It took him almost two hours to cut his front and back yard and Serenity’s front. He’d just finished trimming the edges when her car pulled into the driveway. Every reason he needed to keep his distance faded the moment she stepped out. His gaze made a slow tour down her body and back up. The sight of her beautiful, toned legs in her shorts conjured up more memories of their weekend, and it was all he could do not to haul her into his arms and reacquaint himself with the sweetness of her kiss. For a moment, they stood there awkwardly. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself. Thanks for doing the yard.” Serenity glanced around. “It looks really good.”

“You’re welcome. How was your week?”

“Good. Yours?”

“Busy. I’ve been working overtime to get this program done.”

“Oh. I hope you can get it done.” She popped the trunk and removed two grocery bags.

Gabriel rushed over. “Do you need help?”

“I’ve got it. Thanks,” she said quickly.

He moved back. For two people who had been enjoying each other’s company over the past several weeks, they were now behaving like strangers. It made him wonder if she had any regrets. “Supper club tonight?” Gabriel asked, pointing to the bags.

“Yep. I should probably get started. Everyone will be here in an hour.”

Gabriel waited for her to issue an invitation, but she didn’t. He didn’t know whether to be disappointed or not. “I won’t keep you. Enjoy your evening.”

“You, too. And thanks, again, for doing my yard. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem.” He stood there and watched the sway of her hips as she started up the driveway to her garage. It wasn’t until she lowered the door that he resumed his task. As much as he should stay away from her, he couldn’t. The casual relationship they’d agreed to seemed to be turning into something completely unexpected. Gabriel was falling fast, and he had no idea what to do about it.

*  *  *

Serenity placed the bags on the kitchen counter, then braced her hands over it and lowered her head. She figured not seeing Gabriel over the past week would give her time and space to put their relationship firmly in the casual friends-with-benefits category. But two minutes in his presence was all it took for everything she had begun to feel for him to come rushing to the forefront. It didn’t help that he kept doing nice things for her, like mowing her yard. Serenity thought about inviting him to dinner but nixed the idea. However, she didn’t know how long she could keep him at a distance because she truly enjoyed his company. Shaking herself, she emptied the groceries and got started on the meal she’d planned to prepare.