Serenity sighed inwardly. His sincerity touched her in a way she hadn’t expected. “Apology accepted. And I’m sorry, too…for the incident in the store and for the corn remark at dinner. Oh, and for…you know…throwing the container…” She cleared her throat. That had definitely not been her best moment.

A slow smile made its way across his lips. “No harm done. And since I got to eat every last brownie—which were amazing, by the way—let’s just forget about it and start again. I’d really like to get to know you.” He stuck out his hand. “Friends?”

She grasped his hand and smiled. “Yeah. Friends.” Just like the first time they’d met, he didn’t let go of her hand. And the way he was staring at her made her pulse skip. Ooo-kay. What is that? She smoothly pulled her hand back. “Um…dinner is almost…I just have to cook the meat and stick the rolls in the oven.” Finally, she tore her gaze away from his.

“Lead the way,” he murmured.

In the kitchen, Gabriel greeted her friends, then poured himself a glass of wine. Even as he contributed to the conversation, Serenity could feel his gaze on her when she placed the pan of rolls into the oven.

A couple of minutes later, he wandered over while she heated the olive oil in a skillet and picked up the bottle. “Hmm…buttery and sweet. Does this mean it’s butter flavored?”

“No. The flavor comes from the type of olive. They do have some flavored oils that I love. The lemon and lime are my favorites for seafood and vinaigrettes. The difference with this brand is that the fruit is pressed with the olives instead of being infused later, and it’s delicious.” She placed the lamb in the hot oil and cooked it for a few minutes on each side before placing it on a serving platter.

“This smells great. I can help you take the food out.” Gabriel set his wineglass on the island.

“That would be great. Thanks. You can wash your hands in the bathroom right down the hall.” He walked out, and all three of her friends gave her a thumbs-up as they smothered giggles. She ignored them, took the rolls out, and dumped them into the bread bowl. By the time she finished filling all the serving dishes, Gabriel had returned.

He picked up the platters holding the meat and the potatoes and took them outside.

Dana sidled up next to Serenity. “A man that offers to help in the kitchen without being asked…yes, yes, yes. You think he has any friends?”

Chuckling, Serenity bumped her playfully. “Girl, bye. Take these green beans outside.”

“I’m just sayin’.”