“I saw a few when I was there. One evening, I walked out of the cabin and a moose stood right beside my car.” Audrey shook her head. “I learned you shouldn’t try to get one to move. You’ll only make it so mad that it’ll attack.”

“Half-a-ton of weight stomping on you can do serious damage,” Bull agreed.

“You really did get chased by a moose when you were little?” Frankie asked him.

“Yep. We enjoyed moose stew all year.” Bull’s lips twitched, drawing her attention. Wasn’t it funny how a goatee could make a man’s mouth look…kissable?

Uh-oh, don’t even go there, Frankie Bocelli.

“I better get to work,” he told Audrey, then his gaze settled on Frankie. How could black eyes get even darker? “You’re working at the roadhouse tomorrow night. Come in a few minutes early. I’d like to talk to you.”

Her mouth dropped open.

Maybe he was the boss, but it was worrisome that he’d know her schedule offhand without checking it. Why would he want her to come in early? Maybe to put the moves on her now that his lover was gone?

Her jaw tightened. Whatever he wanted, he could tell her during her work hours—when there were lots of people around. She’d show up exactly on time and not a second early.

Giving them both a nod, Bull headed out, carrying his groceries and a giant bag of dog food.

As all the muscles of his arms and shoulders flexed into boulders, Frankie stared, then yanked her gaze away. “Santo cielo.”

Audrey’s laughing eyes met hers.

Caught. Frankie gave her a rueful shrug. “All those muscles. Who wouldn’t drool?”

Grinning her agreement, Audrey started bagging the groceries.

A high voice came from outside, “Uncle Bull, we want to cook!”

Frankie checked the front window.

A young girl, maybe ten years old, charged at Bull.

He set his bags down on the sidewalk, caught the child, and swung her around. As she patted his shaved head, her little girl giggles mixed with his deep masculine laughter.

“Madonna,” Frankie muttered. “I think my ovaries just exploded.”

Audrey busted out laughing.

Frankie shook her head. “Not an expression common to libraries?”

Audrey wiped her eyes. “Not even close.”

Frankie turned to the window again. A boy and another girl had appeared and were obviously asking Bull for something.

“He’s teaching Regan how to cook.” Audrey continued checking out the groceries.

“He can cook? Like something besides weightlifter protein shakes?”

Audrey gave her a startled look. “He’s a superb cook.”