Page 62 of A Table for Two
Gabriel came up behind her and slid his arms around her. “I wish I’d remembered that last weekend. You could’ve gotten one at the bed-and-breakfast,” he murmured, trailing kisses along the column of her neck. He spun her around to face him at the same time his head descended.
The kiss was electric and intoxicating. His mouth moved over hers, tasting, teasing, tempting. Serenity felt her control slipping and pulled back. Gabriel rested his forehead against hers, his breathing as ragged as hers.
“I’d better go. Thank you for brunch, the pie, and for spending part of your day with me.”
Not trusting her voice, she merely nodded.
“I’ll talk to you later, baby.” He spun on his heel and strode out.
Serenity dropped her head on the bar. She closed her eyes, her breathing still ragged. She hadn’t planned on meeting a man like Gabriel, one who had her guard dropping by the moment.
Chapter 17
So, how are things going with you and Serenity?” Nana asked casually as they ate dinner on Wednesday evening.
Gabriel should’ve known there was something up with her inviting him over in the middle of the week and cooking a spread he usually saw only during the holidays. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Of course you do. You’ve been spending a lot of time with her and doing her yard every week.”
He sighed inwardly and placed his fork on the plate. “Nana, I’m helping her out just like I’m doing with you. I think she has the same company.” As far as spending time with her, any number of words came to mind—enjoyment, complicated, amazing, scary, confusing. His feelings were so muddled, some days he didn’t know if he was coming or going. Serenity could make him lose control in the blink of an eye, something he’d never had an issue with before. In fact, he prided himself on his ironclad will and the ability to keep his emotions on lockdown.
“Driving off with her and suitcases in your car and walking through town to the ice cream shop don’t have anything to do with helping her out. I may be old, but I’m not blind.”
Obviously, Adele was back at her job. “I like her. Is that what you wanted to hear?”
Nana chuckled. “Was that so hard to say? Goodness, you act like there’s something wrong with you dating Serenity. She’s a wonderful girl.”
“It’s nothing serious.” Gabriel cut a piece of ham and ate it. And he didn’t plan to be around long enough for it to progress to that level. He thought about asking his grandmother about moving again but nixed the idea. After their last conversation, he assumed it would be a waste of time. He had yet to figure out what to do. Traveling back and forth could be an option, but it would also be expensive. And depleting his bank account wasn’t on his list of things to do.
“Why not? You aren’t getting any younger. Forty is just around the corner.”
“Thirty-six is not that close to forty,” he said, shaking his head and picking up his glass of lemonade.
“It is if you plan on getting married and having a few babies.”
He choked on the drink, sputtering and coughing.Marriage? Babies?He struggled to draw in a breath. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself, Nana,” Gabriel croaked, trying to clear his throat. “I’m planning to go back to Atlanta soon, and Serenity will be here, so…” He let the sentence hang. She scrutinized him for a lengthy minute, making him squirm in his seat, but he didn’t comment. They continued eating, and as soon as the plates were clean, she opened her mouth to say something else. When his phone buzzed, Gabriel sent up a silent thank-you and rushed to answer it. Until he saw his sister’s name on the display.
“Are you going to answer it or not?” Nana asked, glaring at him.
“Hey, Drea. How’s it going?”
“Hey, big brother. It’s going well. Did I catch you at a bad time? I know you aren’t still working, Gabe. It’s after seven.”
Gabriel chuckled. “I’m not working. Actually, Nana and I are just finishing dinner right now.”
“Ugh. I’m so jealous. I know she cooked a feast,” Andrea grumbled.
“That she did. Baked ham, roasted turkey, fresh green beans, mashed potatoes, homemade rolls—”
“Just stop. I can’t stand you right now.”
He laughed.
“How is she?”
“You can ask her yourself. I’ll put her on speaker.” He welcomed the distraction and getting the heat off him. “Okay.”
“Hi, Nana.”
