“It takes only two minutes to do vitals and get updated health information. You were in there for more than five minutes. Must be the arrival of Ms. Della’s grandson, like everyone else has been talking about today.”

Serenity whirled around and lifted a brow. “I didn’t realize he was such a hot topic.”

Starr shrugged. “From what I understand, he’s a fine chocolate specimen, and that definitely makes for news in this little town.” She winked and sashayed off down the hall.

The mention of Gabriel made her think about what she would do to apologize. Putting him out of her mind for now, Serenity finished her tasks and prepared to leave. By the time she got home, she decided she’d make some of her special brownies and take them over.

She changed clothes, cranked up the music, and headed to the kitchen. Twenty minutes later, the rich scent of chocolate filled the space. While the brownies baked, she sat at the table, ate the rest of her salad from lunch, and read a few pages from her favorite author’s latest mystery novel.

Serenity had just gotten into the story when the timer went off. She replaced her bookmark, took out the brownies, and placed them on a rack to cool. She inhaled. Perfect. It would take an hour or so before she could package them, so that gave her more time to read.

Once the brownies reached room temperature, she cut four generous portions and put them into a plastic container. “Just apologize, give him the peace offering, and leave. Simple.” Steeling herself, Serenity left to make the delivery. She found him on his knees in the yard with his back to her.

“Her name is Serenity, but I haven’t seen one thing serene about her,” he was saying, obviously talking to someone on the phone. “More like uptight and irritating. And I don’t even know what I—”

“Is that right?” She placed her hand on her hip and glared at him.

Gabriel spun around and came to his feet. “Serenity. Hey.”

“Uptight and irritating? Well, I don’t know why your mother named you Gabriel because you’re no angel!” She was so angry, she threw the container at him.

“Ow!” He muttered a curse and rubbed the spot on his head where the container had hit him.

She shot him another lethal glare and stormed off.

“Serenity. Wait.”

Ignoring him, she slammed her door. So much for calling a truce.

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Gabriel stood in his yard, stunned. She actually threw something at me!

“Uh, Gabe, you all right, man?”

He’d completely forgotten about being on the phone with Darius. “Yeah. Fine.” As if to make him out to be a liar, the spot on his temple where the container hit him throbbed.

“Was that Serenity yelling?”