Page 45 of A Table for Two
“I can run home real quick and get them, if you like,” she added with a smile.
The foodie in him jumped at the thought of trying something new. When she chuckled, he figured the wide grin on his face had shown his excitement. “Yes, please. I’d really like to try them too.”
“Sure.” Serenity placed her wine on the small table next to her and made a move to stand.
Gabriel leaped to his feet and extended his hand to help her up.
Laughing softly, she shook her head. “A little anxious, are we?”
He shrugged. “What can I say? You know I love good food.” He walked her to the front door. “You don’t have to knock when you come back. Just come on in.”
“Okay. It’ll only take me a minute.”
He watched the sweet sway of her hips in the blue sundress as she hurried across the lawn and over to her house and felt the stirrings of arousal.Get a grip, man.Shaking his head, Gabriel went to check the grill. Seeing that it was almost ready, he went inside to grab the seasoned steaks he’d left on the kitchen counter. He heard the front door close, and seconds later, Serenity strolled into the kitchen carrying a gift bag in one hand and a Ziploc bag containing a slice of what looked like French bread in the other. “That was quick.”
Serenity smiled and placed everything on the breakfast table. “If you’ll get a plate, I’ll pour a bit of each and you can taste them with the bread.”
“I wondered about the bread,” he said, reaching for a plate in the cabinet. He stood next to her as she added the different flavored olive oils—lemon, orange, lime, basil, and garlic. “I don’t know which one to taste first.”
“I felt the same way the first time. Natasha and I had gone up to Apple Hill and stopped by a winery that sold them. I was hooked from the first taste.”
After tearing off a small piece of bread, Gabriel dipped it into the garlic oil. “Mmm, good. This would work on the potatoes, as well.” Next he tried the basil and couldn’t stifle a groan. He took a sip of wine to cleanse his palate and went for the citrus ones. “They’re all good, but I think my favorites are the buttery and sweet and the lemon.”
“Something else we have in common. Those are mine, too.”
The more time they spent together, the more he found to like about her. “I have got to get some of these. How far is Apple Hill from here?” He tried the final oil and agreed that it would definitely complement the roasted potatoes.
She grinned. “You’ll be happy to know the actual company is located in Stockton. It’s a one-and-a-half- to two-hour drive, or longer, depending on traffic. But you can order them online. The delivery is very fast.”
“Let me get the meat and potatoes on the grill, and then you can pull up the website.”
Serenity burst out laughing. “Somehow I knew you’d say that. I already have it loaded.” She held up her phone.
Smiling, Gabriel grabbed tongs and the steaks, put them on the grill, and was back in a flash to place an order. He’d chosen to use the gold mini creamer potatoes because they were softer and would cook faster. It took him only a couple of minutes to cut them into bite-size pieces, drizzle the oil, and add the sea salt and herbs. He divided them between two pieces of foil and made packets.
She folded her arms and leaned against the counter. “You’re pretty handy in the kitchen. Not too many men cook. When you mentioned having potatoes, I expected you to bake them in the microwave.”
He slanted her a sidelong glance. “The same can be said for some women. I’ve known a few who couldn’t do more than microwave and order out.”
Serenity held up her hands in mock surrender. “You’ve got me there. I’m just glad you’re one of the guys who do cook. I’m enjoying eating food prepared by someone other than myself.”
And he was enjoying being the one preparing the foodforher. In the short time he’d known her, Gabriel realized they liked many of the same things, something he never would have believed given their first introduction. Carrying another pair of tongs, the potatoes, and clean plates, he gestured her toward the sliding glass door.
She reclaimed her seat, sipped her wine, and let out an audible sigh. “Yep. This is the life.”
He dropped the packets on the grill, closed the top, and took the lounger next to her. “I agree.” For one crazy moment, Gabriel imagined what it would be like sitting with her like this for longer than the summer. While the food cooked, they chatted about everything and nothing. Twenty minutes later, plates loaded, they sat at the table outside as the sun made its descent and the moon rose.
“I don’t even know where to start,” Serenity said. “Everything looks so good, Gabriel.”
“Thanks. Hopefully, it’ll pass the taste test.”
She rubbed her hands together. “Well, let’s see.”
He watched as she tentatively ate a bite of the steak.
Pointing her fork Gabriel’s way, she shot him a glare. “I think I’ve been had.”
His brows knitted together. “What?”
