As she hurried to the next person, he stared after her. Because, one kiss…or one summer for that matter, wasn’t enough.

He wanted more.

A lifetime sounded about right.

Chapter Twenty-Four

At home, Audrey grinned at herself in the mirror as she got ready to head to the roadhouse for the evening. It’d been a great Thursday, so far.

Before leaving to shop in Anchorage, Dante had studied the grocery comparison pricing she’d prepared. It showed how he might cut his overhead with selective buying. Since the store ran close to the red, she’d hoped to give him a better profit margin.

After reading her notes, the tough old Okie had actually hugged her.

Once he’d returned, she spent the rest of the day in the library. With Knox’s help, she’d unpacked—and gloated over—the new novels that’d come in.

Even better, Gabe had popped in to drop off sodas and steal a kiss.

She ran her finger over her mouth, still feeling the tingle.

Who would have thought such a deadly man could be so affectionate? He was polite—never grabbed her ass or fondled her in public—but whether they were alone or in public, he’d touch her. Put his arm around her. Even kiss her. He enjoyed being with her and didn’t care who knew it.

God, she loved him.

No, no, no. Fling. We’re having a fling, remember?

Firmly burying her wayward emotions, she studied herself in the ancient, rather hazy mirror.

Perfect.

Her lashes and eyebrows were a dark brown-black, her eyes sultry, her mouth lush. A touch of bronzer had emphasized her cheekbones.

And, look, Ma, I have cleavage.

Yesterday, when she was helping Lillian clean out her closet, the older woman had given Audrey grief about her shapeless, worn clothing. “My dear girl, it’s quite true Alaskans put little stock in a person’s attire. However, it’s a woman’s prerogative to indulge in dressing up now and then. Just for herself.”

Audrey had nodded her understanding.

“Good. Since I no longer wear low-cut clothing, you should take these and put them to good use.” Lillian had presented her with several sexy tops.

Audrey grinned at the memory. Lillian was like the mother she never had.

Audrey checked the mirror again. Over the past weeks, she hadn’t missed makeup, styling her hair, or wearing suits. But, Lillian was right. She was ready to go all female for one evening.

One of her escape guises had been an overly made-up redhead. After digging out those cosmetics earlier, she’d indulged.

Turning her head from side-to-side, she smiled. The makeup hadn’t reached the I’m-a-prostitute heaviness, but she looked different. And good.

Who knew, maybe she’d get better tips.

Two hours later, Audrey knew her tips, especially from tourists, had gone up. Yay sexy clothing and makeup.