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.