A couple of clean-shaven men with short hair sat at the bar—probably tourists. In the front corner, three older women were talking quietly.

The dark windows to the parking lot reminded her she’d wanted to step out back. Bull wanted her opinions on how to make the patio overlooking the lake more attractive. Although she’d studied the area before sunset, she needed to see how it looked after dark.

Slipping away from the table, she crossed the bar and went out the roadhouse’s back door.

Whew, instant quiet. Her ears were still ringing. As she walked around the big patio area, a frosty night breeze rustled the lakeside rushes and cooled her overheated skin.

Lights traveling up the mountain caught her gaze. Whoever built the roadhouse had chosen an excellent location. Tourists drove by it on the way to the resort, and the townsfolk provided steady clientele.

Now, how to lure more of them in?

Well, the way the patio overlooked Lynx Lake was perfect for romantic evenings.

Kit bit her lip. Would Hawk like to come here sometime? Maybe—although he was more of a homebody. She really liked that about him.

She rolled her eyes. Work, Kit.

Now, what would evoke romance? Perhaps flowers to scent the evening air? She glanced up at the starry night sky and the quarter moon rising in the east. There were white flowers that would glow in the moonlight. Maybe some twinkle lights?

Slowly walking the perimeter, Kit made plans and enjoyed the faint singing from inside. From the off notes and slurred words, she could tell which ones had imbibed more than others.

Sarah had been careful. Her children were overnighting with a neighbor so she could enjoy sexy times with Uriah tonight.

The B&B owner, EmmaJean, was feeling no pain, and Tina? Oh, boy, that woman knew how to drink. It was good Chevy was picking her up.

Kit smiled a little. Hawk had mentioned he’d see if Aric wanted to sack out on the floor in Regan’s room.

Who knew—maybe, she’d get sexy times too.

In the roadhouse parking lot, Hawk chose a space under a streetlight, fairly close to the door. The women would see his vehicle when they left—and he could intercept them if they chose to storm the town.

He got out and leaned against the pickup. Since they hadn’t texted for a ride, he’d stay outside and enjoy the night until they were ready. The air held the scent of an incoming storm. The forecast called for rain close to sunrise.

From inside the bar came the sound of women singing. Jesus. Having a pitch perfect ear, he was damned glad he wasn’t any closer.

He caught a few words of their song and grinned. Raymond must be getting quite an education—and might invoice Bull for hazardous duty.

Turning to scope out the parking lot, Hawk heard his name called.