Page 47 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

“You know I’m not worried.”

“Yeah, but I still like to pull my weight.” She lightly punched Loriana in the arm. “Have to do a good job.”

The woman did a great job—and they both knew it.

Together, they headed over to the computers.

Marnie sat next to Jari, pointing to the screen.

“Hey, my turn.” Johanna tapped Marnie lightly on the shoulder. “It’s quitting time.”

“And Seth came by to say hi.” Loriana glanced toward the front where Seth stood.

Talking to Mitch.

Had he introduced himself as a police officer, or was he keeping it casual?

Marnie rose, a little unsteady. “Sorry Jari. You’re going to do great, and Johanna will help you.” Without waiting for a reply, she hurried toward the men.

Loriana exchanged a quick glance with Johanna and followed Marnie who was hotfooting it.

What’s this about?

She caught up just as Marnie met the men.

To Loriana’s shock, she placed her hand on each of the men’s arms.What the hell?

“Seth, so glad you met Mitch. He’s been so helpful to us. With the new computers and everything. And everything. You know. Like, helpful. And friendly. Right? So friendly.”

Both men gazed down at the petite woman in evident surprise. Seth was about six feet tall and Mitch several inches taller than that.

Both towered over Marnie, yet she clearly held her own. Which was quite unlike her.

Seth placed his hand over hers and squeezed. “I’m so happy to see you. And yes, Mitch and I were just getting acquainted. You know I like to meet everyone who’s new in town.”

Marnie gripped his jacket. “He’s not…that is, I’m not…” She let out a huff of frustration.

Again, Seth offered a reassuring smile. “Mitch let me know he didn’t know anyone in Mission City before coming here. And although he’s been enchanted by you and Loriana, I can tell he’s not here to hurt anyone. He’s good people.” He met Mitch’s gaze. “Right?”

What the hell is going on? Is Seth vetting Mitch?

God, she hoped the process was just because Mitch was new to town and not because of his skin color. Because that’d be all kinds of wrong—and out of character from what she knew of Seth.

“Everyone’s a stranger to me,” Mitch confirmed. “But everyone has also been incredibly welcoming.”

His gaze went from Seth to Marnie and then to her.

“We love accepting everyone.” Was that the right thing to say?

Finally, after what felt like forever, Marnie loosened her grip on Mitch’s arm.

Seth, however, still held her hand tight.

“Mitch, I just wanted you to check something with this monitor.” Loriana pointed. “Want to make sure it’s not glitchy.”

At first, the man frowned. Then, understanding clearly dawned as he nodded. “Yes, of course. Lead the way.” He even managed a tentative smile.

She did, selecting the closest computer. Close enough so she could see Marnie and Seth, but far enough away she couldn’t hear their conversation. As much as she was dying to know, she’d respect her co-worker’s privacy. She sat at the computer and Mitch took the seat next to her.

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