon, but I’m also not afraid to use my advancing age to get what I want. I’ve summoned my grandkids to come home.” He ended there, and Pam tr