“Now, boy. Now.” Dante motioned Gabe out of the store, flipped off the lights, and turned the sign on the door to CLOSED.

Gabe grinned as he got into his Jeep. Small town living. Everyone knew he had nothing planned.

He glanced at the grocery sack. Good thing the late May temperature had been cold today; the food would keep for a few hours. A few minutes later, he parked behind Dante’s car. Caz’s SUV pulled in behind.

“I see Dante found you, viejo.” Caz slapped Gabe’s shoulder and followed Dante up to Lillian’s house.

With an easy informality, Dante opened the front door, yelled, “We’re here, woman,” and walked in.

The grocery store owner and the Englishwoman?

Gabe exchanged a glance with Caz.

Caz’s eyes lit…of course. Despite the way Caz went through women, he’d always had a fondness for romance—at least when it came to others.

And hey, best of luck to Dante. He was Mako’s generation and far more sociable than the sarge had been. Gabe rubbed his hand over his jaw. A man like that needed friends. A lover.

Now Gabe, he wasn’t as withdrawn as Mako had been. He liked having a few friends. His brothers. A woman, now and then.

At one time, he wouldn’t have wanted more from a woman, but…now, there was Julie.

Lillian’s home suited the Brit well. Her high-ceilinged living room was filled with antiques, Oriental carpets, tall plants, and stained glass windows.

Dante walked through the room, through a dining area, and into a bright kitchen.

To the right, Lillian was putting a pan of biscuits in the oven.

Biscuits. Gabe’s mouth started to water.

Turning, Lillian smiled a welcome. “Dante, my love.” A quick kiss confirmed Gabe’s suppositions of their relationship. Stepping past Dante, she took his and Caz’s hands. “Welcome, you two.”

“Thank you for the invitation,” Caz said smoothly. “Whatever you’re cooking, it smells wonderful.”

“Julie had a successful time fishing, so we’re comparing our favorite trout recipes.” As Lillian spoke, Julie came in the back door with a platter of grilled trout.

Apparently, his avoidance policy had a new expiration date. Gabe couldn’t hide his smile. “Julie.” Or whatever your name is.

Surprised delight flashed in her eyes before wariness appeared. “Gabe.”

As she greeted Dante and Caz more easily, he studied her. The bruise shadows had finally disappeared. She moved more easily. Her silky skin had a light tan, and her cheeks had filled out enough that she no longer looked like she belonged in a Dickens novel.

She got sexier every time he saw her. Dammit. He searched for the manners that he’d acquired from Gramps—sure hadn’t been from Mako. “I see you’ve turned into a good fisherman.”