“Without getting the help you needed. Bad Felix.” Frankie fixed up an ice bag out of the puny supply of ice in the mini fridge. After laying it on his ankle, she headed for the kitchen. “I’m going to tidy up in here a little.” Most of the mess was containers of food he’d microwaved and dirty glasses and cups.

“Girlfriend, you don’t have to do that.”

“I know. And you didn’t have to help me learn the ropes at the roadhouse.” She grinned at him over her shoulder. “Gratitude paybacks are hell, aren’t they?”

He laughed and relaxed, seeming less lost.

Here in Alaska, she’d learned how it felt, being alone with no one to call. None of her work buddies should ever feel like that. Not if she had anything to say about it.

As she finished up in the kitchen, there was a knock on the door.

Felix shook his head. “That staircase hasn’t seen so much action since the 1900s.” He raised his voice. “It’s open.”

Frankie frowned. “It’s not safe to leave your door unlocked.”

Audrey, the curvy blonde librarian, walked in with filled grocery sacks. “Felix, you should lock your door.”

He burst out laughing. “I’m surrounded by city girls.”

Audrey smiled across the room. “Hi, Frankie.”

A petite older woman with chin-length white hair walked in. “My boy, what have you done to yourself?” The elegant British accent made Frankie blink.

“Lillian, my sweet, would you believe I tangled with an icy glacier and lost?” Felix gestured to his ankle. “Someone told you?”

Audrey nodded. “Caz asked Bull if he needed to write a doctor’s excuse for you, but Bull said you were already scheduled off for most of the weekdays this week. He was pretty unhappy you hadn’t called to tell him you were laid up.”

Just the mention of Bull’s name made Frankie’s heart race.

Audrey continued, “He got called to Anchorage for some financial thing, or he’d be here scolding you.”

“Uh, oops?” Felix shook his head. “He would, too. He’s such a great boss.”

He was. Frankie sighed. It’d almost been easier when she believed the handsome face and friendliness were only camouflage for a nasty person underneath. Instead, he was just what he showed the world—outgoing, smart, and concerned about others. Including his employees.

Felix should have called Bull. Scowling, she picked up the glittery phone on the coffee table, pushed Felix’s finger against the reader to unlock the device, and added her phone number to his contact list. “Next time, call me.”

“I—” He blinked as Audrey took the phone from Frankie, added her own number, and handed it to Lillian who entered hers.

Felix bit his lip. “Thank you.”

“We brought some easy-to-heat food and staples.” Audrey picked up the sacks and headed for the kitchen.