“Gabriel will be here in about thirty minutes,” Serenity said to her sister on speakerphone as she dressed on Saturday. “We’re heading to Yoshi’s to see Jill Scott.”

“Ooh, I love Jilly from Philly. So, things are heating up between you and Gabriel, huh?”

More like exploded into something she hadn’t planned.

“That silence says I’m right. Please tell me you’re not still holding back because of that mess with your ex.”

“Not really. It’s more because he doesn’t plan to stay here permanently. And before you say it, I’m not into long-distance relationships, not that he’s said anything about continuing to see each other once he leaves.” She applied mascara and lip color.

“So give him a reason to consider staying,” Chandra said with a laugh. “I’m sure you can be very persuasive. If nothing else, cook him one of those fabulous meals. That definitely would do the trick. I know I’d stay.”

Serenity chuckled. “You are truly a nut.”

“Maybe, but what do you have to lose…other than a chance to find out if he’s the one for you?”

“For your information, Miss Nosy, he’s eaten plenty of my food, and he’s even cooked for me.” She clapped a hand over her mouth. Just great. That would be all her sister needed to hear. Groaning softly, she wiped the lipstick off her hand and reapplied it to her lips.

“Is that right? Hmm…what are you doing next weekend?”

“Why?”

“I’m coming to visit, so don’t plan anything except maybe one of those dinners with your friends, and invite Gabriel.”

“Chandra, I’m not going to—”

“Gotta go. Have a great time, and I’ll text you with my travel information.”

“Chandra, wait.” Serenity glanced down at the phone display. Chandra had hung up. “That girl takes being the big sister way too far sometimes,” she muttered as she went to the closet for her shoes and a jacket. Along with her heeled sandals, she grabbed a pair of flats, in case they decided to walk around Jack London Square.

Gabriel arrived exactly at two. “Hey, sweetheart.” He bent and kissed her.

“Hi. I’m ready.”

“You look beautiful,” he said as they walked to his car.

“Thanks.” She’d chosen a pair of black slacks and paired it with an off-the-shoulder fitted black and white top. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” He was dressed similarly in black slacks but wore a pale-blue button-down silk shirt and expensive loafers.

“Just trying to keep up with you.” Gabriel winked and helped her into the car. After he started the engine and drove off, he asked, “Did you enjoy your cake?”