Warmth suffused every inch of her at receiving<em>that look</em>. Since meeting Jackson, she had come to think of<em>that look</em>as her own special form of affection from him. Over the months she had caught him looking at her that way at various times and without fail it had made her blood boil. The first time had been just before she had taken him to her bed. They had flirted and talked for days on end at that point and she knew she wanted him…oh, but<em>that look</em>had sealed the deal. He had turned those lovely blue eyes on her and there was something sizzling beneath the surface that had set her heart racing. Without fail, since that day anytime<em>that look</em>had been turned on her, she was dragging him up to her room in the space of a minute. In that very moment her roiling desire was also amplified by the sweetness of triumph over Layla.<em>This’ll teach her to keep away from what’s mine!</em>Abby’s hand slid from Jackson’s shoulder down his arm and entwined her lithe fingers with his with every intention of absconding with him to her room.<br/><br/>Unfortunately, Lola had different ideas. The ecstatic grin that had lit up Abby’s delicate features froze as soon as she turned her gaze upward to meet Lola’s stare. Honestly, she had expected Lola sooner…and with a much less pleasant look on her face. It was apparent that she wasn’t happy but usually when Abby got in trouble Lola didn’t try to hide it. Now, however, she had a smile on her face. All hope that Lola was simply stopping by to wish Jackson a good evening was dashed as soon as Lola mentioned her “assignment,” whatever the hell that meant! Following Lola’s lead, Abby set her own pleasant smile in place, shaking her head lightly to indicate that she had other plans. But, before she could get out her refusal, Lola explained that Mr. King was upstairs and needing some companionship.<em>Hm…interesting.</em>Lola never encouraged her girls to meet privately with men. In fact, many times she actively discouraged such meetings in order to keep the saloon’s reputation untarnished. On top of it, she was permitting her to share the bottle. That was another of Lola’s rules, no getting drunk with the patrons. A drink here and there was tolerated to keep up the light atmosphere, but the girls were meant to keep their heads the whole time. Layla seemed to manage that best, downing many more drinks than some men and still keeping her head straight. But anyone who actually knew Abby knew that she was a lightweight and after two drinks she was gone.<br/><br/>Uncertain how to react, Abby turned to look at Jackson, hoping that maybe he would step in and let Lola know that she was already spoken for that evening. But, judging by the stare that was locked now between both Lola and Jackson, it didn’t seem like any such rescue was forthcoming. So, with her brow knit and a pout on her lips, she muttered a petulant “Fine,” before taking the neck of the whiskey bottle in hand and making her way across the main floor up to the stairs. She cast one final glance to the pair and was surprised to see Lola laying into Jackson.<br/><br/>Not wanting to get on Lola’s bad side, Abby turned her attention back to the “assignment” she had been given. If it hadn’t been for her prospective time alone with Jackson, Abby would have jumped on the opportunity to entertain Mr. King. He was wealthy and seemed ambitious…two qualities she adored in a man. It didn’t hurt matters that he was handsome and seemed to be a little dangerous. Maybe he had even requested that Abby specifically come join him. She had seen him at the bar after all, maybe she had finally caught his eye, something she had tried (and failed) to do since he came to town.<br/><br/>A quick inquiry to one of the boys running water upstairs for Jackson’s bath told her which room Mr. King was in. After a cursory knock she pushed the door open and stepped into the room wearing her most charming grin. Meeting Mr. King’s dark stare, she closed the door meaningfully behind her and presented the bottle of whiskey. “Hello again, Mr. King. I heard that you were looking for someone to share a few drinks with and I couldn’t pass up the chance to spend a little quality time with you. Would you mind sharing a few glasses with me?” Not waiting for a response, she slowly approached the table on the other side of the room where a few empty glasses sat. The naturally feminine sway of her hips was intentionally accentuated as she took those few steps, showing off the ample curves of her hourglass figure to great effect. In a matter of seconds she turned back to the tall man and extended one slender arm toward him, offering a whiskey-filled glass. Her voice had dropped slightly, taking on a dusky tone that matched the impure intent in her indigo stare, “To our new friendship?”