Every woman knew chocolate ice cream would fill her with endorphins and make the world better. Being with Gabe was even better than chocolate ice cream.

She couldn’t.

And from the expression on his face, he wouldn’t try to tempt her further. The knowledge closed her throat and filled her eyes with tears.

Chapter Sixteen

At five on Tuesday afternoon, Gabe crossed the street toward Dante’s Market. He was out of milk and cheese. Be nice to have a dairy cow or goat, but no. Mako had tried livestock in the past, but it was damn difficult to cougar-proof a cattle-sized pasture.

As he walked into the store, he spotted Dante at the end of one aisle. Since the grocery would close within the next few minutes, Julie had already left.

Biding his time, Gabe had avoided the bar, grocery, and coffee shop for the last two days. Julie liked him. Wanted him. She’d pulled away only because he was too inquisitive for her comfort level.

He chuckled. Considering how curious she was, she should have more sympathy. He picked up a block of cheddar and a quart of milk. Well, he’d give her another day or so to relax before approaching her again.

Frustrating woman. If she’d only bring herself to trust him, he could help with whatever frightened her.

Of course, if she were a serial killer and fleeing the law, they might have a problem. But—he smiled—he knew her now. Julie liked rules and order too much to be a crook. And she was far too tenderhearted to hurt people.

It was odd to miss someone he didn’t really know—but he did. Hell, just a glimpse of her could bring him to a full stop. Maybe because he remembered all too well how her curvy body felt beneath him, how soft her lips were, the velvet of her nipples against his tongue, the way her cunt closed around his dick.

The tiny sounds she made when she came.

Gabe grunted his exasperation because now he had a boner. Dumbass.

He’d sure never figured on entangling himself with a woman when he’d arrived in Rescue. After his divorce during his SEAL days, he’d had a couple of longer relationships. Like the one that’d taken him to Los Angeles. But no woman had truly upset his equilibrium.

But now… Damned if he could get Julie out of his mind.

At the counter, he waited for Dante to make his way to the front.

“How’s it going, Chief?” Dante stepped up to the register and rang up the purchases.

Gabe handed over some money. “Good enough. Been quiet. And you?”

“Fine. Maybe I can liven up your life.” Dante grinned. “Lillian wants you and Caz to come for supper tonight.”

A meal he didn’t have to cook? “Sure. When?”