Page 52 of A Table for Two
“I can imagine. Yet you still took time to make dessert for a group’s luncheon and those berries for Natasha.” He’d never met a woman who did so much for others without expecting anything in return. No wonder everyone in town loved her.
“Oh, that was nothing. It didn’t take long, or itwouldn’thave taken long if Tasha hadn’t kept eating the strawberries,” she added with a soft laugh.
“I can’t say I blame her because they’re good, just like everything else you’ve made. I’m really enjoying the olive oil.” Gabriel used the buttery and sweet one for cooking everything from vegetables and potatoes to meat and seafood. He’d used the lemon-flavored oil to grill chicken and shrimp, as well as in a vinaigrette. Both had given his food new life.
“How much do you have left?”
He slanted her a quick glance. “Not much. Which is why I’ve already placed another order.”
Serenity burst out laughing. “I knew you’d be hooked. I’m so glad I’m not the only one. I just ordered more, too.”
“Yeah, hooked.” They shared a smile, and he refocused on the road. If he wasn’t careful, the oil might not be the only thing he became hooked on. For the remainder of the drive, they discussed other potential ways to use the oil. When they arrived at the train station, Gabriel parked, then came around to help Serenity.
“How long is the tour?”
“Three hours. I chose one that serves lunch on the way up and makes a stop at a winery for a seated tasting. Dessert is served on the return train ride. I hope that’s okay.” It had been quite a while since he’d made plans for a date, and he had never done anything as elaborate as this. Everything from their dinner reservations later and the hotel room to another lunch and wine tasting tomorrow had already been booked.
“Sounds good. I kind of like being able to take my time at the winery.”
Gabriel placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her over to check in. Once that task was completed, they still had half an hour to kill. He spotted a bench in a shaded area for them to sit. The weather had hovered near eighty degrees all week, but today’s forecast predicted it to be somewhere around ninety. If the warm early temperatures were any indication, it would hit that mark easily.
“Have you ever done something like this before?” Serenity asked.
“No, but I’ve done a couple of food tours.” She chuckled, and he said, “Hey, I told you I was sort of a foodie.”
She bumped his shoulder playfully. “Yeah, you did. I guess I could be considered the same, since I love cooking and trying out new recipes.” They lapsed into a brief silence. “You booked the hotel room already?”
Gabriel studied her, seeing a hint of uncertainty. “Yes. I didn’t want to assume anything, so I got two rooms.” She visibly relaxed, and he was glad he’d spent the extra money. He would be lying if he said he didn’t want to make love to her. He did. Badly. But he’d let her set the pace, and if it didn’t happen, he was sure he would enjoy being with her all the same. “This weekend is for you, Serenity. Whatever happens—or not—will be totally up to you. I just want you to have a good time.”
“Thanks, Gabriel.”
He slung an arm around her shoulder and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. Serenity laid her head against his shoulder, as if it were the most natural thing. Once again, he felt the stirrings of something in his chest. Choosing not to dwell on it, he pushed it aside and concentrated on his surroundings. Several people were in line, and others milled around, talking in small groups as they waited to board. “We still have a few minutes. Do you want to check out the Wine Shop?”
“Sure.”
Gabriel led Serenity over, and they browsed the various wines, listened to the founding story on one of the TV monitors for a moment, then got cups of coffee. They returned in time to hear the introductory lecture given by one of the wine specialists on Napa Valley and the wine train. Afterward, it was time to board. He’d upgraded their tickets to ensure they would have a table alone. He wanted her all to himself and didn’t want to spend the trip having to make conversation with complete strangers. They ended up seated near the middle of the car, and the dining service began shortly after, starting with a Bibb salad.
Serenity studied the short menu. “I’m really torn between the seared beef tenderloin and the lemon and thyme roasted chicken.”
“If you like, we can order one of each and share.”
Her face lit up. “Great. Let’s do it.”
Every time she turned that beautiful smile his way and her eyes sparkled, it hit him square in the gut and made him want to do everything in his power to keep it on her face. When their meals arrived, he cut a portion of the beef and placed it on her plate, and she added some chicken to his. Gabriel forked up a portion of the chicken first and chewed slowly, letting the citrus and herb flavor explode on his tongue. “The chicken is really good.”
Serenity took a bite. “Mmm, it is. Let me taste the steak.” She ate a piece and angled her head. “This is good, too, but,” she said, leaning forward and whispering, “yours is way better.”
Her confession made his chest swell. “Thanks for the compliment. That’s high praise, considering this meal was made by a gourmet chef. I’ll make you steak anytime you want it.”
Serenity wiggled her eyebrows. “I just might take you up on that, especially since you’ll be leaving soon. So don’t be surprised if I ring your doorbell this week asking for another one of your delicious meals.”
He chuckled. “Let me know.” Gabriel was smiling, but inside his stomach rolled at the mention of him leaving soon, and he didn’t want to examine the reason. Instead, he focused on the fingerling potatoes and spring vegetables on his plate.
“I can’t get over this view.” Serenity braced her elbows on the table as she stared at the passing scenery. “Everything is in full bloom and gorgeous.”
His gaze roamed over her face. “I agree.” Sure, the greenery and colorful flowers were beautiful, but they didn’t hold a candle to his dining partner. Once they finished and the server cleared the table, they spent the remainder of the short ride talking about everything and nothing.
After disembarking, the passengers were given a tour of the winery before settling on the patio for the tasting. Serenity said, “I’m really enjoying myself.”
