“I had a patient ask me out on a date,” Terri started. “When I told him I was married, he said ‘What your husband doesn’t know won’t hurt him. I won’t tell if you don’t.’ I was too done.”

They all laughed.

Dana shook her head. “At least you didn’t have some nut get upset because a woman had worked on his car and then had the nerve to demand that a man recheck it to make sure it was done right.” She sipped her wine.

“I would’ve loved to see his face when your dad told him you were the one in charge,” Serenity said, doubled over in laughter.

“Girl, it was priceless, especially when he turned over the engine and it purred like it had just come off the factory line.” She toasted them with her glass, and they howled.

In the midst of the next story, the doorbell rang.

“That must be your fine next-door neighbor,” Terri said. “If I had known he was coming, I would’ve tried to convince Jon to come.” Terri’s husband worked as an attorney and always declined the dinner invitation, citing not wanting to be the only man.

Serenity hopped down from the stool. “If Gabriel comes again, I’ll be sure to let you know.” Although he probably didn’t want to be around a lot of women, either, she thought as she made her way to the front to let him in. That was fine by her. The less she saw of him, the better. By the time she got there, a slight flutter of butterflies danced in her belly. Pasting a smile on her face and hoping it looked genuine, she opened the door. “Hey, Gabriel. Come on in.” She had to give it to him—the man did look good in jeans and a pullover black silk tee. And he smells good, too. The light scent of citrus and wood wafted into her nostrils as he entered.

“Hey.” Gabriel handed her a bouquet of flowers. “These are for you.”

“Thank you. They’re gorgeous. Where’s your grandmother?”

“She and some ladies went to Napa to take one of those wine train tours.”

Serenity smiled. “I need to have her social calendar. We’re all in the kitchen.”

He placed a staying hand on her arm when she turned. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

She looked up at his serious features. “Sure.”

He hesitated a moment before speaking. “I want to apologize for my comments. They were way out of line. Also, I truly didn’t mean anything by what I said in the store. I was only joking and making conversation.”