“Like I said, I’d be honored,” he said.

As they moved up in the line, Gabriel and Brianna kept up a steady stream of conversation. Serenity marveled at his patience and the way he gave the little girl his undivided attention.

“Does he have children?” Pam whispered to Serenity.

“No.”

“You could’ve fooled me. I’ve rarely seen a man be that thoughtful when it comes to someone else’s child. He’s going to be a great father.”

Still watching them, Serenity agreed. And she felt herself fall for him a little more. After they purchased their ice cream and said goodbye to Pam and Brianna, Gabriel drove them home.

“Brianna is a beautiful little girl,” Gabriel said, following Serenity inside. “And she can talk.”

Serenity laughed and placed her dessert in the freezer. “Oh, you just got a little taste. She talks my ear off every time she comes into the doctor’s office or when I visit. You were really good with her.”

He shrugged. “I haven’t spent a lot of time around kids, but I like them, especially kids like Brianna.”

She had no idea why his confession made her happy. It wasn’t like she planned to campaign for the role of mother of his children. “Let me cut you a piece of pie.”

“Okay. Then I can get out of your hair. I don’t want to mess up your relaxation day.”

“I’m going to read and, later, take a long candlelit bubble bath. I’ll schedule a massage for sometime soon.” She cut him a large slice and placed it into a plastic container.

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

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.”